Your Camper’s Adventure Starts Here: Parent HQ

Please note that transportation to and from YMCA Camp Kern is not provided, and families are responsible for arranging their campers' transportation to and from the campgrounds.

At YMCA Camp Kern, campers enjoy a screen-free environment, ensuring an immersive nature-filled experience throughout their stay, while parents can still stay connected through traditional mail or our Bunk1 online system, complete with daily photo updates.

The short answer, YES! However, Camp Kern has a few rules about mail and packages:

1. No care packages. Not everyone gets packages and this can become a negative experience for some of our campers who feel left out.
2. Prevent homesickness by using upbeat camper focused language: “We can’t wait to hear about what you’ve done this week!” VS “We miss you so much.”
3. Mail can be from anyone! Feel free to share the address with extended family just be sure to remind everyone we are only accepting letters. No packages.

There will be updates on Facebook and Instagram throughout the week. All photos will be uploaded to Bunk1. Photos will be available to view and purchase. The password to access the galleries will be given to you at check-in. Our focus is always on the camper experience, we cannot guarantee photos of every camper. All proceeds from photo sales will go towards our Annual Campaign which helps ensure all children can enjoy a week of Camp.

At YMCA Camp Kern, we address homesickness by encouraging campers to focus on personal goals, engage in open discussions with counselors, and build friendships with cabin mates, offering the best defense against homesickness. Additionally, we understand that some children may not be ready for full overnight camp stays, and we provide alternative options to ensure a positive and comfortable camp experience for all.

Camper mental, physical, and emotional safety is our number one priority. We aim to accommodate a wide range of health needs and encourage camper parents to contact us to discuss their needs prior to camp. It is important for campers to take their normal medication. All campers are given health screenings by our staff during check-in this includes a temperature and lice check.

During the medical screening, prescription and non-prescription drugs in their ORIGINAL CONTAINERS must be given to the camp nurse. Medication will be distributed at meal times and before lights out. Tylenol, Antacids, and other incidental over the counter medications are available from the nurse during the week on an as needed basis at no charge.

You and your insurance company will be billed directly for Doctor, pharmacy, urgent care or emergency room visits. In the event off site care is needed every attempt will be made to contact you prior to transporting your child for care. A registered nurse is on call and lives on site throughout the summer.

All campers are screened for swimming ability at their first swim and identified with wristbands to determine the portions of the pool available to them. Wristbands also aid our lifeguards in ensuring safety at the pool for all swimmers. Non-swimmers are still able to participate in aquatic activities, however, there will be portions of the pool that are off limits to them. Any camper unable to pass a swim test will be required to wear a life jacket. Life jackets are available to any camper who would feel more comfortable using one. Life jackets are required for all campers and staff members taking part in Lakefront Activities.

1. Verbal Warning
2. Behavior Agreement made between camper, counselors, and leadership staff
3. Conference with Program Director Severe behavioral incidents require a phone call to the parent or guardian and may result in bypassing the three steps directly to a conference with the Executive Director.

Our staff are trained to handle bed wetting confidentially. Please notify your child’s counselor at check-in and note on the camper information form any history of bed wetting. We are happy to follow preventative measures you use at home (bedtime voiding, reduced liquid intake in the evening, using GoodNites, etc.) Please instruct your camper to inform their counselor right away if they wet the bed, or need help. While we do have washing facilities at camp, sending an extra sleeping bag or sheets can help ensure everyone gets back to sleep quickly and discreetly.

When your child arrives at camp they will be screened for head lice and nits. If it is discovered that a camper has head lice or nits they will not be permitted to remain at camp. It is Camp Kern’s policy not to treat head lice or nits at camp. The campers will only be readmitted when lice and nits have been treated and removed.

At YMCA Camp Kern, campers enjoy a well-balanced schedule that seamlessly blends outdoor adventures with indoor activities, ensuring a dynamic and fulfilling experience. Throughout their stay, campers engage in a diverse range of activities designed to foster personal growth, teamwork, and appreciation for the natural world.

At YMCA Camp Kern, campers stay in diverse housing accommodations tailored to their age group and adventure preferences, sharing bunk beds with cabin friends and counselors in line with a 6:1 camper to counselor ratio, ensuring personalized attention and supervision throughout their stay.

At YMCA Camp Kern, campers are provided with nutritious meals and snacks throughout their stay, ensuring they have the energy they need for their adventures. With multiple meal choices available, including options from a salad bar, campers have the opportunity to make healthy selections that cater to their preferences, promoting balanced nutrition and wellness.