WAPSIE SUMMER OVERNIGHT – YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metro Area

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.

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 Store

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!

Camper Forms

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]

Earn Your Way To Camp

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.

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. Click Here for the Application.

Family Handbook

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

2024 Family Handbook

Thursday Theme Days

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.

Leadership Development Program

At Camp Wapsie, we believe in nurturing future leaders through our Leadership-In-Training (LIT) and Counselor-In-Training (CIT) programs. These programs are designed for campers who want to develop their leadership and counseling skills in a fun, hands-on environment. Through a combination of workshop sessions, mentoring, and opportunities to lead activities, campers gain valuable experiences that prepare them for future roles in both camp and their communities.

Program Goals

The Leadership Development Program at Camp Wapsie is designed to foster the growth of leadership and personal skills. By participating in this program, campers will:

Increase Leadership Skills: Prepare to assume leadership roles within camp and their communities.
Enhance Human Relations: Strengthen communication skills with campers, peers, and adults (staff).
Develop Responsibility & Service: Cultivate a sense of responsibility and commitment to serving others.
Boost Self-Worth: Build self-confidence and a strong sense of personal value.
Appreciate the Natural World: Gain a deeper understanding and respect for nature.
Improve Teaching Skills: Develop teaching abilities in areas relevant to Camp Wapsie’s programs and the YMCA’s mission.
Foster Teamwork: Learn to live and work cooperatively within a larger community.

Specific Responsibilities

To make the most of the Leadership Development Program, participants are expected to:

Attend Training Sessions: Participate fully in all training sessions, typically held each morning and afternoon.
Promote Group Unity: Engage actively in group activities and support team cohesion.
Maintain Cleanliness: Help keep all camp areas clean and organized.
Encourage Good Conduct: Promote proper behavior during meal times.
Assist with Program Activities: Help facilitate assigned camp activities, such as morning activities, Day Camp, and Village duties.
Participate in Camp Activities: Join in general camp events like fire building, cooking, or leading games.
Support Counselors and Staff: Assist counselors and other staff in assigned tasks, such as night watch or TAPS announcements.
Help in the Lodge: Contribute to lodge duties, including doing dishes 2-4 times per week and LITs helping at tables during meals.
Complete Assigned Projects: Take on additional projects like service work or trip planning.
Cooperate with Camp Personnel: Work closely with camp staff to ensure the welfare of campers and camp operations.
Lifeguard Training: CITs will participate in lifeguard training during their time at camp.
Cabin Assistance: CITs will help manage a cabin for part of their stay.
Follow Program Policies: Adhere to all guidelines set by the Leadership Development Program and Camp Wapsie.