YMCA Trout Lodge
& Camp Lakewood

Camp Lakewood Programs & Electives

Download a 2012 Camp Lakewood Registration Form

Mini Camp
(4 days, 3 nights)
Co-ed ages 6-8

Mini Camp is a closely supervised introduction to camping with lots of individual attention for first-time campers. We maintain a ratio of at least one counselor per four campers. Cabin groups experience some of camp’s traditional activities together, but kids also have the opportunity to choose a few activities on their own. Days are filled with games, pony rides, arts and crafts, nature, swimming and more. Understanding this is possibly a child’s first time away from home, our caring staff keeps the new camper safe and happy.

Tween Camp
(4 days, 3 nights)
Co-ed ages 9-10
Tween Camp is designed for the 9-10 year old first-time camper to try Camp Lakewood for just 4 days.  All our campers are the same age so every activity is geared for them. Swimming, boating, archery, arts & crafts, and campfires are just a few activities your camper will enjoy. Tween Camp is a fun, exciting and safe way to introduce your camper to a residential camp experience.

Pre-Teen Camp
(4 days, 3 nights)
Co-ed ages 11-12

Has your camper ever wondered where the music comes from early in the morning at camp? Well now they can find that answer for themselves as they enjoy a taste of East Camp and all the excitement across the lake. Your camper will stay in the camp cabins located on East Camp Hill complete with bath house, pavilion and the rustic camping we all loved as kids. This is a great introduction to East Camp for those campers who are interested in continuing their camping experience after Main Camp.

Traditional Main Camp
(7 days, 6 nights)
Co-ed ages 8-12

Upon their arrival, each camper is welcomed by our caring staff and introduced to their cabin mates for the week. Monday is spent building our camp community and choosing the campers’ clinics for the week.  Each camper chooses four clinics to participate in during the week.  Swimming ability and age prerequisites apply for some of our activities. The campers also gather as a cabin each day to play, learn and bond together while participating in activities like scavenger hunts and trail rides. After dinner, an evening program rounds out the day. During the session, each cabin will venture into the woods for an overnight, where they sleep under the stars and cook meals over a campfire.

Traditional East Camp
(7 days, 6 nights)
Co-ed ages 13 – 16

East Camp gives teenagers a summer camp experience without forgetting that the teen is growing into an adult. Campers’ days are filled with clinics of their choice such as windsurfing, golf, climbing and more. Friendship, fun, social interaction and teamwork are key components of the East Camp experience. All activities are facilitated by our trained camp counselors, with the goal of helping campers develop into great individuals while learning about our core values of Honesty, Caring, Responsibility, Respect and Faith. East camp is a place to make a positive impact on a teenager’s life, it is also a time for them to relish the joys of being carefree and young. East Camp cabins are rustic and campers use a centralized bathhouse with restrooms and showers.

Junior Rangers
(7 days, 6 nights)
Co-ed ages 10-12

The Junior Ranger program introduces our younger campers to the adventures of outdoor living. Cooking, map reading, shelter building, and working as a team are just part of the experience. Realizing that our younger campers still enjoy the camp experience, they choose two clinic options for the week.  Junior Rangers live in tents and spend each night in camp at a different location (sleeping accommodations may be adjusted for the weather).

Rangers
(7 days, 6 nights)
Co-ed ages 13-15

The Ranger Program is designed to help campers gain valuable wilderness skills. Each camper is taught how to cook over an open fire, build shelters and travel as part of a team. Rangers explore the outer limits of camp and spend the last days of their week planning and then implementing a camper-lead backpacking trip around Sunnen Lake. Under the guidance of our experienced staff, campers learn the basics of group camping, trip planning and “Leave No Trace” outdoor ethics. Ranger campers live in tents and spend each night in a different location around our beautiful acreage (sleeping accommodations may be adjusted for the weather).

Expedition Trips
(14 days, 13 nights)
Co-ed ages 15-17

Under the guidance of our caring and experienced staff, each camper will learn new ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Campers learn wilderness skills, take two off site trips and experience other adventure activities like the Alpine Tower and rappelling. During their two weeks, Expedition campers will go on a multi-night backpacking trip as well as a 4-night canoe trip on one of Missouri’s scenic rivers. Campers will have opportunities to test their abilities to camp in the woods, developing self-confidence and independence, and experience a unique kind of freedom. 

Trail Blazer Trips
(7 days, 6 nights)
Co-ed ages 15-17

Trail Blazers take week long adventures with our experienced staff members.  We offer two choices of trips: rock climbing or canoeing.

Rock Climbing in Southern Illinois
This weeklong adventure trip with our professional staff will lead campers through the basics of rock climbing. Campers will learn knot tying, camping gear basics and wilderness skills while at base camp. Then they will travel to beautiful Southern Illinois to experience some of the Midwest’s best climbing. The campers will use Giant City State Park as a base camp for bouldering, rock climbing and rappelling. Campers may use their own harness or belay gear, and they may bring climbing shoes and chalk bags.

Canoeing on the Current River
Explore the beautiful and scenic waters of the Current River in south central Missouri. Spend a week exploring the river with canoes while learning paddling techniques, “Leave No Trace” outdoor ethics, cooking over a campfire and making new friends. With plenty of excitement and natural splendor, this trip is a great way to explore the hidden adventurer within us all.

There are no prerequisites for these programs.

Leaders in Training (LIT)
(21 days, 20 nights)
Co-ed ages 16

Leaders in Training (LIT) is replacing the Leadership Development Program (LDP). LIT is a challenging camp experience designed for campers interested in becoming better leaders, or who want to take the first step toward becoming a camp counselor. The program is designed to build skills in cooperation, problem solving, and teamwork. LIT helps transition young adults from camper to counselor. The three-week program begins with training and teambuilding, including CPR and first-aid. Week two the LIT’s will complete a multi-day camping trip. The final week gives LIT participants the opportunity to assist and shadow counselors as they work with campers.

Counselor in Training (CIT)
(Up to 4 sessions)
Co-ed ages 17

The CIT program offers campers the opportunity to make the transition to counselor. It is not a prerequisite to have been a Camp Lakewood camper to participate in this program.

Counselors in Training (CIT) is a volunteer based program requiring an application. CITs learn and practice servant leadership skills and get hands on experience working with the staff and campers at YMCA Camp Lakewood. The Counselor in Training Program will help fine tune the CIT’s teaching and leadership skills and provide the CIT with the experience needed to apply for a staff position the following summer.

An application and interview are required for all CIT participants.

Click here to download a CIT application

Horsemanship Elective
(1-week)
Co-ed ages 10-16;
Available only to Main Camp and East Camp campers

This elective meets during two of the four clinic periods each day. Grooming, saddle, bridle, anatomy of the horse and Western riding are all taught in this introduction to horses and their care. Learn about breeds and characteristics, riding positions, commands, walking and trotting. There is an additional charge for Horsemanship. Campers who participate in Horsemanship are still active in the Camp Lakewood experience.