Events

Outside of our regular programming, YMCA Camp Kern hosts numerous one-off events each year. Some are open to the public, some to alumni, some are just for fun, while others aim to raise funds for our Annual Campaign, so scroll through the details below and decide which event you'd like to get involved in!

Strawberries & Ice Cream

• When: 2025 Date TBD
  
• Cost: Free
• Who: Camp Alumni
  

Whether you were a former camper, counselor, staff member, family camper or guest of Camp Kern, we would love to see you at our annual alumni event, where we update you on all things Kern, introduce the new summer camp staff and reminisce about all the life-changing experiences we've had at our second home.

New Camper Orientation

• When: Summer 2025 Dates TBD
• Cost: Free
• Who: First-time Kern Campers & Their Families

Come out to Camp Kern for a day of family fun! Tours of camp, refreshments and summer camp food samples, and the entire camp to yourself are yours to enjoy. Bring the whole family for this free Sunday afternoon at camp. Summer Camp counselors will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, and to lead tours. No reservations required, just show up on the day! Formerly "open houses," these events have been redesigned and are now orientations geared toward registered first-time campers.

Seasonal Camps

The fun of summer camp all year long! We know that a lot of time passes between summers, and we want to make sure your camper has the opportunity to benefit from time spent at camp outside of the summer season! These seasonal weekends are a great opportunity for your camper to catch up with summer camp friends, experience all of their favorite activities, and make a whole new set of amazing memories.

Click the link to learn more about Seasonal Camp opportunities for youth in the Fall, Winter, and Spring:

Seasonal Camp Information

Golf Outing

• When:  September 30, 2024 at Shaker Run Golf Club
  
• Cost: Varies
• Who: Anyone

Honoring Bob Barr - Bob was a campre at YMCA Camp Kern in the 1930's and a staff member in the 1940's. Bob was one of camper's more consistent and passionate supporters over the next 50 years. We are proud and humbled to honor Bob's service to Camp Kern and the entire Dayton community. The "Enthusiologist Award" is given each year to to an area volunteer who best exemplifies Bob Barr's vision of service to the Greater Miami Valley.

A significant portion of the proceeds from our golf outing are designated to an important cause: sending kids to camp! Its success allows us to provide financial assistance to local children so they can experience a meaningful week of summer camp. Supporting this event means you directly support our mission work and make a difference in the lives of youth in our area. For more information, visit our Annual Campaign info page.

Camp Kern is extensive in both the programs we offer and the property we inhabit. We are always striving for our facilities to support our programming by providing a high standard of excellence in lodging, nutrition, and innovative forward-thinking program areas. A portion of this year's proceeds will also go toward helping us achieve our goals so we may exceed our campers' and groups' expectations. Come for networking and a good time! Invite a customer, bring a supplier, sign up with a friend or we can place you in a foursome. 

• Corporate Sponsor: $1,500 - Two Foursomes, large banner display, logo in event program, one hole sponsorship
• Spirit Sponsor: $900 - One foursome, logo in event program, sponsorship at one hole
• Cart Sponsor: $50
• Hole Sponsor: $275 - Sponsorship deadline September 13, 2024
• Golfing Foursome: $500
• Individual Player: $125

Entry Fee Includes:

• Golf outing gift
• 3 drink tickets
• Happy hour/ BBQ dinner
• Goodie bag
• Foursome photo
• A wonderful day playing golf at Shaker Run Golf Club!

Prize challenges include: Closest to the Pin, Hole-in-One, Longest Drive

Schedule of Events:

12:00PM - Registration

• Scramble

1:00PM - Tee Time

6:00PM - Reception

For more information or to register please call Todd Brinkman at 513-932-3756 ext. 1512 or click the link below to send him an email:

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Volunteer Workdays

We host several volunteer workdays throughout the year. Learn more by visiting our volunteer information page, linked below:

Volunteer Opportunities

Pre-Thanksgiving Feast

• When: November 24, 2024
• Cost: Free
• Who: Camp Alumni
  

The weekend before Thanksgiving can be a stressful time, so take a load off with our laid back Pre-Thanksgiving Feast. The Singerman Lodge will be filled with the aroma of the turkey and pumpkin pie, and we would love to share our feast with you and your family.

RSVP Coming Soon!

Arctic Dash

• When: Saturday, December 7, 2024
  
• Cost: 2024 Cost TBD
• Who: Anyone, Age 7+

More info on the 2024 Dash coming soon!

Challenge yourself and your friends or family to a 6k mud obstacle course through the grounds of Camp Kern. All proceeds go towards sending kids to camp next summer, and the 20+ obstacles will push you to your limit. With 11 years experience of organizing this event, we know how to make the whole process a breeze, while delivering on a high quality mud obstacle run. Arctic Dash...are you tough enough?!

Registration Coming Soon!