A campfire A campfire

Year-Round Adventure Awaits at YMCA Camp Kern!

When school’s out, the adventure begins! YMCA Camp Kern’s Seasonal Camps are perfect for busy parents looking for safe, enriching experiences during winter break, spring break, and fall weekends.

girls by a camp fire

Fall Camp (Fall 2026 Dates Coming Soon!)

One night. Endless memories. Join us this September for a weekend of Camp Kern fun—archery, canoeing, climbing, and stargazing under the fall sky. Reconnect with your favorite counselors, make new friends, and enjoy s’mores by the fire. Don’t miss this epic overnight adventure!

Details Coming Soon for Fall 2026!

Fall Colors Day Camp (Fall 2026 Dates Coming Soon!)

Celebrate autumn at Camp Kern! Our Fall Colors Day Camp brings October to life with adventure hikes, arts & crafts, archery, and cozy campfire fun. Campers enjoy hayrides, jack-o-lantern carving, and of course—s’mores! It’s the perfect way to experience the beauty of fall.

Details Coming Soon for Fall 2026!

Spring Round-Up Day Camp (Ages 6–16)

Day Camp: Monday - Friday

A fun-packed spring break camp with horseback riding lessons, crafts, group games, hayrides, a mini‑rodeo, and lunch provided each day.

Your Camper’s Week at a Glance: What to Expect at Camp Kern

Discover what your child can expect at YMCA Camp Kern’s Traditional Camp! From cabins to campfires, explore the daily routine, activities, and supportive environment that make our overnight camp unforgettable.

7:30 AM – Wake-Up & Cabin Clean-Up

7:45 AM – Flag Raising & Morning Assembly

8:00 AM – Breakfast
9:00 AM – Flag Raising & Morning Assembly
9:30 AM – Choice Activity (Archery, Canoeing, Arts & Crafts, etc.)
10:45 AM – Cabin Act (Cabin Choice Activity & Age-Appropriate High Adventure Activity)
12:00 PM – Lunch
1:00 PM – Rest Hour

2:15 PM – Clubs (Canoes, Climbing, Arts & Crafts, etc.)

3:30 PM – Swimming
5:00 PM – Dinner
6:00 PM – Kern Zone
7:00 PM – Evening Program (Village Games Cookout, Big Game, etc.)

8:30 PM – Cabin Time & Reflections
9:00 PM – Lights Out (younger campers)
10:00 PM – Lights Out (older campers)

Outdoor Adventure & Nature

  • Nature Hikes

  • Wilderness Skills (fire building, shelter making)

  • Creek Exploration

  • Environmental Education

  • Animal Encounters (camp farm animals)

  • Bug Hunts

  • Star Gazing & Astronomy


Water Fun

  • Canoeing

  • Kayaking

  • Swimming in the Pool

  • Lake Play (stand-up paddleboards, splash games)

  • Water Olympics

Challenge & Ropes

  • Climbing Wall

  • High Ropes Course

  • Zip Line

  • Team-Building Low Ropes

  • Trust Falls & Group Challenges


Creative Arts

  • Arts & Crafts

  • Tie-Dye

  • Nature Art

  • Face Painting

  • Friendship Bracelets

  • Camp Journaling


Sports & Games

  • Archery

  • Gaga Ball

  • Basketball

  • Soccer

  • Ultimate Frisbee

  • Volleyball

  • Camp-Wide Capture the Flag

  • Counselor Hunt

  • Scavenger Hunts


Drama & Performance

  • Skit Night

  • Improv Games

  • Talent Shows

  • Lip Sync Battles

  • Campfire Songs & Storytelling


Evening & All-Camp Programs

  • Opening & Closing Campfires

  • Cabin Challenge Nights

  • Themed Dance Parties

  • All-Camp Games

  • Glow Night

  • Night Hikes

  • S’mores & Reflections

Sunday – Welcome Campfire
Kick off the week with songs, s’mores, and getting to know your cabin.

Monday – Village Games 
Start your week off with friendly competition amongst the other campers in your village.

Tuesday – Camp Out/Cook Out Night
Sleep under the stars after a night of fire-cooked food, stories, and classic camp fun with your cabin.

Wednesday – Big Game
Team up with your cabin mates solve the mystery and save Camp Kern from the villain of the week!

Thursday – Closing Campfire & Vespers
End the week with songs, stories, recognition, reflection ,and meaningful goodbyes.

Friday – Underseige, Camp Dance & Talent Show

Finish your week with an epic tag game, dancing, and memories to last forever.

Breakfast

  • Scrambled eggs

  • Pancakes with syrup

  • Turkey sausage

  • Fresh fruit

  • Cereal & milk

  • Water & 100% juice

Lunch

  • Grilled cheese or deli sandwich

  • Tomato soup

  • Veggie sticks with ranch

  • Apple slices

  • Cookie

  • Water or lemonade

Dinner

  • BBQ chicken

  • Mac & cheese

  • Steamed broccoli

  • Dinner roll

  • Salad bar

  • Water or fruit punch

Snack

  • Trail mix

  • Granola bar

  • Frozen fruit pops

  • Goldfish crackers

  • Water jugs available all day