Welcome to Camp Kenan!
Offering overnight, day, and first experience camp options, YMCA Camp Kenan provides children and youth with an opportunity to experience camp life, develop essential skills, and make lifelong friends. Situated on Lake Ontario in Barker, NY, Camp Kenan boasts more than 50 acres of land filled with adventures and scenic beauty for every camper to explore. Whether it’s mastering aim on the archery range, scaling the climbing tower, swimming, being challenged on the high or low ropes courses, hiking down wooded trails, or singing by the campfire, summer at Camp Kenan provides the ideal camp experience. For more information about Camp Kenan, click here to view our brochure.
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Overnight Camp Programs
For nearly 100 years, YMCA Camp Kenan has been a home away from home for thousands of youth. Overnight camp gives children and teens the opportunity to disconnect, build relationships, and have fun. We strive to develop a community where all of our campers feel safe, accepted, and free to try new challenges in the outdoors. Our hope is that each new camper leaves with a new friend, a new skill, and the confidence and caring to make the world a better place.
First Experience Camp, Ages 5-8
A perfect 3-day, 2-night session for the first-time camper who wants a taste of camp life.
July 5 - August 18
$310 (Members) | $360 (Non-Members)
Register
Traditional Camp, Ages 7-15
Enjoy our premier camp with a 6-day, 5-night experience that will create memories that will last a lifetime. Each week follows a different theme. Throughout their week, campers travel through camp as a group experiencing all YMCA resident camp has to offer.
July 2 - August 18
$485 (Members) | $535 (Non-Members)
Register (Boys) | Register (Girls)
Leader-In-Training (LIT), Ages 14-15
For teens interested in developing skills in leadership, communication, team building, problem solving, and conflict resolution. Our leaders learn in the outdoors, around a campfire, playing games, taking challenges, and using those skills to aid and mentor younger campers. Participants must be available for both weeks of the program and remain at camp during the weekend stayover. An application and pre-session orientation is required.
July 9 - August 11
$610 (Members) | $660 (Non-Members)
Register
Counselor-In-Training (CIT), Ages 15-16
For teens interested in learning & practicing skills necessary to become a successful and responsible camp counselor through skills sessions and direct work with younger campers. Participants must be available for all 3-weeks and remain at camp during the weekend stayover of their program. Because of the important work we do with youth at camp, CITs must take their roles as mentors seriously. Entry into the CIT program requires an application, interview and selection. A pre-session orientation is also required.
July 9 - August 18
$610 (Members) | $660 (Non-Members)
Register
Featured Amenities
Hockey & Basketball Courts
Gaga Pit
Soccer Field
Bouldering Wall
Archery Range
Canoeing & Kayaking
Indoor Climbing Wall
Climbing Tower & Zipline
Arts & Crafts Lodge
Baseball/Kickball Diamond
High & Low Ropes Course
Sand Volleyball Court
Swimming Pool
Bounce Pillow
Nature Study Lodge
Vegetable Garden
Day Camp Programs
Not quite ready for resident camp? YMCA Camp Kenan offers day camp for kids who want to experience camp without staying overnight. Parents can drop off at Camp Kenan, or take optional busing from the Lockport Family YMCA.
Traditional Day Camp, Entering grades 1-6
Campers have a terrific time throughout days filled with age-appropriate activities such as instructional and recreational swimming, arts & crafts, sports, games, outdoor activities, archery, rock wall, and more. Campers are divided into small age groups, each with its own staff, promoting individual growth and a sense of belonging.
Additional Details Coming Soon
Health & Safety Info
The health and safety of the children in our care is our top priority. The YMCA is committed to providing a safe and fun experience for your children by following guidance from the New York State Department of Health and industry best practices. Our overnight camps are required to be permitted to operate by the New York State Department of Health and inspected twice yearly. A Health Director lives on site, and our health center is equipped to care for temporary illness. Additional staff are certified in First Aid, CPR, and Lifeguarding, and receive training specific to camp program areas such as archery and the high and low ropes course.
Contact Camp Kenan
Camp Location
8571 Lower Lake Road
Barker, NY 14012
Business Office:
5833 Snyder Dr.
Lockport, NY 14094
P: (716) 434-8887
F: (716) 434-0227
Camp Kenan History & Tradition
Camp Kenan History & Tradition
The late philanthropist, inventor, humanitarian, and benefactor of many organizations in Lockport and elsewhere, William R. Kenan made it possible to establish the camp. The suggestion to develop a camp for children from the local area was made by John Tagg, the late general secretary of the Lockport YMCA, to Mr. Kenan.
Seven acres of land along Lake Ontario were acquired by Mr. Kenan in 1924, and the first camping season began. Although the facilities were primitive, it was deemed a huge success and plans were developed to expand operations the following year.
Generous grants were made each year by Mr. Kenan and are still made today by the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust and family to maintain, expand, and improve camp. These donations have made it possible to construct cabins for campers, build housing for staff, provide a dining hall, build a two-story recreation hall, provide program supplies, and recently rock the shoreline for erosion control.
Today YMCA Camp Kenan has over 53 acres and attracts hundreds of campers and their families each year. The Lockport Family YMCA and generations of campers and staff are forever grateful for the commitment the Kenan family has made to preserve and enrich the vision of William R. Kenan Jr.
Work at Camp Kenan
Are you interested in enriching the lives of WNY children through employment at Camp Kenan? Please send all employment inquiries to Jennifer Coe, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Kenan, at [email protected]
Group Outings at Camp Kenan
YMCA Camp Kenan is the perfect site for day, overnight, or weeklong outdoor education programs. Our flexible programming allows you to customize your experience. We offer everything from canoeing and swimming in the summer to snowshoeing in the winter. Team building activities and rock climbing are offered all year long. Amenities for your group range from renting the facility to all-inclusive packages which include meals, activities, and more! Our staff will assist your group to plan a program that meets your goals, reflects your values, and provides for your educational, recreational, and financial needs. To inquire, please fill out the form here