YMCA Camp Torch Hayo-Went-Ha
Private
YMCA Camp Hayo-Went-Ha is a rustic residential boys' camp on the shore of Torch Lake, founded in 1904 and one of the oldest YMCA camps still on its original site. Summer sessions run two to four weeks for boys in 3rd through 11th grade, with sailing, canoeing, swimming, archery, climbing, ropes course, crafts, drama and wilderness expeditions. It operates alongside its sister girls' camp, Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha, under the YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps organization.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact YMCA Camp Torch Hayo-Went-Ha directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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Accreditations & licensing
As stated by the camp or listed in the accrediting organization's directory — confirm current status with the accreditor.
Google Reviews
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★★★★★BubsLove the discount gold course. Was flooded this past spring on about half the holes.
★User 543Leaky roof in cabin, bats, and other animals getting inside. No privacy in showers. Seems like health, safety, and privacy concerns for the kids. Rustic is ok but could use improvement.
★★★★★John GarayGreat memories of summer camp here in the '80's! (though, at the time, wasn't a big fan of camping - hot water wasn't really common across the showers - brr!). Beautiful part of the country - Sleeping outside under the stars - so many stars... I did both the "biking" camp and then a trip to Spain. Recommended experience!
★Amy KnuevenIf you are considering sending your child to the Sparks Day Camp, I’d go pretty much anywhere else. I signed my 7- and 9-year old kids up after quite a bit of research and hoped that this would be the highlight of their summer. It was a complete waste of money. My kids came home the first day of camp really upset that the day camp director yelled at all of the kids constantly and kept making them sit and not talk. They said the whole day was boring and begged not to go back, which is unlike them. I emailed the camp director and he said it was “a Monday thing” and should get better. Tuesday-Thursday were slightly better, but they still didn’t get to do most of the things advertised on the website. There were no camp songs, no silly skits, no hikes, crafts were minimal and were often a stack of copy paper and some markers on a table. None of the counselors seemed like they wanted to be there. Games and swimming were the majority of the entertainment. We told our kids they didn’t have to go on Friday and planned a day as a family. On Thursday, we got an email that Friday would be “Fun Friday.” The kids were told they would hike, zip line, rock climb, and do archery. Those were all of the things my kids were hoping to do all week, so they wanted to try the last day of camp. I came to pick the kids up and once again, I had two really upset kids. They didn’t hike or do archery. My son got to do the zip line and rock climbing. My daughter did the zip line and then was told she wasn’t allowed to rock climb. The whole week was nothing short of glorified babysitting. Zero chance I’d trust my kids with them for an overnight camp.
★★★★★Lauren PlainIncredible camp run by great people! So well run & exceeded all of our expectations. Loved all of the counselors (which really makes a camp great). My daughter had an amazing experience (she is 10). Being a former camper (both my husband and myself) the 2 week program is perfect- 1 week camps are too short to build such a great experience & bond. We cannot wait until next summer!! Both of our girls will be going!