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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.
Summer 2026 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 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.
Entering 8th-10th Grades
NEW TRIP ALERT
Operation Kindness is Wapsie’s volunteering opportunity for teenagers who are looking for some way to give back. In the week that we spend together, campers will have the opportunity to put their skills to use by doing volunteer projects for organizations or people in the community. We will spend the first night learning about our projects for the week, and then get started right away the next day. Throughout the week we will travel to the areas where our projects are located and camp at nearby campgrounds. Kids will experience Teamwork, Initiative, Leadership, and much more through this trip.
Entering 6th-8th Grades
NEW TRIP ALERT
Join us as we backpack Yellow River State Park! We will start the trip off by traveling to northeast Iowa and setting up camp in the Yellow River State Park campgrounds. Then after our first night we will begin our backpacking adventure, hiking to campsites that are only accessible by foot. We will carry all of our gear and food for two nights as we explore two different hike-in campsites. As we backpack across the landscape, there are countless landmarks to see including but not limited to, a historic fire watch tower and a bird sanctuary. This is a unique opportunity for rustic living, carrying our gear and necessities as we explore this protected area.
Entering 10th-12th Grades
NEW TRIP ALERT
The Northern Minnesota Expedition is a two week adventure through northeastern Minnesota. Throughout the trip we will explore the best deciduous forests, cascading falls, and geology that the midwest has to offer. In the first few days we will travel along the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers, stopping at state parks along the way to hike, climb, and camp. Traveling further northward, we will find ourselves on Lake Superior’s north shore. The pebble beaches and crystal clear water make for the best views! At the start of week two we will be at the northernmost point yet, Lake Vermilion. There we will explore the Vermilion-Soudan iron mines and learn about the geology of the iron range and the steel industry at the boom of the industrial revolution. We will end our two week adventure with a day trip to the Minneapolis Zoo and dinner in the city to enjoy and recollect the stories of our time together. Throughout this trip kids will have the opportunity to experience watching the sunset, sitting around the campfire, hiking forest trails, and experiencing nature with peers. Join us on this brand new Northern Minnesota Expedition!
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]
2026 Candy Sale
January 31 to February 21, 2026
YMCA Camp Wapsie’s Annual Candy Sale is a fun learning opportunity that helps campers build lifelong skills while earning money toward their 2026 summer camp fees. Through participating, youth gain confidence, responsibility, communication skills, and money management experience, all while working toward their own camp goals.
The candy sale is open to anyone interested in attending Camp Wapsie programs in 2026. Participants earn 45 percent credit for every case sold, which is applied directly to their camp account. Candy is checked out at designated host locations during scheduled times, with a parent or guardian completing a permission form at pickup.
Visit one of the Candy Sale Host sites below to sign up and get started. Questions can be directed to camp at 319.435.2577 or [email protected].
Candy Sale Sites and Times
Marion YMCA Helen G. Nassif YMCA
3740 Irish Drive 207 7th Ave SE
Phone: 319.377.7361 Phone: 319.366.6421
Tues/Thursday: 5:00-6:30pm Tues/Thurs: 5:30-7:00pm
Saturday: 9:30-11:00am Saturday: 9:30-11:00am
Iowa City Host McCord Home
4357 Treefarm Lane NE, Iowa City
Phone 319.331.3175
Wed: 4:30-6:00pm,
Saturday: 11:00-12:30pm
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 Wapsie, we believe great food is a big part of the camp experience! Our food service team focuses on Quality, Quantity, and Variety to keep campers fueled and happy throughout their stay.
Meals are typically served family-style, giving campers a chance to share, connect, and enjoy plenty to eat while learning table manners and cooperation. Throughout the week, we also mix things up with a few outdoor buffet-style meals and cookouts over the campfire, adding a fun twist to the dining experience.
Our experienced camp cooks prepare balanced, kid-friendly meals with options that fit a variety of tastes and dietary needs. We encourage campers to try the foods served at each meal—there are always several options on the table, so everyone can find something they like. Because of this variety, we don’t offer a second main option, but if a camper is unable to eat any of the foods provided, limited alternatives such as bread with sun butter or simple snacks like granola bars and fruit are available. We’ll always make sure every camper has something to eat.
Campers also take part in helping set and clear tables, learning teamwork and responsibility while we, and the leadership campers, take care of the cooking and dishes.
Campers with Food Allergies
To better accommodate campers with food allergies, we recommend that families consider registering their child(ren) for sessions held during the first few weeks of camp. During this early period, fewer allergens are typically present in the kitchen, which may help reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
Please note: This is a suggestion only, not a requirement. Campers with allergies are welcome at any point in the summer, and our staff, will continue to follow strict safety protocols throughout all sessions.
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.
LIT’s must be entering 10th or 11th grade and CIT’s must be entering 11th or 12th grade in the fall.