CAMP WENONAH
Camp, like many Y programs, is about learning skills, developing character and making friends. But few environments are as special as camp, where kids become a community as they learn both how to be more independent and how to contribute to a group as they engage in physical, social and educational activities. Camp teaches self-reliance, a love for nature and the outdoors, and the development of attitudes and practices that build character and leadership—all amidst the fun of camp songs and games, nature hikes and challenges on the high and low ropes course.
Traditional Camp Wenonah
Week by Week information:
Week Dates Grades
Week 1 June 10-14 Pre-K, 5th-8th
Week 2 June 17-21 K-4th
Week 3 June 24-28 K-8th
Week 4 July 1-5 No camp
Week 5 July 8-12 Pre-K, 5th-8th
Week 6 July 15-19 K-4th
Week 7 July 22-26 K-8th
Week 8 July 29– Aug 2 Pre-K, 5th-8th
Week 9 Aug 5-9 K-4th
Week 10 Aug 12-16 K-8th
Theme Weeks
Week 1— Aloha to Summer
An “Island City” welcome to summer with cool island vibes of a tropical paradise.
Week 2— Mad Scientist!
Nature is full of science that we often don’t see. This week, campers will explore the awe-inspiring elements of science all around us!
Week 3— Passport to Another World
Camp Wenonah is all about exploration! Campers will explore a variety of cultures, experiencing camp traditions from all over the globe.
Week 5— Time Traveler
Ever wonder what Winona looked like hundreds of years ago? This week, campers will experience ancient civilizations, learning how past cultures thrived in the outdoors.
Week 6— Wet and Wild
Beat the heat with a week full of wet and wild fun! Campers will participate in a variety of activities focused on water, including kayaking, boat races, and so much more!
Week 7— Planet Earth Safari
Campers will be exposed to the incredible sites and sounds of the natural world, Through a deep look into all that nature can provide, this week will inspire and instill a respect for nature in all campers.
Week 8— Carnival Fun!
Come one, come all, we’re bringing the carnival fun to Camp Wenonah! Activities will include a variety of carnival style games, including designing your very own booth. The week will end with a day-long carnival, filled with food, prizes, and tons of games!
Week 9— Color Wars!
A splash of color to your summer– explore a bright
week of arts and games with us!
Week 10— Summer Challenge: The Ultimate Camp Experience
This week, we’ll blend elements from the entire summer that campers loved most, creating a series of activities that are sure to end your camper’s summer with a bang!
Junior Counselors
What is a Junior Counselor?
The Junior Counselor program has a long history at Camp Wenonah with decades of families coming through as both as campers and Junior Counselors.
As a Junior Counselor, youth commit to three weeks of Camp to serve as a counselor-in-training and support the growth of the program.
This free program for youth in 9th through 12th grade encourages Junior Counselors to learn how to facilitate programming with youth participants, develop skills in communication and problem solving, and learn all about the daily life of a camp counselor.
For students who have fond memories of summers spent at camp, Junior Counselors is a great way to gain a similar camp experience but in the capacity of a leader.
How does it work?
Junior Counselors must submit a Volunteer Application through the Winona Family YMCA to the School Age Director, Alexa Shapiro.
Alexa will conduct interviews with Junior Counselors, selecting a team of candidates to serve three weeks at a time.
Before camp begins, Junior Counselors must attend an orientation to meet their counselors and learn about their role as a Junior Counselor.
Junior Counselors are expected to be available to volunteer for three weeks at a time, with one half day off a week.
Camp runs from 8:30 am—4:30 pm, Monday-Friday.
Camp Weeks:
Session one: June 10-14, June 17-21, and June 24-28
Session two: July 8-12, July 15-19, and July 22-26
Session three: July 29-August 2, August 5-9, August 12-16
Junior Counselors can serve multiple sessions a summer, if desired.
*NEW Camp Wenonah Offerings!*
Adventure Camps!
Adventure Camps are for middle school and high school youth and focus on various forms of outdoor recreation, teaching the fundamentals of sports like rock climbing and canoeing. Come learn how to safely explore the outdoors with us this summer!
Middle School Camps
Week 2- Rock On! Camp: Outdoor rock climbing
Week 6- Wet and Wild Camp: Kayaking and canoeing
High School Camps
Week 3- New Heights Camp: Outdoor rock climbing
Week 7- Y Riders Camp: Mountain biking
Times: Drop off from 8:30-9:00 a.m. at the YMCA
Pick up from 12:15-12:30 p.m. at the YMCA
Rates: $65 Member & $90 Non-member
For more information, check out our program guide!
Happy Dancing Turtle Eco Camp
Happy Dancing Turtle -- a nonprofit that demonstrates and promotes sustainable living solutions -- is hosting an eco camp at Camp Wenonah that combines environmental education and summer camp! Happy Dancing Turtle believes a passion for stewardship begins with cultivating a love of nature and being outdoors. Eco Camps offer lessons, activities, games, stories, crafts, outdoor experiences and play. Campers learn about Minnesota plants, animals, renewable energy, gardening, composting, recycling, and how to be a responsible caretaker of our local environments.
Location: Camp Wenonah
Grades: Pre-K through 6th grade
Dates: June 10-14 for 3-4th grade
July 8-12 for 1-2nd grade
Aug. 5-9 for Pre-K through Kindergarten HALF DAY
Aug. 19-23 for 5-6th grade.
Times: Drop off 8:30 - 9 a.m. at the Y
Pick up for FULL DAY 4:15-4:30 p.m. at the Y
Pick up for HALF DAY 12:15-12:30 p.m. at the Y
Rates: Full day camp $145 for members and non members
Half day camp $75 for members and non members
Activities will vary by age group, but campers will have the opportunity to:
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Turn trash into treasure as we get crafty by reusing common household items
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Create animal habitats including bird houses/feeders, toad houses, and pollinator habitat
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Dive into predator-prey relationships in the food web through various games of tag
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Discover the wonders of animal adaptations with hide-and-seek games of camouflage, goofy dress-up costumes, and creative art activities
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Get our hands dirty as we learn about plants through gardening and forest exploration
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Go on daily nature walks to observe the flora and fauna of the area
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Gain basic outdoor skills through activities like fort-building and outdoor navigation
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Build our observation skills through interactive games, challenges, and writing activities
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Explore how to conserve our resource through interactive lessons, discussions, and science experiments on water, pollution, and consumer choices
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Most importantly, have fun while enjoying the great outdoors!
For more information, contact Nora Woodworth at ecocamp@happydancingturtle.org.
Location
YMCA Camp Wenonah is located on 140 acres just outside of the city of Winona.
Camp address: 31903 Camp Dr., Winona, MN 55987
For more information:
Contact Alexa Shapiro at
