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The “Magic” of Camp Wapsie Summer Overnight programs has the power to turn the most timid child into the bravest hero. It turns a perfect stranger into the best friend you won’t want to leave at the end of the week.
Campers build lifelong skills through outdoor activities like canoeing, archery, nature hikes, and campfires. Living together and working together helps them learn social and emotional values, which are part of our core values-Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
At Camp Wapsie, our staff members are well-trained in many areas, such as homesickness, CPR, and first aid. Most of the staff are lifeguard certified. Staff take pride in guiding your children through a fun and safe week of challenging, exciting child-centered activities.
Some of the Activities Offered:
- Swimming
- Zip Line
- Guitars
- Fishing
- Burma Bridge
- Canoeing
- Archery
- Outdoor Camp Skills
- Arts & Crafts
- Team Sports
- Climbing
- Zipline(12+)
- Horseback Riding (additional Fee)
- Hiking
- Nature Study
- BB guns or .22 Riflery
- Drama
Camp Wapsie has a store on site where we sell things like pop, candy, chips, popsicles, ice cream and souvenirs. Campers get the chance to go to the store at least 2 times a day. Parents can put money in a store account. We suggest up to $20 -$30.
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 place to get your camp shirts 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
Once filled out, please return to [email protected]
Check back December 2024/January 2025 for Updates
Participate in the annual candy sale to help with costs of summer camp. Every candy item sold earned $1.20 towards camp fees in 2024. This happens in February each year to be applied for the following summer.
Click Here for 2024 Information to get an idea of what candy sale typically looks like.
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.
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.
Featuring Examples of Wapsie Adventure Trips:
Entering 7th-9th Grades
Ever wanted to rock climb? Reach for new heights as we spend a week at Devil’s Lake State Park in Wisconsin, one of the Midwest’s premier climbing spots. It’s perfect for both beginners and veteran climbers. While camping near the Devil’s Lake State Park, campers will spend much of the day at at Devil’s Lake to experience climbing, hiking the trails, check out the picturesque views and swimming at the fun beaches of the 360-acre lake.
Entering 8th-10th Grade
Embark on an unforgettable adventure exploring the scenic wonders of Prairie du Chien! This immersive trip promises an exhilarating week filled with camping in parks, outdoor thrills and breathtaking sights from exploring the trails of Pikes Peak, to diving into the history of the Effigy Mounds and more! Come on out and experience a whole new way to view the world and take a step back from distractions!
Entering 9th-11th Grades
Together Everyone Accomplishes More
This week combines an adventure trip with leadership development training at Wapsie. Through challenge activities and the opportunity to plan part of the trip, campers utilize and grow their leadership skills. These activities, combined with an overnight rock-climbing trip to Backbone State Park, give campers the opportunity to have fun while learning to achieve more through teamwork.
Join our thrill-filled camp! Climb the cliffs, conquer canoeing, and bond through team challenges. Learn skills, build friendships, and unwind by campfires under starry skies. Embark on an unforgettable adventure at Backbone State Park where excitement meets new found leadership skills!
Entering 10-12th Grades
Join us for an unforgettable excursion. Enjoy Wisconsin’s beautiful Nicolet National Forest as we camp and spend two days white water rafting down top-rated Class II-IV roaring rapids on the Menominee River and the Peshtigo River with our guides from Wildman Ranch Outfitters. After white-water rafting, we will head to Devil’s Lake State Park to test our climbing skills at one of the best rock-climbing spots in the Midwest. This exciting excursion is for experienced campers.