YMCA Camp Ernst Summer Camp

YMCA Camp Ernst Summer Camp serves campers ages 6 to 12. Campers make s’mores, visit the archery and slingshot range, go on hikes, visit the barn, and take part in evening programs. The program also lists summer camp, day camp, preschool camp, Family Camp Weekend, Weekend Ranch Days, Women’s Wellness, horsemanship lessons, Summer Ranch Camp, and weekend ranch programs.

Programs

• Traditional Camps Overnight Camp — Campers age 6 to 12 · Spring and fall; drop-off Saturday 11:00 am, pick-up Sunday 11:00 am · Campers stay in Lakeview Lodge and participate in camp activities with their cabin group during the day.
• Summer Camp — The site lists Summer Camp as a program area and says YMCA Camp Ernst has popular summer programs.
• Day Camp — Monday-Friday · Listed in the camp schedule as a sample day camp program.
• Preschool Camp — Monday-Friday · Listed in the camp schedule as a sample preschool camp program.
• Family Camp Weekend — Listed on the program page.
• Weekend Ranch Days — Listed on the program page.
• Women's Wellness — Listed on the program page.
• Horsemanship Lessons — Ages 7 and up; parent-child lessons ages 3 and up · Seasonally during spring and fall; four 1-hour lessons per month · Built for new and experienced riders.
• Single Lesson — Ages 7+ · Scheduled by request · $55 · One-hour lesson at Rockin’ E Ranch; maximum 200 lbs.
• Summer Ranch Camp — Listed on the horsemanship page.
• Weekend Ranch Programs — Listed on the horsemanship page.

At a glance

• Ages: 6–12 years old
• Price range: $55
• Current session: Alumni Homecoming Weekend (Sep 11–Sep 13, 2026); Camp-ish (Sep 18–Sep 20, 2026); All Abilities Day (Sep 20–Sep 20, 2026)
• General schedule: Overnight camp runs Sunday to Saturday with campers arriving Sunday afternoon, activities and evening programs Monday-Friday, and checkout Saturday morning. Day camp runs Monday-Friday with camper check-in at 9:00 am and check-out at 4:00 pm.

About the provider

YMCA Camp Ernst has operated since 1928, which is more than 90 years.

• Public Trail Rides — Listed on the horsemanship page.

For overnight camp, each cabin group has approximately 3 cabin staff and 12 campers. Campers are organized by age group. Day camp huddle groups have approximately 1 counselor and 12 campers. Horsemanship lessons are one hour long; beginner lessons are for ages 7-8 or minimal to no experience, and some experience lessons are for ages 9 and older. Maximum riding weight is 200 lbs. Cancellations for lesson sessions must be made at least two weeks before the start of the month’s lessons.

Last updated September 11, 2026.