Founded in 1912, Camp Foster is nestled amongst 214 beautiful woodland acres on East Lake Okoboji.  Our progressive program is designed to provide new opportunities and challenge your child at the appropriate level as they grow.  The camp day runs 9am to 4pm Monday through Friday for nine weeks, beginning June 16th.  Camp Foster is accredited by the American Camp Association.  We invite you to join us for the adventure of a lifetime! Every week has a new theme, so enjoy one or more sessions this summer.

 

New to camp this summer:

  • Extended camp day: 9am-4pm (everyday, including luncheons & day after overnights)
  • Post-camp until 6pm, located at the Bedell Family YMCA
  • $10 discount per session to members  of the Bedell Family YMCA
  • Off-site Road Trips for ages 11 & UP
  • Camp Store available everyday @ lunch
  • Week 9 King's Pointe Waterpark Trip!
  • Cooking specialty camp
  • Friends that will last a lifetime!

Camp Foster Day Camp programs are about letting kids be kids, while allowing them to participate in a variety of age appropriate activities. Their days will be full of adventures, nature and fun!

All campers are welcomed and accepted without regard to creed, gender, or national origin. YMCA membership is not required and financial assistance is available for those who cannot pay. Contact our office for additional information.

Printable Road Trips Form & Registration

Printable Day Camp Brochure & Registration

Click here to read about our Progressive Programming

What to Bring

Health Form

Bus Schedule

Facilities

Session dates and weekly themes

Session 1: June 16-20 'Wacky Water Week'

Session 2: June 23-27 'Holiday Week'

Session 3: June 30-July 4 'Blast From the Past'

Session 4: July 7-11 'International Week'

Session 5: July 14-18 'Talent Show'

Session 6: July 21-25 'Summer Blockbusters'

Session 7: July 28-August 1 'Luau'

Session 8: August 4-8 'Olympic Week'

Sessoin 9: August 11-15 'Wacky Water Week'

 

 

 

 

Specialty Camp Options

Specialty Camp options are available in addition to our traditional Day Camp program. 

All materials and equipment are included.

Archaeologist Camp Session 6 Ages 8 & up Fee:$25

Work with professional archaeologists and explore people of the past.  Discover prehistoric technologies and learn achaeology methods right here in Dickinson County.

Art Camp      Sessions 1,3,5   Ages 5 & up    Fee: $15

Develop your creative side. Part of the day will be spent with your art instructor, while the rest of the time will be spent with regular day camp activities.

Boots & Saddles            Limit 10                      Fee: $55

Intermediate    Sessions 1,2,3,5, & 7       Ages:8-11

Advanced        Sessions 4,6, & 8             Ages:9 & up

Ten hours of instruction. Each camper will have his/her own horse. For campers who love horses and really want to learn more about Western Style and English Style riding techniques as well as care of horses and tack.

Cheerleading  Sessions 4,8   Ages 5 & up     Fee: $25

This camp is specially designed for campers who want to experience the energy, learn the proper techniques and gain the enthusiasm it takes to be a Foster cheerleader.  Learn new moves and cheers.

Cooking Camp  Sessions 4,6  Ages 9 & up   Fee: $25

Learn the basics of food preparation and presentation.  Campers will prepare their own lunch each day and choose a menu to prepare a lunch for their families on Friday. *Limit 10*

Dance Camp     Session 2     Ages 5 & up     Fee: $15
Learn the latest moves from our professional instructor, Mitzy Ohman. Her enthusiastic team will be at Foster to help you train in hip-hop, jazz and other dance styles.


Fishing Camp    Session 4     Ages 6 & up    Fee: $15
Part of the camper’s day will be spent learning and perfecting the latest fishing techniques. Learn or perfect your skills at knot tying, lure making, bait selection plus fishing action on the lake.


Fun and Fit     Session 5     Ages 7 & up       Fee: $15
Can’t decide on one sport? Why not play them all. A new sport every day! A great way to help instill a healthy lifestyles.


Instructional Sports     Tues/Thurs Only      Fee: $60
Soccer: June 17-July 10  /  Basketball: July 15-Aug. 7 Ages: 5-6, 9A-11A          /   Ages: 5-6, 9A-11A     Ages: 7-8, 11:30A-1:30P /   Ages: 7-8, 11:30A-1:30P
Kids learn the fundamentals of a sport through drills and game play. Come to the Bedell Family YMCA and spend one hour of instruction and one of structured free time in the gym or pool. Classes run twice a week for 4 weeks. All equipment is provided. (Do not add the Day Camp Fee to thies program.)

Kinder Camp   Sessions 2,4,6,8  Ages 4-5

(Same fee as Day Camp)

A special program for first time campers. Camp runs all day with bus pickups and drop-offs. This is a great growing experience for the youngest campers. A smaller group size allows for more individual attention. A great way to start a tradition of camping in your family.

Pottery & Ceramics  Sessions 1,2,5,7 Ages 8 & up Fee: $40

Throw your own pottery. Learn coil, pinch, and slab construction techniques as well as kick and electric wheelwork. No prior knowledge necessary.

Skateboarding  Session 2  Ages 8 & up  Fee: $25

Show off your skateboarding skills at the Bedell Family YMCA's skate park.  Ollies, nollies, 180's, kick flips and more.  Begin with a couple of hours at the Y, then join in with your group back at Camp Foster.

**Personal equipment, including safety gear is required.

Snorkel on the Surface    Session 5     Ages 8 & up Fee: $45
Learn the basics of snorkeling and scuba diving in camp’s pool from a certified instructor. No experience necessary.


Tumbling & Gymnastics   Session 6     Ages 6 & up Fee: $15
Spend two hours a day gaining flexibility and gymnastics skills. Tumble, twist and turn into this fun sport.


Water Sports Camp    Session 1,4,8       Ages 8 & up Fee: $45
This camp is for those campers who wish to water-ski, wakeboard or kneeboard while getting the full camp experience. Each class will last an hour with four campers.


Wild Nature Kids     Session 7      Ages Grade K-4th Fee:$15
Explore new adventures in the great outdoors, at Camp and in the area, in cooperation with a naturalists from Iowa Lakeside Lab. If you like the wild side, this camp is for you!


Wild, Wild West     Session 3,8   Ages 4-7   Fee: $90
Hey, all you youngun’s, saddle up and get to camp! This 1/2 day of horse play will run mornings, 9A-Noon, with bus pickups and drop-offs. We will spend extra time riding and learning about camp’s horse herd. Satisfy the cowpoke in you. Bring your own grub for a picnic lunch. (Do not add the Day Camp Fee to this program.)

Luncheons             Sessions 1,4,6,7,8

Family is welcome at Camp luncheons on Fridays from 11:30 – 12:30.  Come and spend some time with your child and meet their counselor.  Enjoy lunch for $5.00 per person.  Fridays are a full camp day.

Sleepovers             Sessions 2,5 & 9
Enjoy camp under the stars.  Campers, age 7 & up, have the option to stay overnight.  $20 provides supper, evening activities, staff supervision, breakfast and lunch.  The next day is a full camp day.