For Campers Age 6-15
Week Long Sessions
Boys and girls, ages 6 to 15, enjoy week long overnight sessions from Sunday until Saturday* during June, July, and the first week of August. Campers stay in cabins with top notch counselors and enjoy all the fun activities Camp Ernst has to offer, including the lake, ropes course and traditional camp activities.
*In 2020, the week 4 session will end on Friday afternoon instead of Saturday morning!
Lakeview Campers
(Typically grades 1-4)
The Lakeview program is specifically for our 6 to 9-year-old campers. Lakeview campers will live in the Lakeview Lodge, which has all amenities under one roof. While Lakeview campers participate in the typical camp activities with their cabin and counselors, they will also engage in special traditions, which add a wacky twist to each day. These include Monday Night Madness, Word of the Day, and Wheel of Wonder.
Valley Campers
(Typically grades 5-7)
The valley is divided into two separate camper units; Red and Yellow. Campers live in traditional cabins and eat meals at the historic dining hall. Campers will have fun and build friendships while participating in all the typical camp activities, such as the ropes course, lakefront, and traditional activities like Archery and BB Guns. Campers and Staff take pride in the valley, where every meal is a party and traditions like cookouts, themed evening programs, and vespers make each evening full of fun.
The Leaders In Training (LITS)
(Typically grades 8, 9, & 10)
The L.I.T (Leaders In Training) program is designed for our oldest campers. Leaders will live in the Loft and Longhouse, cabins designed to foster community. In addition to traditional camp activities, campers will also participate in leadership rotations that focus on team-building, communication, and role-modeling. LITs enjoy traditions like LIT Cookout, LIT/Lakeview Day, Pizza Making + Dodgeball, and a favorite…the LIT After Party.
Crew: Age 15
The Camp Ernst Crew Program is a leadership experience for those entering the 10th grade. The program, housed in the Yurt Village, is designed to help participants gain leadership skills through trainings and experiential service-learning. Crew participants form a tight-knit group as they work together to complete a variety of tasks and activities every day. Crew members will leave the Crew program with a desire to serve others as well as having grown in Spirit, Mind, Body, and Friendship.
Crew Information Packet
We highly recommend anyone interested in our crew program take time to read the crew information packet. Please click here to read more about the crew program, session dates and rates, registration process, and frequently asked questions.
Crew Formation Weeks
The initial crew session (one week) is known as “Crew Formation Week.” During this time, crew members will be assigned to a small group where they build community, learn new skills, and practice leadership through service in kitchen and bathroom rotations, as well as taking time to do camp activities throughout the day.
Crew Experience Weeks
Once a crew member has participated in a Crew Formation week, they will be eligible for optional additional weeks. With similar duties to the formation week, this “Crew Experience Week” will allow crew members to also participate in youth builders projects, have access to additional leadership opportunities, and participate in new crew traditions.
Wrangler Crew
The Wrangler Crew program is a leadership experience for those interested in our Ranch program. Participants will spend time learning how to teach and lead barn programs and will get a chance to put into action what they have learned. Riding lessons and group training, along with trail riding, barn chores like cleaning stalls, grooming horses, and feeding the goats will also be included. Wrangler crew members will be at the barn during much of the day and with other crew members in the evening.
We are happy to answer your questions! Email David, Teen Leadership and Equity Director, or call the camp office 859-586-6181
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For Campers Age 5-9
Introduction To Overnight Camp
Campers ages five to nine can try this exciting 24-hour long Intro to Overnight camp on select dates during the summer. This program is a great introduction to see if a week-long Camp Ernst experience is right for them. Campers will stay in a cabin with counselors, eat yummy camp meals, and experience a small sampling of awesome Camp Ernst activities.
| 9:00am | Check-in and games |
| 10:00am | Zipline / Airwalk |
| 12:30pm | Lunch |
| 1:30pm | Pool / Horses / Activities |
| 5:00pm | Dinner |
| 6:15pm | Lake |
| 8:00pm | Evening Big Camp Game |
| 9:30pm | Get Ready for bed |
| 8:15am | Breakfast |
| 9:00am | Closing Ceremony and Check Out |
Half Week Camp
Campers ages five to nine who are looking for more than a one night stay but not quite ready for a full week of summer camp can try out this three night Half Week camp during select dates during the summer. It is a great introduction for those campers who may not be ready for a full week yet but want more than just one night at camp. Campers will stay in a cabin with counselors, eat yummy camp meals, and experience a sampling of awesome Camp Ernst activities.
| DAY 1 | |
| 3:00 - 4:00pm | Check-in |
| 5:00pm | Dinner |
| 6:00pm | Activities like banana boat, horse rides, etc |
| 7:00pm | Evening Program (Campfire, Scavenger Hunt, Adventure game) |
| 9:00pm | Get ready for bed followed by lights out |
| DAY 2-3 | |
| 8:15am | Breakfast |
| All-day | Activity rotations such as ropes course, lake, archery, swimming, games |
| Evening | Similar to Day 1 |
| DAY 4 | |
| 7:45am | Breakfast and pack up/clean up |
| 9:00am | Pick up and sign up for next summer |
