Family Camps- Seasonal and Summer
Family Connection Program- Seasonal- offered Spring and Fall
Join us at Y Camp for our family-centered program created to enjoy the outdoors and grow as a family!
Activities may include… Climbing Wall - Archery - Zip Line - Canoeing - Hiking - Fishing - Arts & Crafts - Sling Shots - Sports - Star Gazing- Campfires- Songs - and more!
Come out to camp and experience this unique program with us! We can’t wait to see you!
FALL Family Connection Dates- October 3- 5, 2025
Registration deadline: Wednesday, September 24 (pending availability)
SPRING Family Connection Dates- May 22- 24, 2025
Registration deadline: Wednesday, May 13 (pending availability)
Pricing
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Full Weekend Friday-Sunday: $100 per camper / $25 per camper under 3
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Saturday Only Day Pass: $75 per camper / $20 per camper under 3
Full Weekend: Check in Friday 5:00 -6:00 p.m., Check out Sunday 10:00 a.m.
Includes lodging, activities, all meals on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday.
Saturday Only Day Pass: Check in Saturday 9:00 a.m., Check out as late as 8:30 p.m.
Includes Saturday activities, lunch and dinner on Saturday.
What to Expect:
Program
Each family will receive a schedule, complete with times and days for planned activities such as archery, canoeing, climbing, crafts, hikes and more. Each day will end with time spent around the fire with music and s’mores. Additionally, we’ll offer hot meals at our Dining Hall. Specialty meals and dietary restrictions can be noted on the registration page. Our goal is to provide your family with a unique camp experience focused on connection, engagement and fun.
Facilities
All cabins are equipped with heating and air conditioning to ensure that you are comfortable during your stay. All 400 acres of the Y Camp grounds are open to you and your family throughout your visit. Y Camp also has Wi-Fi access available in various locations around the facility, allowing you to stay connected as needed.
Please note that cabins may be shared with other families depending on program needs and the number of registrations. We do our best to group families thoughtfully, ensuring that children are of similar ages to help create the best possible experience for all.
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Traditional Family Camp- Summer
Family Camp at the Des Moines Y Camp is a wonderful opportunity to focus on what matters most: the ones we love. Family is one of the strongest support systems we have and at Y Camp we believe that a healthy family starts with quality time investment. Thus, Family Camp was created.
This program spans generations, first running in the 1930s and drawing families from across the country and from many different backgrounds. During the week camp is open to you and your loved ones. You can relax poolside, hike the woodland trails with your family, take part in fun-filled evening programs, ride a horse at the Ranch and challenge your fears by flying down Y Camp’s zip line. The week is yours and you can choose your adventure with the ones you love!
Family Camp 2026 July 26- August 1
Mysteries of Y Camp!
Register Now
Start a new family tradition!
Many of our families have decided to make a trip to Family Camp a tradition. Generations of campers, from infants to grandparents, come to celebrate the bonds of family in a place that feels like a second home to all who come. Whether it’s your first time or your family’s 75th year at camp, the Des Moines Y Camp welcomes you with warm smiles and open arms. Be a part of something great!
Family Camp 2026 is July 26- August 1
There are many activities available to families who attend camp, all of which are open and available. Keep in mind that some may be age prohibitive to ensure safety. Program areas available are:
Arts and Crafts - Archery - Bird Watching - Canoeing - Climbing Towers - Disc Golf - Golf Tournament - Hiking - Capture the Flag - Evening Programs - Fishing - Riflery - Swimming Pool - Horseback Riding - Tie Dye - Zip Line - River Tubing - Sports and Games - Costume and Dance Party - Campfires and S’mores - Much More!
Interested in a viewing a sample of what your families week will look like? Email your request to ycamp@dmymca.org!
Family Camp Mayors & Theme
Each summer, Family Campers vote and elect a Mayor. The Mayor picks a theme and creates your experience with Y Camp’s help.
It’s a huge honor, a big responsibility and tradition to lead Family Camp as the Mayor.
This year’s Mayors is Kerri Parkhill and Family.
The theme for Family Camp 2026 is Mysteries of Y Camp!
Weekly Fees
$700 ages 13+
$650 ages 8- 12
$600 ages 4- 7
$150 ages 0- 3
Immediate family cap $3400 (family living in your household)
Overnight Guests- 3 + nights equals the weekly rate. (Overnight guests must be invited to stay in a reserved cabin.)
A $50/person deposit is required to register. You may return to pay at your convenience and the balance is due at the end of the week of Family Camp.
