WAPSIE DAY CAMP

YMCA Camp Wapsie Day Camp programs offer a variety of outdoor activities similar to those at Overnight Camp, including a Thursday overnight at Wapsie! Day Camp provides a positive social experience with similar-aged youth. Campers return home in the evening for meaningful family time and evening activities. Day camp features a fun field trip on Wednesdays to Pinicon Ridge Park in Central City and a Thursday overnight stay at Camp Wapsie! There are nine one-week sessions of Day Camp each summer. Wapsie provides all meals during the week. 

Day Troopers (1st - 4th grade)
Day Trekkers (5th - 8th grade)

Transportation is provided by our Day Camp bus at the following locations:

 

*No transportation is provided on Thursday afternoon or Friday morning due to the overnight experience for day camp.

DROP OFF SITE
TIME
PICK UP SITE
RETURN
Helen G Nassif  YMCA 7:30 a.m. Helen G Nassif YMCA 5:00 p.m.
Marion YMCA 8:00 a.m. Marion YMCA 4:30 p.m.
Camp Wapsie drop-off 8:45 a.m. Camp Wapsie pick-up 4:00 p.m.

Some of the Activities Offered:

  • Swimming
  • Zip Line
  • Guitars
  • Fishing
  • Burma Bridge
  • Canoeing
  • Archery
  • Outdoor Camp Skills
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Team Sports
  • Climbing
  • zipline(12+)
  • Hiking
  • Nature Study
  • BB guns or .22 Riflery
  • Drama

*At this time, horseback riding is not scheduled for summer 2025 due to current staffing limitations. We appreciate your understanding.

Camp Wapsie has a store on site where we sell things like pop, candy, chips, popsicles, ice cream and souvenirs.  Day Campers get the chance to go to the store at least 1 time a day other than field trip day. Parents can put money in their child’s store account during registration. To add money after registration, please call the camp office. For Day Camp programs, we suggest up to $15 -$25.  Campers will not have the option of carrying cash throughout their week of camp.  

For your Wapsie Wear, we have an online store that is open 24/7-365 days.  We have lots of different products to choose from.  This is a great please to get your camp shirt and sweatshirts. Click here to access the online store!

Each camper who is registered for a summer program will need the following forms on file by May 1st. This includes the following:

  • Health History
  • Letter to My Child’s Counselor

Click here for Camp Forms

Once filled out, please return to [email protected]

2026 Candy Sale information will be available in the late fall. Below is what sales looked like for 2025.

2025 Camp Wapsie Candy Sale begins February 1st and ends on February 22nd.

One cannot have to much camp! Meeting lifelong friends, gaining self-esteem, and learning important skills are all positive outcomes of a camp experience. Participate in the annual candy sale to help with costs of summer camp. You earn $24 credit for every $60 case sold. Anyone wanting to attend YMCA Camp Wapsie programming in 2025 is welcome to participate. Visit one of the locations listed to the left to sign up and check out candy. 

YMCA Camp Wapsie and the YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metro Area are committed to providing quality programs to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay.  Financial Assistance is subsidized by the YMCA Annual Support Campaign.  Click here for the application.

Please take time to read the family handbook for detailed information regarding coming to summer camp. 

2025 Family Handbook

At Camp Wapsie, we believe great food is a big part of the camp experience! Our food service team focuses on Quality, Quantity, and Variety to keep campers fueled and happy throughout their stay.

Meals are typically served family-style, giving campers a chance to share, connect, and enjoy plenty to eat while learning table manners and cooperation. Throughout the week, we also mix things up with a few outdoor buffet-style meals and cookouts over the campfire, adding a fun twist to the dining experience.

Our experienced camp cooks prepare balanced, kid-friendly meals with options that fit a variety of tastes and dietary needs. We encourage campers to try the foods served at each meal—there are always several options on the table, so everyone can find something they like. Because of this variety, we don’t offer a second main option, but if a camper is unable to eat any of the foods provided, limited alternatives such as bread with sun butter or simple snacks like granola bars and fruit are available. We’ll always make sure every camper has something to eat.

Campers also take part in helping set and clear tables, learning teamwork and responsibility while we, and the leadership campers, take care of the cooking and dishes.

Campers with Food Allergies

To better accommodate campers with food allergies, we recommend that families consider registering their child(ren) for sessions held during the first few weeks of camp. During this early period, fewer allergens are typically present in the kitchen, which may help reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

Please note: This is a suggestion only, not a requirement. Campers with allergies are welcome at any point in the summer, and our staff, will continue to follow strict safety protocols throughout all sessions.

At camp, we call Thursdays Special Day which is Wapsie’s way of saying theme day! Each Thursday has special activities related to the theme of the week. Wapsie transforms into another world with special events, characters and activities to help campers express their creative side. Costumes are welcome but not necessary. Weekly themes for the upcoming year are outlined through the registration process.