EMBRACE NATURE'S CLASSROOM


Step away from the ordinary and dive into our Outdoor Education program at YMCA Camp Lakewood. Here, learning transcends the confines of traditional classrooms as children explore, discover, and immerse themselves in the wonders of the great outdoors. From hands-on experiences to team-building adventures, our programs offer a unique blend of education and excitement, tailored to meet the specific needs of your group.

Whether delving into aquatic ecology, unraveling geological mysteries, or simply seeking a serene escape, Camp Lakewood provides the perfect setting for unforgettable outdoor learning experiences.

 

ymca camp lakewood outdoor education program school group attending


 

YMCA Camp Lakewood's Outdoor Education program is perfect for:

🌳 School Field Trips

🌳 Scout Troops

🌳 Youth Groups

🌳 Band Camps

🌳 Sports Camps

🌳 Disability Inclusion Groups

🌳 College Programs

🌳 Special Interest Groups

Our aim is to craft experiences that cater to your specific needs, ensuring each adventure is uniquely tailored.

Explore our diverse range of experiences below to determine the duration, activities, and goals that best suit your group. Our packages offer extensive programming, including meals, lodging in cozy Camp Lakewood cabins, and a variety of activities, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free stay.

 

DAY TRIP EXPERIENCE

Our single-day adventure (6-8 hours of activities) features a thrilling high adventure climb, along with tailored programming aligned with your group's objectives.


2-DAY & 1-NIGHT EXPERIENCE

Embark on a thrilling two-day adventure, starting at 10:30 a.m. on day one and concluding at 1:00 p.m. on day two. Packed with excitement, this experience features a high adventure climb, approximately 12 hours of engaging programming, and a customized evening session tailored to your group's preferences. It's an opportunity for your group to problem-solve, boost self-esteem, uncover new talents, and delve into outdoor education. Enjoy a one-night stay with four meals included.


WEEKEND EXPERIENCE

Experience a weekend filled with flexibility and fun at Camp Lakewood. Alongside your own organizational programming, enjoy beloved camp activities. We offer an evening program on Friday or Saturday night. Saturday is brimming with tailored programming based on your requests. Additionally, enjoy access to a meeting room and field for your own activities on Saturday evening upon request. On Sunday, continue with your program or opt for additional recreational activities. Your weekend package includes a 2-night stay with five meals provided.


3-DAY & 2-NIGHT EXPERIENCE

Embark on an exhilarating three-day journey starting at 10:30 a.m. on day one and concluding at 1 p.m. on day three. Customize your experience to focus on nature- or science-based education, fostering group unity, breaking up cliques, promoting friendships, and embracing diversity. Enjoy two captivating evening programs tailored to your group's interests. Your package includes a 2-night stay with seven meals provided.


4-DAY & 3-NIGHT EXPERIENCE OR 5-DAY & 4-NIGHT EXPERIENCE

Extended programs offer ample time for nature's transformative power to unfold. Our comprehensive offerings are designed to complement each other, ensuring that longer stays yield substantial benefits. Enjoy additional climbs and abundant opportunities to forge lasting friendships and delve deeper into the natural surroundings.


PROGRAMME A LA CARTE

If your group desires flexibility in their schedule, whether for meetings, hiking, or self-organized activities, our Programme à la Carte is the perfect choice. Tailor your experience by selecting specific activities to complement your own programming. Ideal for scout troops pursuing badges, church groups holding confirmation classes, or those seeking minimal YMCA staff involvement. Programme à la Carte offers a discounted rate covering meals and lodging, with additional activity options available for an extra fee.

Empower your Outdoor Education journey at YMCA Camp Lakewood with our personalized activity selection process.

Guided by our experienced group leaders, you'll handpick activities tailored to your group's age and ability level. While ensuring age appropriateness and flexibility, please note that activity options may vary due to scheduling, availability, or weather conditions.


GROUP INITIATIVES

Prepare for a blend of mental and physical challenges as your group tackles our ground-based activities. Crafted to stimulate creativity and foster problem-solving, these challenges promote teamwork and effective communication. Our skilled facilitators curate a dynamic atmosphere where participants assume diverse roles and employ positive communication strategies. Drawing from a repertoire of engaging games and activities, our facilitators adapt the experience based on your group's progress.


LOW ROPES COURSE ELEMENTS

Explore heightened challenges on our ropes course, tailored for groups seeking an advanced experience. Engage in activities focused on spotting, trust-building, and effective communication, all while prioritizing safety protocols.


HIGH ADVENTURE ELEMENTS

Elevate group cohesion, ignite adventurous spirits, and cultivate individual strengths through our high adventure elements. Essential equipment like climbing harnesses and ropes are provided as part of the program. Challenge your group on the:

•  Alpine Tower
•  Alpine Swing
•  Pikes Peak


DAY ACTIVITY OPTIONS
  • Archery
  • Coasters
  • Egg Drop
  • Fire Building
  • Geology
  • Low Ropes Course
  • Nature Hike
  • Rifle Marksmanship
  • Survival Hike
  • Orienteering
  • Candle Making
  • Ropes Making
  • Blacksmithing
  • Wood Stove Cooking
  • Pioneer Games
  • Apple Press
  • Lessons of the Oregon Trail
  • Water Ecology

 

EVENING ACTIVITY OPTIONS

 

  • Campfire
  • Night Hike
  • Shapetionary
  • Yard Sale
  • Alpha Beta

 

RANCH ACTIVITY OPTIONS

Additional fees applied for ranch activities.

  • Hayride
  • Mountain Trail Ride
  • Valley Trail Ride
 

 

NON-PROGRAMMED ACTIVIITES

Unwind or channel extra energy at our indoor recreation center, complete with basketball and volleyball courts.

FAMILY CAMP

Ever dreamt of experiencing camp with your family? Now's your opportunity! Join us at YMCA Camp Lakewood this Labor Day Weekend for a thrilling adventure together. Enjoy three days of quality family time—eating, playing, and bonding over shared experiences. Dive into swimming, conquer the tower climb, saddle up for horseback riding, unleash creativity in crafts, indulge in games, or simply unwind. Leave the food, activities, and planning to us—your worry-free family getaway awaits!


GIRL SCOUTS ADVENTURE WEEKEND

Embark on an unforgettable adventure at YMCA Camp Lakewood's Girl Scout Adventure Weekend! Designed for Girl Scouts (4th grade and up), this weekend is packed with programs and activities aimed at supporting badge requirements. While badges won't be earned, scouts will acquire valuable skills and experiences to progress toward completion. It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow Girl Scouts and make lasting memories. Please note: This is a pre-scheduled weekend, different from our group options at Trout Lodge, where troop-specific dates can be chosen. At Camp Lakewood, Girl Scouts from various troops unite for this adventure, unlike the Trout Lodge option, which caters to single troops.


WEST COUNTY ADVENTURE GUIDES

Dads, seize the opportunity to create cherished memories with your child while engaging in a variety of activities that foster stronger bonds between you. From archery and riflery to scaling the climbing tower and zipping through the air, embark on adventures together that will be etched into your family's history. Also, enjoy leisurely pursuits like trail rides, hayrides, and tie-dye sessions, ensuring a weekend filled with endless fun and meaningful connections.


SCRAPBOOKING WEEKEND

Calling all scrapbooking enthusiasts! Join us for a weekend filled with camaraderie and creative fun. Free from distractions, you'll have ample time to complete existing projects or embark on exciting new ones. Whether you come solo or with friends, all skill levels are welcome. Connect with fellow enthusiasts, share tips, and exchange ideas for a truly inspiring and productive weekend of scrapbooking bliss.

RESERVATIONS & DEPOSIT POLICY:

  • Groups can secure bookings at Camp Lakewood several years in advance, with reservations recommended at least one year prior, especially for May or October stays.
  • A $75 membership fee is charged to overnight groups and $25 to day groups due to YMCA's non-profit status; this fee is annual and non-waivable.
  • A 25% deposit of the estimated total amount is required to confirm reservations, alongside a signed contract. The deposit is non-refundable.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

  • Written notice of cancellation is required 60 days in advance; otherwise, the group is responsible for the total estimated amount.

BILLING:

  • The group leader is accountable for the total bill, to be invoiced within two weeks post-departure. A guaranteed number of group members, provided 60 days prior to arrival, is required.
  • The $75 group membership fee and additional charges will be included in the group bill unless otherwise arranged.

CHECK IN / CHECK OUT:

  • Check-in begins at 3:30 p.m., and cabins are available from this time. Check-out is at 11:30 am, with a $25 late fee per hour per cabin incurred after this time.

QUIET HOURS:

  • Quiet hours are observed from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am, with all loud activities ending by 10:00 pm.

ALCOHOL POLICY:

  • Alcoholic beverages are permitted but not sold on-site and must be consumed in private areas. Cabins allow alcohol; however, the YMCA does not provide, transport, or handle alcohol.

SMOKING POLICY:

  • Smoking is restricted to designated areas only, with buildings and cabins designated as non-smoking areas.

PARKING:

  • Following luggage unloading, cars should be relocated to designated parking areas to avoid parking on grass.

FIREARMS & HUNTING:

  • Firearms and hunting activities are strictly prohibited on YMCA property.

PETS:

  • With the exception of service animals or K-9 units, pets are not allowed on YMCA premises per Missouri State Law.

Main Camp Lodging

Our dormitory-style lodging offers ideal accommodations for chaperoning students with appropriate supervision ratios. Each cabin features modern bathroom facilities and climate control for comfort. Many cabins boast cozy lounges, inviting porches, and warm fireplaces, fostering the camaraderie essential for building lasting friendships. All sleeping arrangements consist of bunk beds.

Cabin sizes and layouts vary, accommodating groups of 16 to 32 individuals. Availability and specific cabin assignments depend on the size and scheduling of other groups utilizing Camp Lakewood during your requested dates.

East Camp Lodging

Discover the secluded charm of East Camp, reserved exclusively for your group's enjoyment. Here, you'll find a wealth of recreational amenities, including a basketball court, tetherball poles, a pavilion, kitchen area, bathhouse, and sand volleyball court. Our rustic yet cozy dormitory-style cabins offer a comfortable setting for your group to forge lasting bonds and create unforgettable memories.

Exclusive access to East Camp is available for groups with a minimum of 50 participants, ensuring a private and personalized experience.

 

 

American Camp Association ACA accreditation logo for YMCA Camp Lakewood Overnight Summer Camp

 

 

 

 

American Camp Association Accredited


YMCA Camp Lakewood proudly holds accreditation from the American Camp Association (ACA). This accreditation signifies our commitment to rigorous peer evaluations, covering every aspect of our operation, including staff qualifications, training, and emergency management. These evaluations adhere to the latest research-based standards in camp operation.