Overview
Over the years, we have heard time and
again that YMCA Camp Matawa is like
a second home to our campers and
their families. That is because we are committed to making sure every family
that chooses Matawa as “their camp”
has a positive experience from the first
phone call or handshake through the
last day of camp and beyond! We
understand that choosing a summer
camp is about more than just the
activities offered or the amenities
in the cabins. It’s about the promise
of helping kids grow in a safe and fun
environment. As someone who grew
up at Camp Matawa, I know the
impact that my weeks at camp had
on the person I am today. I’d love
to share with you how we continue
to impact campers in a positive way
and how we partner with you, as
parents, as you invest in your children’s
present and future! Please call camp
to set up a personal tour or to have any
of your questions answered! I can’t
wait to meet you and share my second
home with your family! In the Spirit of Matawa,
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Our Vision
YMCA Camp Matawa provides a welcoming atmosphere and a sense of home through our dedication to quality programming, outstanding service and inclusion. The Spirit of Matawa fosters relationships, builds character and creates memories that will last a lifetime.
Find out how we do it!
The Spirit of Matawa
Camp is more than simply a place for kids to get away from home, meet new friends, and have fun. It provides children with a community of caring adults who help build self-respect and appreciation for human value. For years, parents have reported that when their children return home from camp they are more caring, are more equipped to stand up for what they know is right, and are more responsible. Our mission at Camp Matawa is to change people in positive ways. Camp is about developing the life skills that help campers build and maintain positive relationships, become respectful and interested in the differences we all have, and feel confident in the person they are becoming. This is the Spirit of Matawa.
The First 24 Hours
At camp, we are committed to making sure every child who comes to camp makes friends and has a great time! We create a unique environment that fosters great relationships! Our outstanding staff focus the first 24 hours of the camper’s stay on creating a community with their cabin mates through team building, group games and good old fashioned fun! We have found that this early focus on building community reduces homesickness and behavior issues and provides a solid foundation for the wonderful friendships, skill development and amazing experiences campers have the rest of the week.
Our Outstanding Staff
At Matawa, we recruit from colleges throughout the country and the world.
In addition, we select a handful of very qualified high school seniors who
have been successful in our Counselor-in-Training program. All counselors
are chosen for their exceptional character and their ability to relate to
our campers. They work with the support of trained and experienced
administrative team members. All staff are CPR and First Aid certified and
receive additional training specific to their program areas at camp. Staff
also participate in over a week of staff orientation that focuses on several
aspects of youth development, including but not limited to safety, bullying
prevention, skill development and role modeling the four core values
of the YMCA: honesty, respect, responsibility and caring.
Progressive Programming
At Camp Matawa, campers are divided by age into three villages, each of which leads to a progressive experience at camp as your child grows. Under the direction of their Village Director, different activities keep camp fresh, while also providing campers with traditions they can look forward to year after year!
All are Welcome!
YMCA Camp Matawa strives to offer a positive experience for campers of all abilities and backgrounds. Through our Strong Kids Scholarship Fund, we offer financial assistance to families who might otherwise not be able to afford camp. Also, campers with disabilities are welcome to attend any session of camp during the summer. Finally, we hire highly qualified staff through international programs to add to the diverse camp staff! These examples of inclusion are just part of the welcoming atmosphere and opportunities we provide for campers to learn about people similar and different from themselves.
Pioneer Village- Ages 7-9
Pioneers are our youngest campers! We have set up the Pioneer schedule to further our goal of helping kids make friends and feel at home at Matawa. The “Pios” spend each morning at camp together, participating in a variety of camp activities! Weather permitting, Pios will have swim time every morning and then have the opportunity to choose from activities such as Arts and Crafts, Climbing Wall, Parachute Games, Nature Survival, GaGa Ball, Archery and much more! Spending time with other kids their age and the Pioneer staff gives these younger kids the opportunity to really get to know their counselors and peers. In the afternoon, Pioneers will choose one skill development activity to do for the whole week. On Wednesdays, while the older campers have campouts, Pioneers have their own cookout over a fire and enjoy games and s’mores before returning to their cabins to sleep.
Frontier Village- Ages 10-12
Frontier campers experience the most traditional action packed Matawa experience there is! Frontiers choose three skill development activities to do each day for the whole week, with options like Canoeing, Archery, Arts and Crafts, Climbing Wall, Alpine Tower and much more! Frontiers enjoy a Wednesday night campout where they put up tents and enjoy a delicious meal cooked over the fire, followed by lots of fun counselor lead activities in the woods. Generally the largest village on camp, Frontiers are filled with Camp Spirit and Frontier Pride!
Trekker Village- Ages 13-15
Trekker Village is the culmination of all that Camp Matawas traditional programs have to offer! Trekkers can choose from the same great activities as Frontiers, but also have opportunities other campers do not. Only Trekkers can go off site on the New Fane Mountain Biking trails, canoe on the Milwaukee River to Mauthe Lake, and visit the Advanced Archery site deep in the woods! Trekker Village activities, including an overnight in the woods, give the teens the opportunity to socialize and relax with the friends they have just met or those they have known for years!
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