YMCA Camp Ernst

Overview

Helping people grow in spirit, mind, body, and friendship since 1928. YMCA Camp Ernst is the most popular summer camp in the Greater Cincinnati area. Steeped in tradition and built on the YMCA values of honesty, caring, responsibility and respect, Camp Ernst hosts campers who enjoy top-notch counselors and make friends, doing a wide variety of activities including our ropes course, 100 ft waterslide, archery, horseback riding, and much more!

Week Long Sessions: Campers ages 6 to 15 enjoy week long overnight sessions from Sunday until Saturday during June, July, and August. Campers stay in cabins with top notch counselors and enjoy all the fun activities Camp Ernst has to offer, including the lake, ropes course and traditional camp activities.

Lakeview Campers (Grades 1-4 ): Lakeview campers will live in the Lakeview Lodge, which has all amenities under one roof. While Lakeview campers participate in the typical camp activities with their cabin and counselors, they will also engage in special traditions, which add a wacky twist to each day. These include Monday Night Madness, Word of the Day, and Wheel of Wonder.

Valley Campers (Grades 4-7): The valley is divided into two separate camper units; Red and Yellow. Campers live in traditional cabins and have meals served from the historic dining hall. Campers will have fun and build friendships while participating in all the typical camp activities, such as the ropes course, lakefront, and traditional activities like Archery and slingshots. Campers and Staff take pride in the valley, with traditions like themed evening programs, and vespers make each evening full of fun.

The Leaders In Training (LITS) (Grades 8-10): The LIT program is designed for our oldest campers. Campers will live in the Loft and Longhouse, cabins designed to foster community. Campers will have fun and build friendships while participating in all the typical camp activities, such as the ropes course, lakefront, and traditional activities like crafts and the rec hall. In addition to traditional camp activities, LITs enjoy traditions like the crike, dodgeball, and a favorite…the LIT After Party.