Helping You Plan a Safe, Fun & Educational Trip
We know that planning a school trip takes teamwork. At Camp Kern, we partner with educators and parents to make every Outdoor Education experience meaningful, safe, and easy to prepare for.
For Educators
Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’ve been here before, we're here to help you make every visit one to remember.
For Parents
Get peace of mind with everything you need to know about your child’s upcoming Camp Kern adventure—what to pack and how we keep them safe
Outdoor Education: Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about what to pack, how meals work, or what your students will learn? We’ve got answers. Explore our most common questions about Camp Kern’s Outdoor Education programs—designed to help teachers, parents, and students feel fully prepared.
DAY ONE
| Time | Curriculum |
|---|---|
| 10:30 am | Arrival and Group Orientation |
| 10:45 am | Group Games |
| 11:45 am | KPs report |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch |
| 1:00 pm | Small Group Activity or Fort Ancient Hike (The hike will take the full afternoon) |
| 3:00 pm | Small Group Activity (or a continuation of the Fort Ancient Hike) |
| 5:15 pm | KPs report |
| 5:30 pm | Dinner |
| 6:45 pm | Dutch Auction or other Group Activity |
| 8:00 pm | Campfire |
| 8:45 pm | Snack |
DAY TWO
| Time | Curriculum |
|---|---|
| 8:00 am | KPs report |
| 8:15 am | Breakfast |
| 9:00 am | Living History, Native American Day or other activity |
| 11:45 am | KPs report |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch |
| 1:00 pm | Small Group Activity |
| 3:00 pm | Small Group Activity |
| 5:15 pm | KPs report |
| 5:30 pm | Dinner |
| 6:45 pm | Group Activity |
| 8:00 pm | Group Activity |
| 8:45 pm | Snack |
DAY THREE
| Time | Curriculum |
|---|---|
| 8:00 am | KPs report |
| 8:15 am | Breakfast |
| 9:00 am | Small Group Activity |
| 10:45 am | KPs report |
| 11:00 am | Lunch |
| 12:00 pm | Departure |
Your child will be part of a well-organized, hands-on learning experience designed to explore nature, history, and science in fun and engaging ways. Activities may include fossil hunting, meeting costumed “pioneers,” exploring our 200-year-old forest, studying pond animals, and ending the day with songs and stories around the campfire.
Yes. YMCA Camp Kern is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), meaning we meet rigorous standards in health, safety, facilities, programming, and staff qualifications. All facilities are winterized and maintained to a high standard.
Students are supervised at all times by a combination of trained Camp Kern educators, schoolteachers, and chaperones—maintaining an average ratio of 1 adult for every 10–14 students. All Kern staff are trained in CPR and First Aid. Teachers and chaperones provide overnight supervision.
We kindly ask parents not to call or visit during the program unless there’s an emergency. This helps students stay focused, grow in confidence, and bond with classmates. Rest assured, we will immediately contact you in the event of any urgent situation.
Our meals are nutritious, kid-friendly, and served family-style. Evening snacks are also provided. Students may take turns helping with table setup and serving meals. If your child has food allergies or dietary restrictions, please contact our Outdoor Education Director at 1-800-255-5376 ext. 1527 or our Food Service Director at ext. 1516 to discuss options.
Minor injuries are treated by trained staff on-site. In the case of more serious medical needs, students will be taken to Arrow Springs Hospital, just 9 miles away. Parents will be notified immediately if any medical care is required. Please note: Camp Kern does not provide accident or health insurance.
Please refer to our recommended Packing List for a full list of items to bring. Weather-appropriate clothing is essential, as students will be outside rain, snow, or shine—except during extreme weather conditions. Labeling your child’s clothing and belongings is strongly recommended to reduce lost items.