WAPSIE’S STORY

YMCA Camp Wapsie has been a treasured destination for generations of children and families for over 100 years. As a branch of the YMCA of The Cedar Rapids Metro Area, we aim to cultivate the whole person, strengthen community, and provide equitable access to positive experiences.

Camp Wapsie’s summer camp programs immerse children in a community where making friends is natural, exploring new interests are encouraged, and everyone can be their authentic selves.

We are proud to carry on our traditional summer programs while offering year-round opportunities for people of all ages. These programs aim to instill a love for nature and the outdoors while building character amidst the fun of campfires, canoeing, archery, friends, zip-lining, mentorships, and so much more.

Camp Wapsie staff are a dedicated group of professional youth and community developers who passionately believe in the power of the camp experience and what it does to help bring people together and grow a child’s sense of wonder, adventure, and independence.

CAMP IS FOR ALL

Camp Wapsie is an inclusive community. We work to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, cultural background, faith, gender identity, income, origin, race, or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential with dignity. Our diverse camper community reflects our larger community’s demographics. Campers and staff can look forward to interacting and living within this diverse and supportive environment. 

YMCA MISSION

To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

CAMP VISION

To utilize the natural camp environment to provide fun, safe, and unique camping and retreat experiences that promote the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.

CAMP OUTCOMES

Through Camp Wapsie, we strive to help participants:

  • Grow in self-esteem and self-confidence.
  • Gain and grow in social skills.
  • Gain and grow in physical skills and activities.
  • Gain exposure to greater knowledge and greater understanding of the natural world.
  • Learn and practice the YMCA Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. 
 
 
 
YMCA Camp Wapsie is an Accredited camp of the ACA, (American Camp Association). ACA camps participate in a voluntary and rigorous review of 300 unique national standards, designed to ensure a well-supervised, positive environment with controlled boundaries and organized programs. So kids can safely grow and thrive. Learn more by visiting the ACA website.