Welcome to Camp Kenan!
For over a century, Camp Kenan has been Western New York's favorite summer destination for overnight camp. Camp Kenan provides kids with an opportunity to experience camp culture, develop essential life skills, and make friends for years to come. Situated on Lake Ontario in Niagara County, Camp Kenan boasts more than 50 acres of land filled with adventures and scenic beauty for every person to explore. Whether it’s mastering aim at the archery range, scaling the climbing towers, swimming, reaching new heights on the ropes courses, hiking wooded trails, or singing around the campfire, summer at Camp Kenan provides an unforgettable experience! Make sure to like Camp Kenan on Facebook to stay up to date with the latest information and events.
Overnight Camp Programs
Lock in your child's spot at summer camp with only a $50 deposit. Sign your child up by December 31, 2024 and pay our early bird rate.
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. Throughout their week, campers travel through camp as a group experiencing all YMCA resident camp has to offer.
Cost:
$575 (YMCA Members) | $625 (Non-Members)
Mini-Camp, Ages 6-15
Discover YMCA overnight camping and kick off the summer fun in our shortened week leading up to the Independence Day holiday. Children will love exploring the outdoors in this 4-day, 3-night experience.
Cost:
$350 (YMCA Members) | $400 (Non-Members)
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.
Cost:
$350 (YMCA Members) | $400 (Non-Members)
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.
Cost:
$725 (YMCA Members) | $765 (Non-Members)
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.
Cost:
$725 (YMCA Members) | $765 (Non-Members)
Day Camp
Work at Camp Kenan
Are you interested in enriching the lives of WNY children through employment at YMCA Overnight Camp? Please send all employment inquiries to amilton@ymcabn.org.
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 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
YMCA Camp Kenan is proud to be an American Camp Association (ACA) accredited camp. The ACA nationally recognizes camps which meet the highest standards focusing on health, safety, and program quality. Learn more here.
The health and safety of your 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 is located at 8571 Lower Lake Road in Barker, NY 14012. For additional information on summer camp, group rentals, or school groups, please contact Adam Milton at amilton@ymcabn.org or by calling (585) 786-2940.
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.