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Adventure Trips
Adventure Trips are for youth entering 6th – 12th grades. YMCA Camp Wapsie offers some amazing out-of-camp adventure trips where campers can explore the outdoors and a variety of outdoor pursuits from Rock climbing, to canoeing, to mixed activities adventures!
After a thorough orientation at camp, campers pack and load up their gear and head to their destination to practice their outdoor skills and experience nature at its finest!
Please see our 2025 Family Handbook for information on programming, preparation tools, and other policies before registering. There will also be detailed information for individual trips that come out prior to the trip starting.
Week 1 - Backpacking Yellow River (entering 6-8 grade)
Backpacking Yellow River
Join us as we backpack Yellow River State Park! We will start the trip off by traveling to northeast Iowa and setting up camp in the Yellow River State Park campgrounds. Then after our first night we will begin our backpacking adventure, hiking to campsites that are only accessible by foot. We will carry all of our gear and food for two nights as we explore two different hike-in campsites. As we backpack across the landscape, there are countless landmarks to see including but not limited to, a historic fire watch tower and a bird sanctuary. This is a unique opportunity for rustic living, carrying our gear and necessities as we explore this protected area.
Additional trip details, including a full packing list and final itinerary, will be shared with families prior to departure. This trip is designed as a beginner-friendly backpacking experience, and we welcome campers who are excited to try backpacking for the first time. Participants should be prepared for both the physical and mental aspects of the adventure, including hiking up to 3 miles at a time and carrying their own backpack, weighing approximately 15–20% of their body weight. With a supportive group, experienced staff, and plenty of time to learn along the way, campers will build confidence, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment as they experience rustic living and explore the backcountry together.
If access to gear or supplies is a barrier to participation, families are encouraged to reach out to camp as we are happy to help provide or coordinate needed equipment whenever possible.
2026 REGISTRATION:
At Wapsie and the Y, we understand families have differing abilities to pay. To better accommodate many income levels, Camp Wapsie has tiered pricing levels. Choose the one you can best afford.
Tier A: $699.00 – Reflects most accurately the true price of camp
Tier B: $649.00 – Partially subsidized
Tier C: $599.00 – More subsidized
PAYMENT:
At the time of registration, you will be required to pay a $100.00 non-refundable deposit per session.
Final payment for each session is due 30 days prior to the session start. Fees are set up on automatic withdrawal. If you have any questions about this, please contact the office.
CANCELLATIONS AND CHANGES:
Cancellations must be made in writing or by email, [email protected]. Cancellations less than 10 days prior to the session start date forfeit half the camp fees. No Shows will be charged the full fee. There is no refund for behavior-related problems including bullying, abusive language, use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or vaping products. Campers who leave or cancel on the advice of medical personnel will receive a prorated refund with a physician’s note.
Changes: To request a program or week change, you must email camp at [email protected]. Please include the child’s name, birthdate, what week they are changing from, and what week you are requesting to change to. If there is availability for camp to accommodate your request, we will move the participant and send a confirmation email to you. There is a $25 processing fee.
For questions, please call 319-435-2577 or email [email protected].
Registration Information
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | Minimum Deposit | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
06/14/26 - 06/20/26
Week 1 Backpacking Yellow River
|
$ 100.00 |
Register Closes 06/08/2026 |
Week 2 - White Water Rafting (entering 10-12 grade)
White Water Rafting
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.
Additional trip details, including a full packing list and final itinerary, will be shared with families prior to departure.
If access to gear or supplies is a barrier to participation, families are encouraged to reach out to camp as we are happy to help provide or coordinate needed equipment whenever possible.
2026 REGISTRATION:
At Wapsie and the Y, we understand families have differing abilities to pay. To better accommodate many income levels, Camp Wapsie has tiered pricing levels. Choose the one you can best afford.
Tier A: $741.00 – Reflects most accurately the true price of camp
Tier B: $691.00 – Partially subsidized
Tier C: $641.00 – More subsidized
PAYMENT:
At the time of registration, you will be required to pay a $100.00 non-refundable deposit per session.
Final payment for each session is due 30 days prior to the session start. Fees are set up on automatic withdrawal. If you have any questions about this, please contact the office.
CANCELLATIONS AND CHANGES:
Cancellations must be made in writing or by email, [email protected]. Cancellations less than 10 days prior to the session start date forfeit half the camp fees. No Shows will be charged the full fee. There is no refund for behavior-related problems including bullying, abusive language, use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or vaping products. Campers who leave or cancel on the advice of medical personnel will receive a prorated refund with a physician’s note.
Changes: To request a program or week change, you must email camp at [email protected]. Please include the child’s name, birthdate, what week they are changing from, and what week you are requesting to change to. If there is availability for camp to accommodate your request, we will move the participant and send a confirmation email to you. There is a $25 processing fee.
For questions, please call 319-435-2577 or email [email protected].
Registration Information
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | Minimum Deposit | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
06/21/26 - 06/27/26
Week 2 White Water Rafting
|
$ 100.00 |
Register Closes 06/15/2026 |
Week 4 - Explore Eastern Iowa Adventure (entering 8-10 grade)
Explore Eastern Iowa Adventure
Join us as we explore unforgettable outdoor adventures in eastern Iowa. We will travel to Maquoketa Caves State Park, where we will experience the thrill of spelunking (caving) through multiple caves. Afterward, we’ll float down the picturesque Maquoketa River near Manchester on inner tubes, soaking in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Then continue to Backbone State Park to camp and explore the woodlands and the creek. We will wrap up the trip with an overnight canoe/camping trip along the shore of the Wapsipinicon river. As the sun sets many nights, we’ll gather around the campfire, sharing stories under the stars. This adventure has many scenic views, probable wildlife viewing, and time to explore natural areas and the river.
Additional trip details, including a full packing list and final itinerary, will be shared with families prior to departure.
If access to gear or supplies is a barrier to participation, families are encouraged to reach out to camp as we are happy to help provide or coordinate needed equipment whenever possible.
2026 REGISTRATION:
At Wapsie and the Y, we understand families have differing abilities to pay. To better accommodate many income levels, Camp Wapsie has tiered pricing levels. Choose the one you can best afford.
Tier A: $717.00 – Reflects most accurately the true price of camp
Tier B: $667.00 – Partially subsidized
Tier C: $617.00 – More subsidized
PAYMENT:
At the time of registration, you will be required to pay a $100.00 non-refundable deposit per session.
Final payment for each session is due 30 days prior to the session start. Fees are set up on automatic withdrawal. If you have any questions about this, please contact the office.
CANCELLATIONS AND CHANGES:
Cancellations must be made in writing or by email, [email protected]. Cancellations less than 10 days prior to the session start date forfeit half the camp fees. No Shows will be charged the full fee. There is no refund for behavior-related problems including bullying, abusive language, use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or vaping products. Campers who leave or cancel on the advice of medical personnel will receive a prorated refund with a physician’s note.
Changes: To request a program or week change, you must email camp at [email protected]. Please include the child’s name, birthdate, what week they are changing from, and what week you are requesting to change to. If there is availability for camp to accommodate your request, we will move the participant and send a confirmation email to you. There is a $25 processing fee.
For questions, please call 319-435-2577 or email [email protected].
Registration Information
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | Minimum Deposit | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
07/05/26 - 07/11/26
Week 4 Explore Eastern Iowa Adventure
|
$ 100.00 |
Register Closes 06/29/2026 |
Week 7 - Devil's Lake Climbing (entering 7-9 Grades)
Devil’s Lake Climbing
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 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.
Additional trip details, including a full packing list and final itinerary, will be shared with families prior to departure.
If access to gear or supplies is a barrier to participation, families are encouraged to reach out to camp as we are happy to help provide or coordinate needed equipment whenever possible.
2026 REGISTRATION:
At Wapsie and the Y, we understand families have differing abilities to pay. To better accommodate many income levels, Camp Wapsie has tiered pricing levels. Choose the one you can best afford.
Tier A: $717.00 – Reflects most accurately the true price of camp
Tier B: $667.00 – Partially subsidized
Tier C: $617.00 – More subsidized
PAYMENT:
At the time of registration, you will be required to pay a $100.00 non-refundable deposit per session.
Final payment for each session is due 30 days prior to the session start. Fees are set up on automatic withdrawal. If you have any questions about this, please contact the office.
CANCELLATIONS AND CHANGES:
Cancellations must be made in writing or by email [email protected]. Cancellations less than 10 days prior to the session start date forfeit half the camp fees. No Shows will be charged the full fee. There is no refund for behavior-related problems including bullying, abusive language, use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or vaping products. Campers who leave or cancel on the advice of medical personnel will receive a prorated refund with a physician’s note.
Changes: To request a program or week change, you must email camp at [email protected]. Please include the child’s name, birthdate, what week they are changing from, and what week you are requesting to change to. If there is availability for camp to accommodate your request, we will move the participant and send a confirmation email to you. There is a $25 processing fee.
For questions, please call 319-435-2577 or email [email protected].
Registration Information
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | Minimum Deposit | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
07/26/26 - 08/01/26
Week 7 Devil's Lake Climbing
|
$ 100.00 |
Register Closes 07/20/2026 |
Week 9 - Waspie: Operation Kindness (entering 8-10 grade)
Wapsie: Operation Kindness
Operation Kindness is Wapsie’s volunteering opportunity for teenagers who are looking for some way to give back. In the week that we spend together, campers will have the opportunity to put their skills to use by doing volunteer projects for organizations or people in the community. We will spend the first night learning about our projects for the week and then get started right away the next day. Throughout the week we will travel to the areas where our projects are located and camp at nearby campgrounds. Kids will experience Teamwork, Initiative, Leadership, and much more through this trip.
Additional trip details, including a full packing list and final itinerary, will be shared with families prior to departure.
If access to gear or supplies is a barrier to participation, families are encouraged to reach out to camp as we are happy to help provide or coordinate needed equipment whenever possible.
2026 REGISTRATION:
At Wapsie and the Y, we understand families have differing abilities to pay. To better accommodate many income levels, Camp Wapsie has tiered pricing levels. Choose the one you can best afford.
Tier A: $650.00 – Reflects most accurately the true price of camp
Tier B: $600.00 – Partially subsidized
Tier C: $550.00 – More subsidized
PAYMENT:
At the time of registration, you will be required to pay a $100.00 non-refundable deposit per session.
Final payment for each session is due 30 days prior to the session start. Fees are set up on automatic withdrawal. If you have any questions about this, please contact the office.
CANCELLATIONS AND CHANGES:
Cancellations must be made in writing or by email, [email protected]. Cancellations less than 10 days prior to the session start date forfeit half the camp fees. No Shows will be charged the full fee. There is no refund for behavior-related problems including bullying, abusive language, use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or vaping products. Campers who leave or cancel on the advice of medical personnel will receive a prorated refund with a physician’s note.
Changes: To request a program or week change, you must email camp at [email protected]. Please include the child’s name, birthdate, what week they are changing from, and what week you are requesting to change to. If there is availability for camp to accommodate your request, we will move the participant and send a confirmation email to you. There is a $25 processing fee.
For questions, please call 319-435-2577 or email [email protected].
Registration Information
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | Minimum Deposit | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
08/09/26 - 08/15/26
Week 9 Waspie: Operation Kindness
|
$ 100.00 |
Register Closes 08/03/2026 |
Weeks 5 & 6 - Northern Minnesota Expedition (entering 10-12 grade)
Northern Minnesota Expedition
This two-week adventure through northeastern Minnesota. Throughout the trip we will explore the best deciduous forests, cascading falls, and geology that the Midwest has to offer. In the first few days we will travel along the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers, stopping at state parks along the way to hike, climb, and camp. Traveling further northward, we will find ourselves on Lake Superior’s north shore. The pebble beaches and crystal-clear water make for the best views! At the start of week two we will be the northernmost point yet, Lake Vermilion. There we will explore the Vermilion-Soudan iron mines and learn about the geology of the iron range and the steel industry at the boom of the industrial revolution. We will end our two-week adventure with a day trip to the Minneapolis Zoo and dinner near the city to enjoy and recollect the stories of our time together. Throughout this trip kids will have the opportunity to experience watching the sunset, sitting around the campfire, hiking forest trails, and experiencing nature with peers. Join us on this brand-new Northern Minnesota Expedition!
Additional trip details, including a full packing list and final itinerary, will be shared with families prior to departure.
If access to gear or supplies is a barrier to participation, families are encouraged to reach out to camp as we are happy to help provide or coordinate needed equipment whenever possible.
2026 REGISTRATION:
At Wapsie and the Y, we understand families have differing abilities to pay. To better accommodate many income levels, Camp Wapsie has tiered pricing levels. Choose the one you can best afford.
Tier A: $1099.00 – Reflects most accurately the true price of camp
Tier B: $1049.00 – Partially subsidized
Tier C: $999.00 – More subsidized
PAYMENT:
At the time of registration, you will be required to pay a $100.00 non-refundable deposit per session.
Final payment for each session is due 30 days prior to the session start. Fees are set up on automatic withdrawal. If you have any questions about this, please contact the office.
CANCELLATIONS AND CHANGES:
Cancellations and changes must be made in writing or by email to [email protected]. Cancellations anytime forfeit the $100 deposit. Cancellations less than 10 days prior to the session start date forfeit half the camp fees. No Shows will be charged the full fee. There is no refund for behavior-related problems. Campers who leave or cancel on the advice of medical personnel will receive a prorated refund. A physician’s note is required.
Changes: To request a program or week change, you must email camp at [email protected]. Please include the child’s name, birthdate, what week they are changing from, and what week you are requesting to change to. If there is availability for camp to accommodate your request, we will move the participant and send a confirmation email to you. There is a $25 processing fee.
For questions, please call 319-435-2577 or email [email protected].
Registration Information
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | Minimum Deposit | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
07/12/26 - 07/25/26
Weeks 5 & 6 Northern Minnesota Expedition
|
$ 100.00 |
Register Closes 07/06/2026 |