YMCA Camp Kirkwood
Outdoor Education
YMCA Camp Kirkwood offers a wide range of classes that promote learning. Each of our classes helps students bring their textbooks to life through fun, engaging, hands-on experiences as they explore our 195 acres of nature.
We welcome schools and other learning institutions throughout the year. Our curriculum can be tailored to fit any age or grade from 1st through 12th. Teachers can fully customize their program schedules by picking classes that line up with lessons they are teaching in the classroom. Start planning your visit today by completing our interest form below!
Programs for Everyone
Come enjoy the great outdoors at camp or, for a limited time, allow our team to visit your class at school!
In School Program
Our in-school program is a fun, hands-on sneak peek of what we offer at YMCA Camp Kirkwood. We will teach lessons from a few of our outdoor education classes. You get to choose which classes!
Cost: Free
Time: 1-2 hours per classroom
Like what you see? Book your camp visit for the 2025/2026 school year.
*This is a promotional program running through April 2025.
Day Trips
Ready to jump right in? Book a day field trip at YMCA Camp Kirkwood!
Choose up to 7 different classes
Rates:
- With Lunch
- Student: $50
- Chaperone: $20
- Teacher: Free (must be teacher for class attending)
- Without Lunch
- Student: $40
- Chaperone: $10
- Teacher: Free (must be teacher for class attending)
Overnight Trips
Come spend a few days with us and get the full outdoor education experience!
Overnight Visit: 3 Days, 2 Nights
Rates:
-
Student: $145
- Chaperone: $80
- Teacher: Free (must be teacher for class attending)
Overnight Visit: 2 Days, 1 Night
Rates:
-
Student: $80
- Chaperone: $45
- Teacher: Free (must be teacher for class attending)
Day Classes
Forest Ecology
Explore the unique biodiversity of the forest. Learn tree anatomy and identification and discover the many benefits of trees.
Wilderness/Leave No Trace
Gain basic knowledge of bushcraft, fire building, leave-no-trace principals, and how to use our resources in creative ways.
Orienteering
Students will learn about different types of maps and how to use them along with a compass. They will determine bearing and distance through a variety of activities.
Pond Study
Discover what’s beneath the surface and all the life it holds. Learn about the unique habitats of ponds, their zones, and their importance in our ecosystem. *Students will get wet in this class as they explore the water’s edge. Lifejackets are provided.
Weather
Learn about the water cycle, weather patterns, cloud formations, and how to use several different weather instruments. You may even get the chance to be the camp meteorologist!
Animal Adaptations/Tracks
In this class, we will discuss the many different adaptations of our wildlife and learn how to identify what animals are living at camp by looking at tracks and scat.
Creeping Crawlers
It’s a bug’s life! Get up close and personal with these tiny and not-so-tiny bugs as students learn to classify, characterize, and identify different types of insects and arachnids.
Night Classes
Campfire Folklore
A great way to end the day. Sing silly songs, roast s'mores, listen to stories around the crackling fire, and laugh at skits preformed by students and staff.
Night Nature
Students will get the chance to learn about nocturnal species and how they use the 5 senses to navigate the dark.
Stars and Constellations
Learn how the earth’s rotation and orbit affect what we see in the night sky.
Brain Twister
This class will challenge students to get creative, work together, and use STEM to create a lander that will survive a drop.
Mystery Night
Let us surprise you with a fun and creative activity your students will love!
Other Classes/Activities
- Team Building
- Archery
- Boating
- Tree Climbing
- Zipline
- V Swing
- Power Pole (ages 10+)
Contact
Lex VonBrockdoff,
Director of Camping and Outdoor Education
910-726-9789 Ext. 291
