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.
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Overnight Camp Programs
For 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 6-9
A perfect 3-day, 2-night session for the first-time camper who wants a taste of camp life.
Traditional Camp, Ages 7-14
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.
Leader-In-Training (LIT), Ages 14-15
This two week program is for teens interested in developing skills in leadership, communication, team building, problem solving, and conflict resolution. Our leaders learn in the outdoors and around a campfire - playing games, taking challenges, and using their skills to mentor younger campers. Participants must be available for both weeks of the program and remain at camp during the weekend stay-over. An application and pre-session orientation is required.
Counselor-In-Training (CIT), Ages 15-16
This three week program is 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 take their roles as mentors seriously. Entry into the CIT program requires an application, interview and selection. A pre-session orientation is also required.
Mini-Camp, Ages 6-14
Get a taste of YMCA Summer Camp before the season begins! Children ages 6-14 will love exploring the outdoors in this 4-day, 3-night experience.
Day Camp
Featured Amenities
Basketball, 4-Square, and Hockey Courts
Gaga Pit
Bounce Pillow
Bouldering Wall
Archery Range
Canoeing & Kayaking
Indoor Climbing Wall
Climbing Tower & Zipline
Arts & Crafts Lodge
Baseball/Kickball Diamond
High & Low Ropes Course
Swimming Pool
Nature Study Lodge
Vegetable Garden
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 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 [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