Teen & Leadership Camps
YMCA Camp Kern prides itself on programming which helps develop our teens and campers into the future leaders of tomorrow. These programs focus on character building, leadership development, teamwork, and challenging oneself physically, mentally and emotionally. Whether your camper is looking to grow into one of the future leaders of Camp Kern or become a leader in the community, YMCA Camp Kern's leadership camps has a program for them. Each of the programs listed below offers something a little above and beyond a traditional week at camp, but they all share a focus on giving experiences and memories that will help teens and campers succeed in the future. Looking for Teen Equestrian programs? Click here.
If you have questions on our Teen & Leadership camps, please contact MacKallie Householder, Teen & Family Director, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (513)932-3756 ext. 1530.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR SUMMER camp
Residential/Overnight Camp: Sunday - Friday
This newly redesigned program is designed for the camper who has a spirit for adventure and is ready to take on new challenges. Test your sense of adventure while tackling challenges like our high ropes course, 9-mile canoe trip, and other numerous high adventure activities!
Availability
- Session 1 (Sold out)
- Session 3
- Session 5
- Session 7
- Session 9
$710
Residential/Overnight Camp: Sunday - Friday
Back by popular demand! Challenge yourself to a week of living in the outdoors while competing with and against friends. Living quarters will be rustic, challenges will be difficult and the opportunities to build character and meet new friends will be endless! At the end of each session, we’ll name Kern’s Ultimate Character Survivor, who will receive a free week of camp the next summer.
Availability
- Session 2
- Session 6
$710
Residential/Overnight Camp: Sunday - Friday
Teen Survivor is back! This is the ultimate program to test yourself, make lifelong friends, and experience Camp Kern in a way you have never imagined! Challenges will be greater and Survivor will have a brand-new home! What challenges await you? Who will be this year’s Ultimate Teen Survivor?! The prize is still the same: a new and improved self-image, along with a free week of camp for the week’s winner.
Availability
- Session 4
- Session 8
$710
Learn to be a Leader!
Residential/Overnight Camp: Sunday - Friday
The LIT program develops group dynamics, problem-solving, and the camping skills we look for in future staff members. While living in the rustic Brisben village (No A/C) campers will grow in character and appreciation for camp by participating in this program. LIT’s will participate in team building and character development activities that help them to learn more about themselves and different leadership styles. Ultimately, LIT’s will leave their mark on camp by being having a hand in leading activities and participating in a group-designed service project for camp. This training is a steppingstone for teens who are interested in transitioning into future leaders, but still enjoy the magic of being a camper.
Session 2 (June 11-16): All spots for girls sold out, waitlist available
Availability
- Session 2
- Session 4
- Session 6
- Session 8
$665
Weeks of Growth!
This program is an opportunity to enhance and develop self-confidence, self-awareness, communication skills, tolerance for adversity, and personal leadership style. New to this summer, with successful completion of their first two weeks, participants stay for a third week of camp. Your training as a CIT will begin with a full week focused on team building, leadership skill development, and learning behavior management skills with your peer CIT’s. This program offers endless possibilities to be a positive role model and to make new friends. We ask you to push yourself to experience the real magic of camp! To take part in the CIT program, campers will require two references and take part in an interview process. Learn more here!
2023 CIT Sessions:
CIT-A: Sessions 1-3
CIT-B: Sessions 3-5
CIT-C: Sessions 5-7
CIT-D: Sessions 7-9
Availability
- Session 1 (Sold out)
- Session 3
- Session 5
- Session 7
$940 for three weeks
Fun All Weekend Long!
Want to experience the magic of camp for two weeks or more in a row? Stay the weekend in between at Kern! The weeks must be consecutive weeks at camp. All campers laundry is cleaned in between weeks. Only available to campers attending weeklong residential camp programs. Weekend Stayovers are not available for campers attending Kern Day Camp, First Camp, Taste of Kern, Boots & Bits Day Camp, or Frontier Village programs.
Space is limited!
The following Weekend Stayovers are planned for summer 2023 (main activity/attraction subject to change):
Sessions 2-3: King's Island SOLD OUT
Sessions 4-5: River Rafting w/Morgan's Outdoor Adventures SOLD OUT
Sessions 6-7: Cincinnati Reds game SOLD OUT
Sessions 8-9: Lazer Tag
Availability
Free
2023 Summer Camp Sessions
Session 1: June 4-9
Session 2: June 11-16
Session 3: June 18-23
Session 4: June 25-30
Session 5: July 2-7
Session 6: July 9-14
Session 7: July 16-21
Session 8: July 23-28
Session 9: July 30-August 4