Fully-Immersive Camps
YMCA Camp Kern’s Fully Themed Camps are unique, fully immersive programs that give campers an experience that you can’t find anywhere else. From the second they arrive till the moment they leave, campers live and experience the adventures, challenges, and moments of their favorite characters and stories. A truly one of a kind experience!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR SUMMER Camp
In order to keep up with campers interests, our theme camps change each year, so don't be surprised if you don't see a camp available that was offered in the past!
If you have questions on our Fully-Immersive 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.
Dungeons & Dragons
Residential/Overnight Camp: Sunday - Friday
New program for 2023! Come along for a Medieval Camp Kern adventure like no other. Your fantasies will come to life as you build your character and work through the trials and tribulations that come in your path. A mysterious force is taking over, only the best can help defend Camp Kern and defeat whatever means it harm. Could that be you? There’s only one way to find out!
Availability
- Session 1
$735
May The The Force Be With You
Residential/Overnight Camp: Sunday - Friday
The First Order is back, and Camp Kern is in imminent danger! It is up to YOU to help us get rid of them! Join us for a full week of Jedi Training at the Jedi Academy of Camp Kern. Throughout the week, our Padawans will learn the ways of the Force, the art of the lightsaber, and how to calm their mind and trust their instincts. All these skills will be vital to help save our galaxy. At the end of the week, all Padawan campers will appear in front of the Jedi council to see if they have what it takes to call yourself a Jedi!
Availability
- Session 2
$735
Harry Potter is coming for an ENTIRE WEEK at Camp Kern!
Residential/Overnight Camp: Sunday - Friday
From the moment you arrive, until you check out on Saturday, you will cease to be a Muggle, and will enter the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as a student. Do you have what it takes to learn Potions? Are you ready for daily Quidditch practice? Do you know your spell book forwards and back?
Tons of activity, imagination, and fun will fill this week. Come prepared to immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter, while enjoying all that Camp Kern has to offer!
Availability
- Session 3
- Session 4
$735
Next level magic...become a Prefect!
Residential/Overnight Camp: Sunday - Friday
Are you ready to take the next step in your Hogwarts Adventure? Graduate to Prefect status and prepare to lead your House against a variety of challenges, from both inside and outside the walls of Hogwarts! Designed for those who have already attended Harry Potter Camp and are looking for the next challenge!
Availability
- Session 4
$735
New Program!
Residential/Overnight Camp: Sunday - Friday
Now that you’ve completed the quests that Percy Jackson camp has to offer, it’s time to be challenged by Teen Percy Jackson. These adventures are not just for any half-blood, only the best can be tested by the next level or destiny, puzzles, and monsters. Pack up your swords and gear because your next big quest is calling your name. It’s time to answer the call.
Availability
- Session 5
$735
Do you feel different?
Residential/Overnight Camp: Sunday - Friday
Have you always felt that you didn’t quite belong? Have things never seemed to look the same to you as they did to other kids? Does one of your parents seems suspiciously “god-like”? Then you are a great candidate for Camp Jupiter! Come spend a week at camp, training your body and mind into the hero’s physique you were build for. Daily quests, monsters to vanquish, and a god-written destiny await all who answer the call of heroes!
Availability
- Session 6
$735
Lord of the Rings
Residential/Overnight Camp: Sunday - Friday
New program for 2023! If you ever thought, you had what it takes to travel to Mount Doom, then now is your chance. The Fellowship of the Ring is looking for new members who are brave enough for the journey. This program is chock-full of challenges fit for the greatest heroes. If you’re tough enough, you may even impress the likes of Frodo, himself. There will be no shortage of adventure or second breakfast. Grab your cloak and see what magic is in store.
Availability
- Session 7
$735
Earn your oak leaf
Residential/Overnight Camp: Sunday - Friday
Immerse yourself in the world of Ranger’s Apprentice! This is a fully themed week where you will be instructed on horseback riding, trail riding, archery, tracking, survival skills, stealth and Ranger missions. If you love Ranger’s Apprentice, this officially-sanctioned camp will test your strength, loyalty and commitment. Defend the kingdom from Morgarath’s Wargals, Skandian Raiders, and the fearsome Temujai warriors. Come as an Apprentice. Earn your Silver Oak Leaf. Become a Ranger.
Availability
- Session 8
$735
Residential/Overnight Camp: Sunday - Friday
Hero's unite! With an upsurge of suspicious activity in the area, a new outpost of S.H.I.E.L.D is being established right here in Ohio! Come train with your favorite characters from the Marvel Universe and test your hero skills to see if you have what it takes to be an Agent of K.E.R.N (Kern's Enforcement & Reconnaissance Nation)!
Availability
- Session 9
$735
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
- Session 2
- Session 4 (Sold Out)
- Session 6 (Sold Out)
- Session 8
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