A week at Camp Kanata overnight camp is like no other week during the summer.
This week is filled with new experiences like learning how to canoe or going down the double water slide for the first time. New friends and new challenges shape campers into confident, independent people.
Camp Kanata campers choose their daily activities and their counselors help them set and reach goals such as earning a higher swim band or conquering a fear of heights on the Alpine Tower.
Camp is set on 150 acres of woods, trails, fields and cabins surrounding the lake. We are a classic summer overnight camp for kids ages 6 - 15 and our focus is connecting campers to the outside, natural world through shared experiences.
We have a no-electronics policy that allows campers to be their real, authentic selves. Campers connect with each other face-to-face and friend-to-friend during activities, meals and evening cabin time.
Join our mailing list to get the latest news about registration and other Camp Kanata events.
Activities
Camp Kanata is full of activities like racing down our double water slide, or paddling a kayak on the lake, or casting a line. Campers can climb the Climbing Wall, play ultimate frisbee or take a hike with friends and counselors.
Beaver Dam
For an additional fee, campers ages 12 - 15 can take a half-day trip to Beaver Dam for an afternoon of kayaking. Campers and trained staff often spot animals and there are breaks for exploring. Everyone eats a picnic lunch on the lake. There is an additional fee for this excursion and sign-up happens during overnight camp registration.
Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking is a fun way to explore Camp Kanata’s hills and pastures. Our bicycles and helmets are available for campers ages 12 - 15. Instructors assist campers with learning basic biking skills, safe maneuvers and tactics and general maintenance. It’s a great activity to explore some of the unexplored parts of camp under the supervision of an instructor. Mountain Biking is available for an additional fee, and sign-up happens during overnight camp registration.
How Much Fun Did You Have Today?
A week at Camp Kanata is like no other week during the summer. Discover the place where kids can be kids, where days slow down, one week goes fast and real connections and friendships are built.
Packing List
Check out the summer packing list to make sure your camper has all they need while at Camp this summer!
2025 Overnight Camp Sessions
It's the first week of Camp and it's Pirate Week.
Weekly Add-On Activities (Ages 12 - 15)
Beaver Dam Kayak Trip: $118
Mountain Biking: $118
Stayover Option
Stayover Option: $94
Stayover is for campers who are registered for two or more consecutive weeks. This allows them to remain at Camp between sessions.
It's week 2 and Jungle Week.
We will be hosting the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) for any campers that are particularly sensitve to gluten.
Weekly Add-On Activities (Ages 12 - 15)
Beaver Dam Kayak Trip: $118
Mountain Biking: $118
Stayover Option
Stayover Option: $94
Stayover is for campers who are registered for two or more consecutive weeks. This allows them to remain at Camp between sessions.
It's week 3 and Stars and Stripes Week. This is also the Kanata Cup Soccer Tournament week.
Weekly Add-On Activities (Ages 12 - 15)
Beaver Dam Kayak Trip: $118
Mountain Biking: $118
Stayover Option
Stayover Option: Not Offered
It's week 4 and Beach Blast Week.
Weekly Add-On Activities (Ages 12 - 15)
Beaver Dam Kayak Trip: $118
Mountain Biking: $118
Stayover Option
Stayover Option: $94
Stayover is for campers who are registered for two or more consecutive weeks. This allows them to remain at Camp between sessions.
It's week 5 and Super Hero Week. It's also the Kanata Bowl Football Tournament.
Weekly Add-On Activities (Ages 12 - 15)
Beaver Dam Kayak Trip: $118
Mountain Biking: $118
Stayover Option
Stayover Option: $94
Stayover is for campers who are registered for two or more consecutive weeks. This allows them to remain at Camp between sessions.
It's week 6 and it's Christmas in July Week.
Weekly Add-On Activities (Ages 12 - 15)
Beaver Dam Kayak Trip: $118
Mountain Biking: $118
Stayover Option
Stayover Option: Not offered
It's week 7 and it's Legends & Lore Week. This week is also the Kanata Madness Basketball Tournament.
Weekly Add-On Activities (Ages 12 - 15)
Beaver Dam Kayak Trip: $118
Mountain Biking: $118
Stayover Option
Stayover Option: $94
Stayover is for campers who are registered for two or more consecutive weeks. This allows them to remain at Camp between sessions.
It's week 8 and it's Space Week.
Weekly Add-On Activities (Ages 12 - 15)
Beaver Dam Kayak Trip: $118
Mountain Biking: $118
Stayover Option
Stayover Option: $94
Stayover is for campers who are registered for two or more consecutive weeks. This allows them to remain at Camp between sessions.
It's the last week of camp and it's Blast from the Past Week.
Weekly Add-On Activities (Ages 12 - 15)
Beaver Dam Kayak Trip: $118
Mountain Biking: $118
Stayover Option
Stayover Option: Not Offered
Questions
7:15 a.m. Reveille
7:45 a.m. Chapel
8:00 a.m. Breakfast
8:45 a.m. Cabin Clean Up
9:00 a.m. Activity 1
10:00 a.m. Activity 2
11:00 a.m. Activity 3
12:00 p.m. General Swim/Cabin Time
1:15 p.m. Lunch
2:00 p.m. Rest period
3:15 p.m. Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda (SWC)
4:15 p.m. Camp Store
4:45 p.m. General Swim
6:15 p.m. Dinner
7:00 p.m. Cabin Time
7:30 p.m. Evening Program
8:30 p.m. Back to Cabins
9:30 p.m. Taps/Devotion
10:00 p.m. Lights Out
At Camp, we focus on creating a positive and unique experience for all campers. Due to the unique nature of the open-air cabin environment and the limited space available, keeping cabins tidy and free of food is important for the health and safety of all.
To prioritize fairness and equity in our community, we recommend adhering to the guidelines of the packing list and sending your camper with all the items they need to have a successful session.
Withholding from mailing additional items allows for a fun, positive and equitable experience for all campers.
Starting in the Summer of 2025, YMCA Overnight Summer Camps will be adhering to the following Care Package Agreement:
We ask that campers follow the packing list provided by Camp, only bringing items listed.
If an item is needed by a camper while at Camp, a parent/guardian is asked to contact the Camp Office regarding approval and to obtain instructions for shipping or dropping off necessary items.
To ensure all contents adhere to the agreement, all packages will be opened by Camp Personnel before being delivered to campers.
Packages containing items that have not obtained prior approval, or are not on the packing list, will be returned to the sender at the expense of the parent/guardian at Camp’s discretion.
Letter mail is accepted and encouraged.
(Updated January 2025)
You can also send "letters" using our Kanatagram email service. This is a free service and letters are printed and distributed to campers daily.
All personal gear is brought at your own risk. Camp Kanata is not responsible for lost or broken items.
Please leave the following items at home:
- Cellphones
- Smart Watches
- iPad/tablets/laptops
- Knives/firearms/lighters
- Music player/TV
- Pets
Camp Store is our afternoon snack period! Everyday after Shoulda Woulda Coulda, Campers gather in the Dining Hall for a snack. On Fridays, you get a very special treat for the last day of Camp!
Money is not needed for Camp Store.
During Gluten Free week, June 22-28, we partner with the Gluten Intolerance Group at no additional cost. GIG provides extra assistance to the kitchen when handling gluten-free meals.
All other weeks, the kitchen adheres to the following protocols:
- Gluten-free food will be prepared in a separate oven that is not used for any other purpose.
- Fried items will be oven-baked to avoid cross-contamination.
- Gluten-free food items will be plated separately and delivered to each camper.
- Staff will be coached on ways to prevent cross-contamination during food service at the table.
- For cookout nights, separate roasting sticks will be provided.
Overnight Camp Team
Financial Assistance
Everyone has a place at Camp and every camper enriches the lives of those around them and the quality of our programs. Thanks to our Annual Campaign, we offer financial assistance. Interested families must first register for a program, and then complete the financial assistance application below. We encourage all who feel they need assistance to apply.
