A Day in the Life at YMCA Camp Lakewood

Two friends swimming in YMCA Camp Lakewood's private lake, Sunnen Lake, in Potosi, MO

📋 Sample Daily Schedule 🍝 Food & Meals 🎨 Activities & Electives

Our days are structured to provide a perfect blend of high-energy activities, new skills, cabin bonding, and restorative rest. While every day is unique, here is a look at a sample schedule for our Traditional Camp.

7:45 AM – 8:00 AM Start the Day	Flag Raising & Breakfast
9:15 AM – 12:15 PM Morning Clinics	Three activity blocks (Camper's Choice)
12:15 PM – 2:30 PM Fuel & Recharge	Lunch & Siesta (Rest Time)
2:30 PM – 5:45 PM Afternoon Adventure	Clinic 4, Cabin Activities, and Open Swim
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Evening Community	Dinner, Evening Program, & Cabin Embers

Dining & Nutrition

A YMCA Camp Lakewood camper enjoys eating spaghetti with her hands at the famous No Utensils Needed themed dinner.

YMCA Camp Lakewood Dining Hall and Food Service staff serving meals to overnight campers

YMCA Camp Lakewood Dining Hall and Food Service Spaghetti Night camper with sauce on their face

A YMCA Camp Lakewood overnight camper with his face covered in spaghetti noodles and sauce, enjoying dinner at the infamous No Utensils Needed themed dinner.

Campers in the YMCA Camp Lakewood Dining Hall eating food for dinner

Nourishing, Kid-Friendly Food

We know a happy camper is a well-fed camper! We serve three balanced meals and two snacks daily, with options to satisfy even picky eaters. Our dining hall is a place of fun and community—and yes, we are a peanut-free facility.

Balanced Options: We always offer a full salad bar at lunch and dinner, plus fresh fruit and a cereal bar at breakfast.
Camp Traditions: Get ready for fun theme nights, like our famous "Utensils Optional" Spaghetti Dinner!
Allergies & Diets: We are experienced in handling most dietary needs. Please visit our Health & Safety page for details on how to coordinate with our team.

YMCA Camp Lakewood Activities

Find Your New Favorite Thing

With a huge range of activities on water and land, campers get to choose their own adventure. Many parents tell us their child discovered a brand new passion at camp. From archery to arts and crafts, there's an activity for all interests!

A camper in a safety harness climbing up the high wooden climbing tower.

A camper smiling while aiming a bow and arrow at a target on the archery range.

Campers wearing life jackets climbing and sliding on the large inflatable obstacle course on Lake Sunnen.

A camper balancing while standing up and paddling on a paddleboard on Sunnen Lake.

A camper wearing eye and ear protection aiming an air rifle at a target under supervision.

Campers holding paddles and playing an active game of pickleball on the outdoor courts.

A camper standing on the dock holding a fishing rod, waiting for a catch.

Campers navigating a small sailboat across Lake Sunnen on a sunny day.

He came back happy, energized, full of stories, and with a new maturity.

— 2025 Parent Survey

The opportunity to participate in fun, challenging and unique programs/activities in an overnight camp setting has helped build her confidence, gain independence and create lasting memories.

— 2025 Parent Survey

David raved about the food and loved the activities and facilities, especially the floating structures on the lake!

— 2025 Parent Survey

Everything at Camp Lakewood from start to finish is easy and very comforting! Registration, drop offs, pick ups, meals, activities, cabins and staff you guys are doing a great job!

— 2025 Parent Survey

Ready for an Unforgettable Week?

View our 2026 schedule to find the right dates, programs, and pricing for your family.

View Dates & Rates

This is where I found my SPARK.

— 2025 Parent Survey

— 2025 Parent Survey

— 2025 Parent Survey

— 2025 Parent Survey

Ready for an Unforgettable Week?