YMCA Camps to Celebrate 125 Years of Camping

In celebration of this historic event, we are inviting Alumni, new and old, to come celebrate. ‘Earliest (read: oldest) Camper’ and ‘Earliest (read: oldest) Staff Member’ will be given prizes! Guests are invited at 8:30 with the campfire at 8:45 RSVP's are appreciated.

It all started when Sumner Dudley, a volunteer with New York and New Jersey YMCAs, started the first continuously-used camp to help build character in young men. In 1885, Dudley took seven teenagers for a week’s encampment at Orange Lake, N.Y. Calling the experience “one of the most delightful and profitable times of my life,” Dudley reported upon his return: “Weather delightful, just enough to add variety; fishing – very moderate; swimming – three times a day; health – good; accidents – none; appetites – ravenous; hearty, manly fun – any quantity; good nature – largely developed….”

The first YMCA camps were small, consisting of a cluster of tents, lined up near a lake, a continuous campfire and a flagpole. Led by a YMCA director and aided by volunteer male leaders, the camps were regimented programs that included training the boys in character, good health habits and respect for each other. YMCA’s used the camping experience to nurture young people’s values and leadership skills. Over the years the camps expanded to include a wide variety of programming, serve males and females of many ages, abilities and incomes.

Wapsie like many YMCA camp camps has expanded programming opportunities to include a wide variety of programs for youth, families and groups who participate in retreats and camping programs throughout the entire year. For more information on YMCA Camp Wapsie and our programs contact 319-435-2577 or visit www.crmetroymca.org.

Click to the left on Camp Wapsie, then click Other Programs and Special Camps->Special Camps-Seasonal. That's where you'll find the registration flyer and more information.