YMCA Camp Willson Outdoor Education allows teachers to enhance student learning experiences and add to their curriculum. Each program promotes students’ understanding of team building, nature and the YMCA Core Values — Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.
Outdoor Learning's Our Core
Our multi-disciplinary approach incorporates science, math and social studies with our natural classroom to give students a greater understanding and appreciation of nature. We have a wide array of curricula that take advantage of the various seasons of the year.
Raising The BAR For Youth
YMCA Youth Development programs empower youth to reach their full potential by fostering a sense of belonging, realizing and celebrating achievement and cultivating positive relationships. Our Youth Development programs are guided by our YMCA core values and take place in safe and inclusive spaces.
Our programs are intentionally designed to focus on our primary outcomes:
Belonging
Youth are respected and welcomed into a community where they can express their individuality.
Achievement
Youth build new skills, and their accomplishments are recognized.
Relationships
Youth form meaningful connections, promoting well-being and combating social isolation.
Core Values
Youth are guided by our Core Values: Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.
Safety
Youth are protected from physical and emotional harm.
Inclusion
Youth receive equal access to opportunities and resources.
Custom Program Design
Let’s Design Your Trip
Teachers, with YMCA staff assistance, choose the classes and evening programs that best suit the needs of their students. We provide all the materials for each program and orientations for parents, students and teachers.
Camp Facilities
Diverse Outdoor Areas
Our natural classroom comprises 500 acres of field and forest with a 40-acre glacier-cut lake, an 1860′s log cabin, a climbing wall and a high ropes course. The Giant Swing and Zipline are available for students in grades six and up.
Daily Schedule
Packed with Outdoor Fun
| 7:00 am Rise and Shine | 2:00 pm Activity Three |
| 8:15 am Breakfast | 3:15 pm Recreation And Transition Time |
| 9:00 am Recreation And Transition Time | 3:45 pm Activity Four |
| 9:30 am Activity One | 5:00 pm Recreation And Transition Time |
| 10:45 am Recreation And Transition Time | 5:30 pm Dinner |
| 11:15 am Activity Two | 6:30 pm Recreation And Transition Time |
| 12:30 pm Lunch | 7:00 pm Evening Activity One |
| 1:30 pm Recreation And Transition Time | 8:00 pm Evening Activity Two |
| 9:00 pm Get Ready for Bed & Goodnight! |
Dining
Delicious Camp Meals
We prepare delicious, well-rounded meals served buffet or family style. If other groups are at camp, you can expect to share all meals in Pettigrew Dining Hall. Please let us know if you wish to have an evening ice cream social.
Dietary Requests
We require two weeks' notice for special dietary needs. Please report the number of vegetarians, vegans, dairy-free or gluten-free people in your group and any other food allergies or concerns.
Availability
Find What Works For You
Our lodging, meeting space and programming fill quickly. We encourage groups to make reservations well ahead of time and accept bookings up to a year in advance.
Overnight Packing List
What to Bring to Camp
We suggest older play clothes and clothes that students enjoy wearing. Please pack all clothes in a drawstring, duffel or laundry bag. Pack toiletries, swimsuits, towels and shoes in a small backpack or day bag.
