About Camp Oakes

Explore Camp

Every summer, YMCA Camp Oakes provides the experience of a lifetime for nearly 6,600 campers. Organizations such as scouts, churches, schools, and those with special needs participate in a variety of activities at our year-round camp and conference center. But such services and programs don't just happen. They depend heavily on support and contributions from the community. Without that assistance, there simply is no Camp Oakes.

The Camp Oakes Experience

In keeping with the traditions of the YMCA, campers enjoy the spiritual up-lift that spending time up in the mountains can bring. Daily chapel (non-denominational), as well as nightly devotions, reinforce what it means to "be a good person," campers develop values and character, demonstrate how campers can bring that meaning to their everyday lives, and emphasize the foundations of the YMCA--Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.

YMCA Camp Oakes makes it a priority to make sure that no camper ever feels left out. All activities are led with respect for all individual beliefs and faiths in mind. Participation is open to everyone without regard to sex, age, race, religion, handicap or national origin.

A number of camp activities are open for participants to enjoy. The swimming pool, lake canoes, archery, fishing, and our 30 foot climbing tower are available as is the Camp observatory for star gazing. Many enthusiasts choose to bring tents, RV's and trailers for their stay. Meals are offered in the dining hall and snacks are available at the Camp Store. At night Bose Hall has white lights for the non-astro-minded who want a place to gather.