Located just 90 minutes from St. Louis, YMCA Camp Lakewood offers immersive overnight outdoor education programs that help students explore nature, build confidence, and learn by doing — all in a safe and supportive environment.
Hands-On Learning Modules
Students engage in interactive sessions covering topics such as:
- Aquatic Ecology
- Forest Ecosystems
- Geology and Soil Science
- Orienteering and Map Skills
- Team-Building Challenges
Overnight Experience
Stay 1–4 nights in our cabins or lodge-style guest rooms and enjoy evening programs like campfires and night hikes. All meals are included with your stay, featuring kid-friendly, buffet-style options with accommodations for dietary needs.
Flexible Scheduling
Choose a pre-set program or work with our team to customize a learning experience that fits your curriculum. We offer year-round, seasonal availability to fit your academic calendar.
What to Bring for a Comfortable & Fun Experience
Students will be spending a lot of time outdoors, so we recommend packing older, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear. Closed-toe and closed-heel shoes are required for most activities, and layers are encouraged for cooler months. A reusable water bottle is required for all students.
We’ve created a complete packing list to make preparing for your trip simple, including seasonal recommendations and what not to bring.
What Will Your Students Experience at Camp?
Our Outdoor Education program offers a wide variety of hands-on, educational, and team-building activities. From water ecology and geology hikes to archery, horseback riding, and campfire building—students will stay active, engaged, and learning.
This guide includes age recommendations, group sizes, length of activities, and any restrictions to help you plan the perfect schedule.
Kid-Approved, Buffet-Style Meals Included
All meals are included with your stay—from dinner on arrival to lunch on departure. Meals are served buffet-style and include kid-friendly options like chicken tenders, pasta, and fresh fruits and veggies. We are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies—please contact us in advance to discuss your group’s needs.
What Does a Day at Camp Look Like?
We provide flexible scheduling options for 1–4 night stays. Each day includes structured activities, mealtimes, and free time to explore recreational areas like mini golf, hiking trails, and yard games. Evening programs like night hikes and campfires round out the experience.
Use the sample schedule to see how your school’s day might unfold. Final schedules are customized based on your group’s goals and seasonal availability.
The kids had a great time! Thank you so much for helping out both in the planning stages and the teaching/support stages of our experience last week.
— Greg, 6th Grade Math Teacher
Plan Your School's Outdoor Education Trip
We’d love to help your class discover the joy of outdoor learning. Contact us for available dates, pricing, and program options tailored to your grade level and school goals.
Contact Information:
Erin Sullivan, Senior Director of Camp Lakewood
📞 Phone: 888-386-9622
📧 Email: erin.sullivan@gwrymca.org