YMCA Camp Lakewood’s co-ed summer overnight camp for kids ages 6-17 of all abilities and located 90 minutes south of St. Louis, provides a well-rounded experience for campers by getting them outdoors while having fun, making new friends and learning new skills. With a 360-acre lake, 5,200 wooded acres, caves, creeks and more, there are many opportunities for adventure, natural exploration and experiential learning.

We offer 5-night camps, 3-night mini-camps, and multi-week leadership camps. We also offer wilderness and equestrian camps.

YMCA Camp Lakewood prides itself on its culturally diverse staff, who bring with them experiences and insights about these cultures, as well as counselors from right here at home. Campers gain knowledge of the world around them, all within the safe and trusted environment of the Y. The absolute number one priority of the entire camp staff is safety. It’s in everything we do, and at all times. When you bring your child to us, they will be cared for like one of our own – this is a job we take in all seriousness, even when the camp pictures show lots of smiling faces of kids and counselors having an amazing time together doing the coolest activities.

While campers are engaged in all of the awesome activities that one expects at a premier camp – sports, horseback riding, arts & crafts, caving, climbing tower, tennis, volleyball, yoga, swimming, canoeing and much more, they are also learning the ABCs of camping: Accomplishment, Belonging and Character. Children are encouraged to set, accomplish and even exceed goals they set for themselves with pride that they accomplished goals that they didn't think they could. They create close friendships (many lasting) and learn about being respectful and tolerant of others’ thoughts and opinions. Kids wake up each morning with a sense of excitement as to what new things each day at camp will bring.