YMCA Camp Wakonda is a traditional co-ed overnight camp on 100 acres of Ozark woodlands near Ash Grove. Campers ages 6-18 attend 6-day/5-night sessions, with a shorter 2-night mini camp for the youngest campers, staying in air-conditioned cabins. Activities include archery, canoeing, swimming, a zip line, rock climbing, a ropes course and outdoor cooking. Nonprofit YMCA.
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 Wakonda directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★Nikki KueckThis will be our 4th summer with Camp Wakonda, and we're so excited to see what this years week will bring! My child loves the outdoor activities, the daily swim with friends, and her favorite is forkless spaghetti night!
★★★★★EquineAntiquesMy kids have been going to this camp for 6 years now. They have met a lot of friends, had lots of fun, made a ton of memories, and learned several values and lessons. A lot of the staff seem like an extended family! I highly recommend Camp Wakonda to any families!
★★★★★Chris CastleburyWe’ve had nothing but good experiences with Camp Wakonda. My son has been going since 2022 and my daughter since 2023, and both of them absolutely love it. The staff do a great job keeping kids safe while still letting them have fun and be kids. My children come home tired, happy, and full of stories every day which tells me they’re doing something right. As a parent, it’s easy to trust this camp. It’s well run, positive, and gives kids a place to grow, make friends, and build confidence. Camp Wakonda will be part of our summers for years to come. Highly recommend.
★★★★★Molly PickeringMy daughter attended Camp Wakonda for the first time this summer and truly had the time of her life. As a parent of a 15-year-old, I was a little nervous about whether the activities would feel engaging and age-appropriate for a teenage girl—but Camp Wakonda completely exceeded our expectations. They do an incredible job creating meaningful, fun experiences for campers of all ages. From the moment she arrived, my daughter felt included, supported, and encouraged to be herself. She formed strong bonds with new friends and came home full of stories, confidence, and joy. In fact, she loved her experience so much that she’s now interested in going through Counselor Training! We are beyond grateful for the positive impact Camp Wakonda had on her and would highly recommend it to any family considering camp.
★★★★★Sarah BargoThe BEST summer camp in the Midwest! This place was key to my development as a young person, and today, Camp Wakonda is the place my kids go to learn how to be the best versions of themselves through unforgettable memory-making experiences. It's all about being a place kids feel they BELONG. Powerful stuff!