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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+)
- 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. Campers get the chance to go to the store at least 2 times a day. Parents can put money in their child’s store account during registration. To add money after registration, please call the camp office. For overnight programs, we suggest up to $25 -$35. 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 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]
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.
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
Explore unforgettable outdoor adventures in eastern Iowa. Start at Maquoketa Caves State Park and experience the thrill of spelunking (caving) through multiple caves. Then float down the picturesque Maquoketa River near Manchester on inner tubes, soaking in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Continue to Backbone State Park to camp, explore the woodlands, and wander along the creek. The trip concludes with an overnight canoe and camping experience along the shore of the Wapsipinicon River. As the sun sets, enjoy evenings around the campfire, sharing stories under the stars. This adventure includes scenic views, opportunities for wildlife observation, and plenty of time to explore natural areas and waterways.
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.
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.
LIT’s must be entering 10th or 11th grade and CIT’s must be entering 11th or 12th grade in the fall.