Day Camp at YMCA Camp Widjiwagan provides campers ages 5-16 a place to grow in character and confidence, learn new skills and make new friends, and be immersed in nature, away from screens. When your child attends Day Camp at Widji, they are encouraged to try new things without fear of failure. They are accepted, loved, and celebrated for who they are. At camp, kids learn to be the best version of themselves.
HELPING KIDS GROW
Camp Builds Strong Kids
INSPIRE CONFIDENCE
Camp is the perfect place to try new skills and gain new experiences in a safe, controlled environment under the supervision of trained staff. Campers are encouraged to take on new challenges, step out of their comfort zone, and make their own decisions. There is no failure at camp, just a first attempt with friends cheering the entire time.
FORGE FRIENDSHIPS
Whether your camper is coming to camp with friends or doesn’t know anyone at Widji, campers leave with lifelong memories and new friends for life. Throughout the week, campers take on new challenges together, work on teambuilding skills, and learn to make new friends.
EXPLORE NATURE
No phones and electronics is our favorite camp rule. Whether it’s Pathfinders discovering a fascination with rocks and sticks, or Wolves learning about fire building and cooking over a fire, Day Campers spend the week leaving their phones at home and being immersed in nature.
Sandcastle building at the lake while friends fly down the Wet Willie. A s’mores making contest. Unearthing hidden gems. Exploring nature. Talent shows and karaoke. Cannonballs at the pool. A snow cone party. No matter what’s on the schedule, the day will be full of fun, adventure, and magic. Note: Activities canceled due to weather may not be rescheduled.
Pack Group Activities
Day Camp activities vary by age but can include:
- Rock Climbing
- Giant Swing
- Geo Tower
- Zipline or Mini Zip
- Field Games
- KJ
- Pool Swim or Splash Pad
- Lake Swim
- Water Slides
- Archery
- Slip ‘n Slide
- Water Games
- Mining Co.
- Low ropes challenge course
- Fishing
- Sports
- Nature Hikes
- Mineshafts
- Outdoor Cooking
- Soccer, Basketball, Pickleball
- Big Game
- Karaoke
Timeline of a Typical Day!
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30-8:30 a.m. | Drop-off | For late drop-offs, stop by the office to check-in |
| 8:30 a.m. | Morning Assembly | |
| 9 a.m. | Activity Period 1 | Example: Arts & Crafts, Zipline, or Archery |
| 10 a.m. | Activity Period 2 | Example: Airnasium, Slip ‘n Slide, or Fort Building |
| 11 a.m. | Lunch or Love In A Big World | All allergies and dietary restrictions can be accommodated at camp, let us know when registering if you camper has special meal needs |
| 12 p.m. | Lunch or Love In A Big World | |
| 1 p.m. | Activity Period 3 | Example: Lake Swim or Giant Swing/Geo Tower |
| 2 p.m. | Activity Period 4 | Each Thursday, Packs participate in a themed Big Game which includes a specialty activity that changes each week |
| 3:30 p.m. | Snack & Afternoon Assembly | |
| 4:30 p.m. | Check-Out Begins | Early pick-ups must be done by 3 p.m. and scheduled in advance |
PACKS & AGE GROUPS
Your camper's new best friends!
From Bears to Wolves, each of Widji’s Day Camp age groups are referred to as "Packs." Each Pack is then broken down into small groups, which travel together, do activities together, and grow together as the week progresses.
PATHFINDERS
5-year-olds. Our youngest campers, Pathfinders must have completed kindergarten before beginning their camp journey. Pathfinders learn firsthand about the magic of camp through age-appropriate activities like pontoon boat rides, nature walks, fun in the splash pad, and arts & crafts.
BEARS
6-7 years old. Building on the Pathfinder experience, our Bears Pack start taking on new challenges such as banana boating and ziplining. Using the “challenge by choice” method, our staff encourage campers to step out of their comfort zone and try new things while being supportive and respecting boundaries.
BOBCATS
7-9 years old. One of our largest Packs, Bobcats are ready for a new adventure and to try new skills such as archery and rock climbing. Bobcats are the perfect age for camp magic while learning about the 4-Care Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.
EAGLES
9-11 years old. Eagle aged campers can participate in all camp activities and are encouraged to take on new challenges to find undiscovered skills and talents.
WOLVES
11-13 years old. Some of our oldest campers, Wolves learn to embody the 4-Core Values and be role models for our younger campers while taking advantage of all the adrenaline filled activities Widji has to offer.
CREW
13-16 years old. Our oldest day campers, CREW is designed for campers who want a blend of camp fun while also learning the skills it takes to be a future Widji team member. CREW campers learn about leaderships, decision making, and critical thinking while growing in self-confidence.
FIRST CAMP
6-7 years old. A perfect blend of Day and Overnight Camp, First Campers spend the first three days participating in Day Camp programming. On Wednesday, First Campers bring their sleeping bags and pillows to move into the cabins for a two-night stay. Friday afternoon, First Camp checks out with the rest of Day Camp.
STAFF
Setting the Industry Standard in Camp Staff
An exceptional camp experience starts with exceptional staff. We know you, as parents and guardians, don’t trust just anyone with your child, and we don’t either. Hiring only the best of the best, Widji ensures each staff member is up the high standards we hold for attitude, safety responsibility, and decision making while delivering a fun, magical experience to each and every camper.
CAREFULLY CHOSEN
Applying or even previously working at camp doesn’t guarantee a spot on the Widji team. The carefully selected staff are only the best, chosen specifically for their positive attitude, kids first mindset, safety and responsibility priorities, and their ability to create innovative, magical activities each day for campers.
THOROUGHLY TRAINED
Camp Widji’s staff training is one of the most thorough in the camping industry. In addition to Basic First Aid and CPR certifications, all staff are trained to help campers grow and have the best camp experience possible.
OUTSTANDING ROLE MODELS
Our staff aren’t just great counselors, they’re great people. Widji staff embody the 4-Core Values that we teach at camp everywhere they go, from school to jobs and internships. Our staff are role models both at and away from camp.
SKILL & THEME CAMPS
Going Beyond the Basics
SKILL CAMPS
From Sound Studio to Art Explosion, skill camps have a specific schedule that allows campers focus on a specific skill area each day. In addition to traditional camp activities such as swimming, skill camps aim to increase campers’ abilities in areas such as music, art, climbing, and more.
THEME CAMPS
Theme Camps allow campers to be fully immersed in a new world. From Princess Camp to Pirate Camp, theme camps take ordinary activities and turn them magical. Each theme camp has specialty programming that is unique to just that program, allowing theme campers to have a Day Camp experience unlike any other.