YMCA --> YMCA CAMP WAPSIE --> GROUP RETREATS


Tango Tower
Camp Wapsie is excited to introduce this new and exciting challenge. This is one of only a dozen towers across the nation that offers this unique climbing experience. If it is rock climbing you are look for, this tower offers two 45 foot faces with multiple routes for most skill levels. Or, if you are looking for a ropes course experience, this tower offers that as well. Suspended in the center of the tower are a dozen elements constructed of rope, cables, and sometimes logs that participants can attempt to scale to reach the summit 50 feet in the air. Some elements are designed as individual challenges and others can only be mastered with two climbers working together. Participants as young as 6 years of age may try their hand at the rock-climbing wall. Participants must be at least 12 years of age to climb the center ropers course. Camp staff need to facilitate this activity and should be scheduled in advance.

Zip Line
Imagine the thrill of scaling a 50-foot tower then gliding through the air...the zip line is a great opportunity to experience this thrill.  Participants will have the opportunity to climb the Tango Tower and then descend from the tower on the zip line. For safety purposes, participants must be 12 years of age to try the zip line. Camp staff need to facilitate this activity and should be scheduled in advance.

Group Initiatives Course
Does your group need to enhance their communication skills? Do they need an opportunity to strengthen their leadership styles or develop a stronger level of trust? Then the  Initiatives Course is a great place for your group. Initiatives are physical obstacles that the group must work together in order to complete. To safely use this course, you either need to have been trained by camp staff prior to your visit, or have the camp staff lead this activity.

Canoing
A nice calm canoe ride is always fun for groups and is a great way to explore the backwaters. Canoes and life jackets are provided for the participants. We require that you either have a certified lifeguard or someone that has watercraft safety certifications lead this activity. If you do not have anyone certified, camp staff can lead this session.


Archery
Test your aim at the archery range. Participants can have the chance to try their hand with our new compound bows while maintaining and following all safety requirements. All the equipment needed for this activity will be provided for you.

Fishing
Camp Wapsie has a wonderful trout pond that offers a great chance of catching a fish. If your group is feeling lucky, maybe they will catch the legendary "Harold" from the backwaters. Fishing poles are available but you will need to provide your own bait.

Burma Bridge
If your group needs a break, try walking across the Burma Bridge. It is a challenge though since this bridge consists of three wires. It extends from one edge of the creek to the other side, running directly over the water which is about a foot deep.

Outdoor Games
Up for a tournament while at camp? Your group can participate in many different types of sports activities here at camp. There are four basketball hoops, a sand volleyball court, two tennis nets, and a large playing area for soccer. All of the equipment for these activities is provided.

Pond Study
Exploring the waters of the trout pond or the backwaters for tadpoles, fish, and other living creatures can be very exciting. It gives participants an opportunity to learn about an ecosystem that is important to the food chain. Remind participants to wear shoes that can get dirty in this session because they may end up going into the water to search for pond critters.

Tree Cookies
Learn the history of a tree by exploring tree cookies, or cross sections of trees. They can help you learn the parts of, the growing conditions of, and the type of tree. This fun exploration of nature's largest producers is an insightful look into trees.

GPS
Students can use Global Positioning Satellite technology to learn about direction longitude and latitude. Then using hand held units, the students will search for hidden caches around camp.

Nature Hikes and Classes
Wapsie staff can put together a number of activities related to the outdoors to tie into classroom learning. Ask about areas that you are interested in.

Furs & Skulls
Animals are always a hit! We use natural and replica specimens to provide a hands on approach to animals and how they survive in their environment with specialized adaptations.

Night Activities
Campfire: Come and join voices at the fire ring. Sing songs and tell stories around the fire. No campfire is complete without smore's. Bring your own or have camp supply them.

Astronomy: Have you ever looked up into the night sky and wondered what it looks like close up? Here is your chance to experience the night sky up close and without the distraction of city lights. Take the opportunity to look through a telescope and see the stars. Learn the names of the constellations and their legends. Different cultures have different legends for the same constellation. This activity is dependent on the weather.

Night Hikes: We know how our senses work during the day but have you ever wondered how the night would affect your senses? Going on a night hike is a great opportunity to notice how much darkness can affect your senses and how well you can adjust to the differences.

Spider Sniffing: Inhale deeply through your nose...did you smell that? It was a faint smell of a spider! Come learn the trick to spider sniffing. Participants will partake in a "spider sniffing hunt" using their eyes and flashlights. As you learn more about these familiar but generally shunned creatures, you'll come to marvel at them and develop an appreciation of the role they play in the pageant of living things.

Owl Calling: Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all is just one call that you will hear at night. No, it is not the cook asking but the barred owls that live in the area. You will have the opportunity to learn the differences between hawks and owls. If you're quiet and the wind isn't blowing too hard, you may hear an owl call.

Other Resources
Camp has many other resources available, just let us know what you are interested in.