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WELCOME HOME
YMCA Camp Wapsie is a traditional overnight and day camp located 30 miles north of Cedar Rapids, in rural Coggon, Iowa. The site is nestled on 182 acres of scenic land, including lodging for around 280, a scenic waterway for exploring in canoes, a climbing tower with a zipline, an archery range, Ga-Ga pits, an outdoor sports court, a swimming pool, and much more. Camp Wapsie provides the perfect setting to serve Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and surrounding communities. We serve people of all ages through summer camp, year-round retreats, teambuilding, community, youth, and family programs.
Each summer, more than 2,000 campers of all ages and identities arrive at Camp Wapsie to make new friends, learn new skills, develop character, and have an adventure. Campers become a community as they learn to be more independent and contribute to a group as they engage in physical, social, and educational activities. Camp Wapsie is the place to help young people build the character values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. With our deep tradition in camping, we strive to instill these underlying principles into each camper during their time at Camp. Here at YMCA Camp Wapsie, we are: For Youth Development, For Healthy Living, and For Social Development.
EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMS
CAMP HIGHLIGHTS & UPCOMING EVENTS
Spend Your Summer Making a Difference
Applications for summer 2025 are open!
A limited number of positions remain—apply now for one of our unique roles, including Health Services Director (no previous medical background required; you’ll work alongside a registered medical professional) and Day Camp Senior Counselor.
Looking for an unforgettable summer experience? At YMCA Camp Wapsie, you’ll have the chance to inspire campers while discovering your own potential. Working at camp isn’t just a job—it’s a journey filled with connection, creativity, and personal growth.
Join a team where every day brings new adventures: singing under the stars, diving into the pool, leading campers through challenges, and sharing in the joy of camp traditions. The friendships you build, the skills you develop, and the memories you create will last a lifetime.
Discover the magic of camp—and a version of yourself you’ll be proud of.
We are also hiring for two Program Coordinators. These positions have flexible start and end dates and they work with the retreats/groups that come to camp during the school year. You can find the details here:
SUMMER SWIM LESSONS AT WAPSIE
Updated for 2025!
We’ve revamped our swim lesson structure to align with the Marion and Cedar Rapids YMCA branches—making it easier than ever for families to stay on track with YMCA swim programming.
Lessons take place in our heated outdoor pool and are available for youth ages 6 months to 15 years:
Swim Starters – Parent/Child (Ages 6 months–4 years)
Swim Basics – Preschool (Ages 3½–5 years)
Swim Basics – Youth (Ages 6–15 years)
Sessions run Monday through Thursday for all three weeks of summer programming. Fridays are reserved for make-up days, and each child receives a Skills Report at the end of their session.
Parents will be asked to select the best lesson for their child’s swim abilities based on the descriptions provided during registration.
For stroke development (more advanced) lessons please see the Marion and HGN YMCA Locations.
SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION IS UNDERWAY
Spots are filling quickly – secure your camper’s place for an unforgettable summer!
Looking ahead for summer 2026:
- Y Members can register on January 25
- Registration Begins February 1
Apply now for the Leadership Development Programs
Looking for an opportunity for your child to grow, lead, and have fun at camp? Our Leadership-In-Training (LIT) and Counselor-In-Training (CIT) programs combine workshop sessions, mentorship, and hands-on leadership opportunities that build essential skills for future success.
LIT’s must be entering 10th or 11th grade and CIT’s must be entering 11th or 12th grade in the fall.
Applications were Due by October 15th. Applications received after October 15th were processed separately.
We currently still have openings for Leader-In-Training for male campers.
Financial Assistance
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.