YMCA Camp Ernst

YMCA Camp Ernst "I do believe I'll remember this place for a long long time". https://ymcacampernst.square.site
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Helping people grow in spirit, mind, body, and friendship since 1928. YMCA Camp Ernst is the most popular summer camp in the Greater Cincinnati area. Steeped in tradition and built on the YMCA values of honesty, caring, responsibility and respect, Camp Ernst hosts campers who enjoy top-notch counselors and make friends, doing a wide variety of activities including our ropes course, 100 ft waterslide, ropes course, archery, horseback riding, and much more!

We heard it’s … Available while supplies last at campernst.square.site
06/11/2026

We heard it’s …

Available while supplies last at campernst.square.site

Who do we love? THE CREW!Crew had their lake night on Monday, it was filled with fun, bonding, and memories made! These ...
06/10/2026

Who do we love? THE CREW!
Crew had their lake night on Monday, it was filled with fun, bonding, and memories made! These campers work so hard throughout the week providing meals to the whole camp! What a great way to kick off an amazing week 1 at Camp ernst!

LET IT BE CAMP! LET IT BE US!Thursday night we finished our “O week” (Staff Orientation week) with our traditional respo...
06/07/2026

LET IT BE CAMP! LET IT BE US!
Thursday night we finished our “O week” (Staff Orientation week) with our traditional responsive reading by Michael Brandwein. The text includes a declaration of how difficult it is to be a camp counselor, how magical camp is for a child, and why.
This brilliant piece, written in 1994, shines relevant still today as it notes that camp presents a unique arrangement where campers have the opportunity to engage with counselors who listen to them, inspire them, and encourage them. It also highlights camp as an environment where things aren’t necessarily perfect, but set up in a way such that overcoming the challenges of interpersonal relationships and mild setbacks builds resilience and grit and confidence.
I have seen this time and time again in my decades here at camp!
Just last week we received an alumni note from a camper from 2000. She wrote about her one week, one summer at camp more than 25 years ago, having been prompted by a work “icebreaker” where they had to share the best vacation they ever went on. She picked Camp Ernst!
I found it so interesting how in her memory, she went on the zipline hundreds of times, had campfires every night, and played epic games of Capture the Flag. I imagine the reality also included wet towels, friend conflicts, tummy aches, lost tshirts, and occasional disappointments. (And I am absolutely sure she didn’t go on the zipline “hundreds” of times!)
The reality almost doesn’t matter! The point is that there is an unforgettable dynamic that occurs when a group of strangers are brought together in a beautiful environment, given a world in which to interact for a week (unplugged!), and seemingly endless amounts of time for getting to know one another, listening and being listened to, and delicious independence (within boundaries and supervision).
And that dynamic is exactly what we are on the cusp of as we open another summer of camp at YMCA Camp Ernst! Since 1928 we have been nurturing belonging and helping kids grow in spirit, mind, body, and friendship. This group of staff we have this year is special. I am confident their love for youth and fun and curiosity about the world will inspire the nearly 5000 campers we’ll host this summer.
And in 25 years, these 5000 children will be in their 30s and 40s, thanking their parents and grandparents, aunts, uncles, sponsors, donors, and friends for the opportunity of CAMP.
Here we go!
Ernstlove,
eli

RED, RED, RED….. UNIT UNIT! Meet your leaders of the red unit!
06/05/2026

RED, RED, RED….. UNIT UNIT! Meet your leaders of the red unit!

RED, RED, RED….. UNIT, UNIT! Meet the leaders of the red unit!
06/05/2026

RED, RED, RED….. UNIT, UNIT! Meet the leaders of the red unit!

Half week had an absolute blast, making memories that will last a lifetime. From riding horses and splashing in the pool...
06/04/2026

Half week had an absolute blast, making memories that will last a lifetime. From riding horses and splashing in the pool to intense games of gaga ball and carpet ball, every moment has been packed with fun. We’ve also had so much joy dancing, singing our hearts out, and of course, enjoying delicious s’mores under the stars!

Working hard or hardly working? 🌟Our summer staff are certainly working hard this week training to make some more “Best ...
06/04/2026

Working hard or hardly working? 🌟

Our summer staff are certainly working hard this week training to make some more “Best summer ever” moments for camp weeks to come! Here’s a glimpse of what they’ve been up to….

Whom do we love….. THE CREW!
06/04/2026

Whom do we love….. THE CREW!

Are you thinking about camp this time of year? Here's a way you can help! Do you have old twin sheets or blankets (easil...
06/03/2026

Are you thinking about camp this time of year? Here's a way you can help! Do you have old twin sheets or blankets (easily-washed bed blankets or throw blankets) we can utilize in our nurse's stations? OR ...We have PROJECT CAMPFIRE, a supply shelf full with things campers might need--and that amazon wishlist is here: https://a.co/0hik3y3E THANK YOU!

Lots of fond memories in the books for Memorial Day 2026! 🏡
05/30/2026

Lots of fond memories in the books for Memorial Day 2026! 🏡

Address

7615 Camp Ernst Road
Burlington, KY
41005

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+18595866181

Website

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