YMCA Camp Wapsie

10/16/2026

YMCA Camp Wapsie is proud to welcome campers for a fun and meaningful summer experience each year. Even as our programs continue to fill, we are committed to listening, learning, and understanding the perspectives of parents and families.

We have partnered with students at the University of Iowa to study camp attendance and a survey to parents who have and have not had children attend Camp Wapsie is part of the process. 

We ask for 10 minutes of your time to complete the survey at the link below. Our deadline is October 28. 

Thank you in advance for helping us making YMCA Camp Wapsie the best choice for summer! Your feedback is valuable and will help us continue to strengthen the camp experience and ensure Camp Wapsie remains a place where every child can grow, connect, and thrive. Thank you for taking a few moments to share your thoughts with us!

Survey Link: https://uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_063uPq9Xsa0p4pg

10/14/2026

It’s all about camp!

10/14/2026

☀️ Day Camp Update + Pre-Registration Reminder! ☀️

We have one important update for Day Camp families to share before pre-registration opens. Beginning this summer, Day Camp will be limited to a maximum of THREE sessions per camper.

This change will help us give more children and families the opportunity to experience all the fun, friendships, and Wapsie Magic that Day Camp has to offer!

If a camper is registered for more than three sessions of Day Camp, any registrations beyond the limit will be canceled. A camper may do 3 weeks of Day Camp plus overnight weeks. Please plan your registration accordingly!

📅 Don't forget: Pre-Registration begins TOMORROW!

We can't wait to welcome everyone back for another summer of Wapsie Magic!

10/13/2026

📣 Calling all high school students!

We shared this with our email subscribers recently, but realized we hadn’t shared it here yet! With the October 15 deadline quickly approaching, we don’t want anyone to miss the opportunity to apply for the Summer 2027 Wapsie Leadership Development Program!

Our Leader-in-Training (LIT) and Counselor-in-Training (CIT) programs give teens the chance to build leadership skills, learn from experienced mentors, practice leading activities, and grow in confidence and responsibility, all while enjoying another summer at Wapsie!

Who can apply?
💚 LIT: Students entering 10th or 11th grade in fall 2027
💚 CIT: Students entering 11th or 12th grade in fall 2027

⏰ Apply by October 15! Applications received after October 15 will be placed on a waitlist and considered after the first round of selections.

Know a teen who would be a great fit? Share this post with their family!

📝 Learn More & Apply here: https://www.crmetroymca.org/summer-camp/

10/12/2026

Join us for a peaceful weekend at the Wapsie Adult Reading Retreat this weekend (October 16th - 18th)! Enjoy plenty of dedicated reading time alongside fun optional camp activities.

Questions or ready to register? Contact us at (319) 435-2577 or email [email protected]

We can't wait to see you at camp!

10/10/2026

Sometimes, one of the best things we can do for ourselves is step outside.

Take a walk. Get some fresh air. Watch the sunset. Sit around a campfire with friends. Put your phone away for a little while and give yourself the chance to slow down.

Getting outside is one of our favorite ways to reset on a difficult mental health day, and it's one of the many reasons we believe so strongly in the power of camp.

For teens especially, out door adventures can be so powerful. It's about learning to work as a team, solve problems, navigate challenges, build independence, and gain confidence along the way.

🌲 Our Summer 2027 Adventure Trip schedule is here just in time for Pre-Registration to start next week for returning campers! From exploring new places to taking on challenges beyond the backwaters, these trips give teens the chance to grow, connect, and discover a little more about themselves along the way.

This World Mental Health Day, we encourage you to find a little time to get outside. Take a walk with a friend, explore somewhere new, or consider giving your teen the opportunity to experience an adventure of their own.

And remember, checking in on ourselves and each other matters, too. It's okay to have hard days, and it's okay to ask for help when we need it.

Sometimes, a little fresh air is a good place to start. 💚

10/09/2026

How is it already time to start planning our next summer at Wapsie?!

It feels like just yesterday we were saying our goodbyes, packing up for the season, and promising to see each other next summer. And now, that next summer is getting a little closer!

It's time for our previous campers from last summer to get the first chance to register and lock in 2026 prices before registration opens to everyone else.

📅 Save these dates:
Y-Member Registration: January 25–31
General Registration: February 1

👀 Returning campers, you can get a sneak peek at next summer's themes when you log into your registration account! Everyone else, hang tight. We'll be sharing our Special Day themes soon!

If Wapsie is part of your summer tradition, now’s the time to start dreaming about your next visit.

10/09/2026

Look at this amazing camper and staff alumni Elizabeth Kolln out in her community!

See something an alumni is doing out in the world? Let us know!

🌱 MEET THE TEAM!

👋 Name: Elizabeth Kolln

🩺 Position: Clinical Research Assistant

💚 What helps Elizabeth GROW?: I do many active hobbies outside of work to keep myself fit, socialize, and take my mind off work responsibilities! These hobbies include aerial classes at the Commonwealth Circus Center in Jamaica Plain and a volleyball league through Volo Sports in Somerville. I have so much fun keeping active at these activities each week!

10/01/2026

Today is International Music Day! Here is a video of a part of our closing fire from this summer singing "First Day Smile” aka “Carl’s Song”. This song means a great deal to the camp staff.

Music, and singing together is a big part of our community at Wapsie!

09/21/2026

Another fun filled retreat weekend! We love hosting and being part of such meaningful programs! ❤️

Super weekend with our Iowa Superheroes ❤️💙