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 an unforgettable camp experience. 

Thank you to all of our campers for celebrating 100 years of Camp Kenan in 2024. We will update this page with information about 2025 summer camp in late-fall. If you are interested in a group outing at Camp Kenan, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page. 

24CK ACA Accreditation

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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.

Camp Location

8571 Lower Lake Road
Barker, NY 14012
P: (716) 469-1272
email: [email protected]

 

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.

Interested in YMCA Overnight Camp?

Are you looking for more information about YMCA Overnight Camp? Please fill out the form below and our team will contact you.

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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 [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