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Wapsie Day Camp
YMCA Camp Wapsie Day Camp programs are for campers entering 1st through 8th grade. We offer nine one-week sessions each summer, with each session featuring a different theme and a special Thursday overnight at Camp Wapsie.
Day Camp provides a positive social experience with similar-aged youth while giving campers the opportunity to enjoy many of the traditions, activities, and experiences that make Camp Wapsie special. Campers return home each afternoon for family time and evening activities, while still getting to experience the fun and independence of summer camp. Lunch is provided each day, and campers also have opportunities to visit the Camp Store throughout the week.
Thursday Overnight
Every Day Camp session includes an optional Thursday overnight at Camp Wapsie! Campers enjoy dinner, participate in an all-Camp Program, and spend the night at camp with their counselors and fellow campers. The overnight is a great opportunity for campers to build independence, try something new, and experience a little more of the Camp Wapsie magic.
Day Camp is divided into two programs based on age:
Day Troopers are for campers entering 1st through 4th grade.
Day Trekkers are for campers entering 5th through 8th grade.
Each program is designed to meet the developmental needs and interests of its age group. Visit the individual Day Troopers and Day Trekkers pages for more information about each program.
Three-Session Limit
Day Camp is limited to a maximum of three sessions per camper each summer. This allows more children and families the opportunity to experience Day Camp. Please plan your registration accordingly. If a camper is registered for more than three sessions, registrations beyond the three-session limit will be canceled.
Food Allergies
To better accommodate campers with food allergies, we recommend that families consider registering their child for Sessions 1-3. During the first few weeks of camp, fewer allergens are typically present in the kitchen, which may help reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
Please note: This is a recommendation, not a requirement. Campers with food allergies are welcome to attend any session, and our kitchen and camp staff will continue to follow established safety protocols throughout the summer.
The Camp Wapsie Experience
Our camp experience is rich in tradition and often referred to as the Camp Wapsie “Magic.” We instill the core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility into all that we do. Campers gain independence, self-confidence, lifelong friendships, positive memories, and a second home they can come back to.
Please see our 2026 Family Handbook for information on programming, preparation tools, and other policies before registering.
Day Trekkers
Day Trekkers (entering 5-8 Grade)
Day Trekkers is a Day Camp program at Camp Wapsie where counselors work with campers to create more choice within their daily schedule. Activities may include climbing the tower, canoeing, specialized activities, all-Camp games, and other opportunities based on the interests of the group.
Wednesday
Wednesday gives Trekkers a full day at Camp Wapsie focused on activities designed for their age group and interests. Campers have opportunities to work with counselors and one another to help shape their day and explore what Wapsie has to offer.
Thursday Overnight
Thursday brings a special treat with an overnight adventure at Camp Wapsie! Campers enjoy dinner at camp, participate in an all-Camp Program, and experience an evening sleeping under the “Wapsie Stars” if weather allows.
Trekkers and counselors work together to select from different sleeping options, which may include tents in the athletic field, open-air cabins in the tree nursery, sleeping under the stars at Wapsie Stargazer, or other creative options.
If weather does not allow for a campout, Trekkers will sleep in one of our lodges, sleepover-style, with sleeping bags on the floor.
The overnight is optional, though encouraged as a wonderful opportunity for campers to build independence and try new things.
If you do not wish for your child to stay overnight, you will need to pick your child up at Camp Wapsie at either 4:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. Thursday and return them to camp between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. Friday.
Busing is not available Thursday evening or Friday morning. Standard drop-off and transportation schedules will resume Friday afternoon.
Camper Arrival and Departure
A bus is available for campers to be picked up and dropped off at the Helen G. Nassif YMCA in downtown Cedar Rapids or the Marion YMCA. Families may also choose to drop off and pick up their camper at Camp Wapsie.
Site Morning Bus Pick Up Afternoon Bus Drop Off
HGN YMCA 7:30 am 5:00 pm
Marion YMCA 8:00 am 4:30 pm
Camp Wapsie 8:45 am 4:00 pm
The Camp Wapsie Experience
Our camp experience is rich in tradition and often referred to as the Camp Wapsie “Magic.” We instill the core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility into all that we do. Campers gain independence, self-confidence, lifelong friendships, positive memories, and a second home they can come back to.
Please see our Family Handbook for information on programming, preparation tools, and other policies before registering.
2027 PRE-REGISTRATION at 2026 Prices for returning 2026 campers:
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 Tier you can best afford.
Tier A: $400.00 – Reflects most accurately the true price of camp
Tier B: $375.00 – Partially subsidized
Tier C: $350.00 – 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, call 319-435-2577 or email [email protected].
Registration Information
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | Minimum Deposit | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
06/14/27 - 06/18/27
Week 1 Game On!
|
$ 100.00 |
Registration Closed Opens on 10/15/26 |
|
|
06/21/27 - 06/25/27
Week 2 The Great Holiday Mix Up
|
$ 100.00 |
Registration Closed Opens on 10/15/26 |
|
|
06/28/27 - 07/02/27
Week 3 Toy Box Takeover
|
$ 100.00 |
Registration Closed Opens on 10/15/26 |
|
|
07/05/27 - 07/09/27
Week 4 Clash of the Kingdoms
|
$ 100.00 |
Registration Closed Opens on 10/15/26 |
|
|
07/12/27 - 07/16/27
Week 5 Superhero Showdown
|
$ 100.00 |
Registration Closed Opens on 10/15/26 |
|
|
07/19/27 - 07/23/27
Week 6 Lights, Camera, Wapsie!
|
$ 100.00 |
Registration Closed Opens on 10/15/26 |
|
|
07/26/27 - 07/30/27
Week 7 Battle for the Galaxy
|
$ 100.00 |
Registration Closed Opens on 10/15/26 |
|
|
08/02/27 - 08/06/27
Week 8 Once Upon A Wapsie
|
$ 100.00 |
Registration Closed Opens on 10/15/26 |
|
|
08/09/27 - 08/13/27
Week 9 Color Wars
|
$ 100.00 |
Registration Closed Opens on 10/15/26 |
Day Troopers
Day Troopers (entering 1-4 Grade)
Day Troopers is a Day Camp program at Camp Wapsie where our staff works closely with younger campers to help them make new friends, try new things, and enjoy their camp experience. The program is structured around age-appropriate activities and counselor support.
Troopers participate in many of the traditional activities that make Camp Wapsie special, including canoeing, archery, swimming, and more.
Wednesday Field Trip
Wednesday is a special day for Day Camp Troopers. Campers spend the day together at a local park enjoying activities designed specifically for their age group.
Camp Wapsie provides transportation for campers participating in the field trip. Families who choose to drop off and pick up their camper at Camp Wapsie are responsible for transporting their camper to and from the field trip location on Wednesday.
The specific field trip location and additional information will be provided to registered families in the month-out communication for their session.
Thursday Overnight
Thursday brings a special treat with an overnight adventure at Camp Wapsie! Campers enjoy dinner at camp, participate in an all-Camp Program, and experience an evening sleeping under the “Wapsie Stars” if weather allows.
Troopers may camp out in a variety of locations around main camp, such as the tennis courts, in tents, or in one of our rustic cabins. Counselors stay with campers throughout the night and are available to help campers who may need extra support.
If weather does not allow for a campout, Troopers will sleep in one of our lodges, sleepover-style, with sleeping bags on the floor.
The overnight is optional, though encouraged as a wonderful opportunity for campers to build independence and try new things.
If you do not wish for your child to stay overnight, you will need to pick your child up at Camp Wapsie at either 4:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. Thursday and return them to camp between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. Friday.
Busing is not available Thursday evening or Friday morning. Standard drop-off and transportation schedules will resume Friday afternoon.
Camper Arrival and Departure/ Busing Options
A bus is available for campers to be picked up and dropped off at the Helen G. Nassif YMCA (downtown) or Marion YMCA. Families may also choose to drop off and pick up their camper at YMCA Camp Wapsie.
Site Morning Bus Pick Up Afternoon Bus Drop Off
HGN YMCA 7:30 am 5:00 pm
Marion YMCA 8:00 am 4:30 pm
Camp Wapsie 8:45 am 4:00 pm
2027 PRE-REGISTRATION at 2026 Prices for returning 2026 campers:
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 Tier you can best afford.
Tier A: $400.00 – Reflects most accurately the true price of camp
Tier B: $375.00 – Partially subsidized
Tier C: $350.00 – 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, call 319-435-2577 or email [email protected].
Registration Information
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | Minimum Deposit | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
06/14/27 - 06/18/27
Week 1 Game On!
|
$ 100.00 |
Registration Closed Opens on 10/15/26 |
|
|
06/21/27 - 06/25/27
Week 2 The Great Holiday Mix Up
|
$ 100.00 |
Registration Closed Opens on 10/15/26 |
|
|
06/28/27 - 07/02/27
Week 3 Toy Box Takeover
|
$ 100.00 |
Registration Closed Opens on 10/15/26 |
|
|
07/05/27 - 07/09/27
Week 4 Clash of the Kingdoms
|
$ 100.00 |
Registration Closed Opens on 10/15/26 |
|
|
07/12/27 - 07/16/27
Week 5 Superhero Showdown
|
$ 100.00 |
Registration Closed Opens on 10/15/26 |
|
|
07/19/27 - 07/23/27
Week 6 Lights, Camera, Wapsie!
|
$ 100.00 |
Registration Closed Opens on 10/15/26 |
|
|
07/26/27 - 07/30/27
Week 7 Battle for the Galaxy
|
$ 100.00 |
Registration Closed Opens on 10/15/26 |
|
|
08/02/27 - 08/06/27
Week 8 Once Upon A Wapsie
|
$ 100.00 |
Registration Closed Opens on 10/15/26 |
|
|
08/09/27 - 08/13/27
Week 9 Color Wars
|
$ 100.00 |
Registration Closed Opens on 10/15/26 |