Our beautiful natural setting, knowledgeable and friendly staff, and close proximity to many natural wonders make Lake Wenatchee YMCA Camp the perfect place to hold your school's next Outdoor Environmental Education Retreat. The month of May is our main spring Outdoor Environmental Education month. Schools throughout the Northwest add YMCA-led activities like canoeing/kayaking, archery, outdoor living skills, nature hikes, and challenge activities to their Outdoor Environmental Education programs. June warms up nicely and the forest really comes alive.
September and October are also prime months to visit Lake Wenatchee YMCA Camp. The bugs are gone and the lake is warmer than it has been all year. The salmon are running and the weather is great. September high temperatures are in the high 60s and 70s, with lows in the 40s. In October, look for highs in the 50s and 60s and lows in the 30s. The cooler October nights make this the time of color. Weekend groups will want to visit Leavenworth’s Autumn Leaf Festival and Salmon Festival.
Lake Wenatchee is an ideal year-round recreation and education site, combining a variety of natural habitats, facilities and program opportunities. Programming may include both recreational or educational programs. Your YMCA Camp hosts will be happy to work with you in planning for your group's stay at camp. Depending on your schedule you may decide to supplement your OEE Program with the following options:
Archery Range
YMCA archery instructors are certified by the National Archery Association (NAA) or they are approved by NAA certified instructors. We’ll briefly cover the basics of safety and shooting so you can enjoy the sport. This option provides more time actually shooting than Archery Instruction. Eight people can shoot at one time. Maximum group sizes are 16 for 60 minute sessions and 24 for 90 minute sessions. Meet at archery range.
Archery Instruction
Same as Archery Range, except that your instructor will present a brief history of the bow and arrow as well as teach archery basics including aiming, releasing, and scoring. For less instruction and more time shooting, choose the Archery Range option above. Up to 8 people can shoot at one time. Maximum group sizes are 16 for 60 minute sessions and 24 for 90 minute sessions. Meet at archery range.
Canoeing and Kayaking
Any relatively calm day can be enjoyable on the lake (mornings are usually the calmest and best time). After attending a brief safety and instructional lecture on land, enjoy paddling around our end of Lake Wenatchee. For safety, we can accommodate up to a maximum of 24 people at one time. Group provides one adult leader on shore for every ten participants. Meet at the beach.
Canoe Instruction
This is an excellent morning activity improving the odds of a calmer paddling experience. Your instructor will present a lecture on land (about 15 minutes). Students will learn the names for various equipment and parts of the canoe, and basic paddling strokes. When the students have demonstrated effective paddling skills, they may paddle in a designated area near our beach. For safety, we can accommodate up to a maximum of 24 people at one time. Group provides one adult leader on shore for every ten participants. Meet at the beach.
Orienteering Course
After a short lecture, participants will use compasses to locate various locations in a specified area. This helps students to develop a sense of direction and general map reading skills. Because of the course size, groups of 25 or less are best.
Outdoor Living Skills
O.L.S. curriculum is developed by the American Camping Association and covers knots, shelter building, fire building (starting and extinguishing), knife and ax use. Suitable for 7 to 28 students in the fifth grade or older. Meet at the campfire area.
New Games
Non-competitive group games where everybody wins. This activity can be an excellent ice breaker for groups who have not worked together before. Unlimited group size.
For more information on fees, availability of dates, or to book your group's stay at Lake Wenatchee YMCA Camp Contact us. More information is also available at our Rental Programs page.
