Camp Wewa - YMCA of Central Florida

immersive opportunities for kids and teens

Camp Wewa is an overnight resident camp that provides kids with a unique opportunity to build lifelong friendships, learn skills in the outdoors, and develop a healthy sense of self.

Located in Apopka for more than 70 years, Camp Wewa has provided a safe and exciting experience for thousands of campers 8–17 years old to grow in spirit, mind, and body through the Y’s nurturing approach to teaching athletic, camping, artistic, and leadership skills. YMCA Camp Wewa is proud to offer outdoor education activities that meet several Florida State Education benchmarks. This program focuses on cross-curricular learning in four streams: outdoor skills, ecological simulations, leadership and character development, and social science programs.

To participate in camp activities, campers must have a recent Health History form on file, which includes a current physical performed by a licensed physician within the last 12 months.

Health History form

What does my registration fee cover?
YMCA Camp Wewa is all-inclusive. That means meals, snacks, activities, and specialized instructional staff is all covered with your camp dues.

How many campers are in one cabin?
Up to 14 campers stay in age-appropriate and gender-appropriate cabins with two full-time staff counselors.

Can I visit my child during their session?
We strongly discourage visitors while your child is at camp. This policy allows us to provide a higher quality experience with limited interruptions, promotes a safer environment, and decrease potential homesickness scenarios. We understand as a parent it is a challenge to be away from your camper, unable to talk to them, but this is an important opportunity for them to grow in their confidence and gain independence.

Can I call my child while they’re at camp?
We highly discourage “check-up” phone calls as this pulls your camper away from their activities and can spark feelings of homesickness. In the event of an emergency, all calls will be relayed to a camper or to the parents through our camp directors.

Can I get photos of my child while they’re at camp?
There will be further direction upon check-in on where and how you can view photos.

Will my child be able to do laundry?
Laundry will only be provided to our two-week or three-week campers and will be done on the weekends in between sessions. If your camper is only coming for a one-week session please pack enough for their length of stay.

What do I do if my child has allergies and/or dietary restrictions?
Please notify us if your child has any allergies, especially insects or food. Please make sure that all information is included and accurate in their Health History form.

Let Wewa staff know of any dietary restrictions or preferences your child may have at least two weeks prior to arrival. It’s important to get this information to us so that we may inform the kitchen of any special menus that need to be prepared.

Should I send my child to camp with extra money?
YMCA Camp Wewa is all-inclusive, so there’s no need to send money with your child.

Camp Wewa Announcement – January 2021

Thank you for your interest in YMCA Camp Wewa. Due to the uniquely immersive resident camp experience and the prolonged financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the Y is carefully evaluating feasible options for Camp Wewa as part of our commitment to best serve our community and maintain the safety of all in our care. In the meantime, we invite you to visit the YMCA of the USA website and explore other Y resident camps in Florida.

View More YMCA of the USA Camps

Summer Sessions

Session 1	TBD
Session 2	TBD
Session 3	TBD
Session 4	TBD
Session 5	TBD
Session 6	TBD

Sessions begin on Sundays at 1:30 pm and end on Fridays at 2:00 pm.

Date	Please check back soon for additional information.

Try Me Weekends are a great option for first time campers who want to try Camp Wewa without the commitment of coming for a full week!

Spring & Winter Sessions

Date	Please check back soon for additional information.
Theme	Please check back soon for additional information.

Spring session begins on Monday at 8:00 am and ends on Fridays at 4:00 pm.

Date	Please check back soon for additional information.
Theme	Please check back soon for additional information.

Winter session begins on Monday at 8:00 am and ends on Fridays at 4:00 pm.

A typical day for the regular camp program is as follows:

7:45 am — Chapel
8:00 am — Breakfast
8:30 am — Cabin Clean up
9:00 am — Pavilion for Programs
9:15 am — Program 1
10:30 am — Program 2
11:45 am — Attendance
12:00 pm — Lunch
12:45 pm — Rest Period
1:30 pm — Program 3
2:45 pm — Trading post
3:15 pm — Cabin activity 1
4:45 pm — Cabin Activity 2
6:15 pm — Dinner
7:30 pm — Evening Activity
8:45 pm — Twilight Talk
9:15 pm — Back to cabins for showers
10:00 pm — Bed Time

WHAT TO PACK

This list is suggested for One Week sessions; please adjust accordingly if your child is staying longer. Send typical play clothes you can afford to lose or don’t mind getting dirty. Many camp activities require closed-toed shoes for participation. We also have dances on Thursdays that campers can choose to dress up for, but all attire must be Y appropriate and functional.

• Light-weight sleeping bag/blanket	• At least five t-shirts
• Sheets (twin), pillow, pillowcase	• At least two long sleeve shirts
• Laundry bag or hamper	• At least three pairs of shorts
• Clip-on clothes pins	• At least two pairs of long pants
• At least two bath towels	• At least six pairs of socks
• At least two washcloths	• Underwear (1-week supply)
• Soap, shampoo, and conditioner	• Two swimsuits (1-piece for girls)
• Toothbrush and toothpaste	• Two pairs of closed-toe shoes
• Deodorant	• One pair of flip-flops or water shoes
• Comb/brush	• Pajamas (robe is optional)
• Backpack	• Rain gear
• Flashlight	• Insect repellent
• Disposable camera (optional)	• Stuffed animals (optional)
• Books for quiet time (optional)	• Extra bedding (in case of accident)
• Name tags for personal gear	• Reusable water bottle/canteen

WHAT NOT TO PACK

Any of these items and any other item deemed unacceptable by the counselors will be immediately confiscated. Controlled substances or fireworks are prohibited. Possession or use of controlled substances, alcohol, tobacco, or fireworks will result in immediate dismissal from camp, without a refund.

Cell phone (see Cell Phone Policy)
Personal sporting equipment, like rifles and/or ammunition, hunting knives, or any other weapon
Alcohol, drugs, tobacco
Pornographic materials
Expensive devices like cameras, watches, laptops, tablets, iPods, etc.
Beverages and food

CELL PHONE POLICY

Camp Wewa doesn’t allow children to bring cell phones to the campground as they interfere with the resident camp experience. Our mission is to help campers unplug and engage with others around them as they reconnect with nature. We also prohibit cell phones because Camp Wewa is not responsible for stolen, damaged, or lost items—and cell phones can be expensive to repair or replace. Cell phones brought to camp will be confiscated by directors and may result in early removal of your camper. In the event of an emergency, camp staff will contact you.

Campers receive their mail daily, and all mail will be opened in front of the staff.

Camper’s Name, Cabin Name
YMCA Camp Wewa
221 South Binion Rd.
Apopka, FL 32703

If you choose to send a care package, don’t include gum, soda, or food of any kind. Due to health regulations, all food products will be confiscated and not returned. Any inappropriate items will be confiscated and not returned.

Please note that we don’t forward or return any packages that arrive after your camper leaves. On the closing day of camp, we have a very eventful schedule getting campers ready to depart camp, we will do our best to deliver any mail that arrives on the final day. If you can please ensure that your mail or package arrives on an earlier day that would be best. If your camper hasn’t received mail that was sent, please feel free to stop by the office on the way out to see if it is available.

CELL PHONE POLICY

ARRIVAL

Campers must arrive on Sunday between the 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm only. When your family arrives, a member of our staff will meet you at the entrance and show you where to park. After parking, unload your camper’s luggage in their designated cabin pick-up spot. Next, visit the Dining Hall for check-in, and bring any medications or notes about special dietary needs. Once check-in is complete, your family should walk to their cabin (where their luggage will be waiting). All campers will be asked to take a swim evaluation, so be sure to have your swimsuit ready after unpacking. Some programs like boating, skiing, swimming, tubing, etc. correlate with the campers swimming capabilities, so everyone must have a swim evaluation.

DEPARTURE

Checkout is from 2:30 – 4:00 pm, but families are invited to join us for the Closing Ceremony at 2:00 pm in our Pavilion. Campers will be ready to leave right after the Closing Ceremony, and it’s important they be picked up before 4:00 pm as that is the time most our staff begins their time off. Please remember to pick up any medicate before you leave at the Health Center, and double-check the Lost and Found areas (Dining Hall and Deck) for missing possessions.

Please note, all adults picking kids up must show a valid photo ID. If you’re not picking up your child, you must provide a note with written permission for them to be picked up by another adult. You must check your camper out personally with their designated counselor, as well.

In inclement weather, these procedures will be modified. We appreciate your patience!

LITs will work as a cohort to develop their team, individual, and peer-to-peer leadership skills. This two-week program features extensive facilitation training, communication, and teamwork skills for campers. LIT participants receive 20 community service hours.

CITs undergo a three-week training and mentoring program. They will spend their time in leadership-specific activities and will stay in younger-age cabins learning from the best counselors at YMCA Camp Wewa. CIT participants receive 40 community service hours and will participate in a service project.

Completion of the CIT program does not guarantee the camper a paid counselor position at Camp Wewa in the future.

Counselors & Staff

YMCA Camp Wewa has the best staff around! Through an individual interview process, everyone selected to work at Camp Wewa expresses a passion for youth development and interactive learning in the outdoors. Our specialized camp staff includes individuals certified in program areas such as archery, ropes courses, and canoeing, college students pursuing degrees in recreation, education, or hospitality, and international counselors recruited through Camp America. With all of our creative talents and diverse backgrounds, we strive to positively impact our campers in our unique environment and provide them with the best camp experience possible.

All Staff

Are 18 years or older
Undergo drug tests and background screenings
Must be CPR and First Aid certified
Go through a two-week, on-site training course

Christian Mission and Development

Morning chapel, nightly devotion, and the Wish Boat Ceremony are all long-standing traditions at camp.

Campround
Amenities

We have a variety of amenities for campers and groups that choose to host events at our campgrounds!

Facilities

Cabins, pavilions, and buildings

Air-conditioned cabins
Open-air pavilion
Dining hall
Craft pavilion
Chapel
Environmental Education Center

Activities

Outdoor amenities

40′ climbing wall
Junior Olympic-sized pool
High and low ropes courses
Archery range
Rifle range
Basketball courts (2)
Beach volleyball court

Rentals

Available from August to May

Available for overnight and day use rentals for corporate, nonprofit, religious, and educational groups.

Facilities
Our facilities can host up to 200 individuals for day and overnight accommodation.

Food Services
Full catering service is available in our dining facility. We offer a wide variety of meal options to satisfy all guests.

Corporate Events

Available from August to May

Whether you have five or 50 people on your team, Camp Wewa can structure a productive event for you to deepen your groups communication, problem-solving skills, and collaborative efforts. Using a progressive adventure sequence, our team will engage yours to higher potential!

YMCA Camp Wewa

immersive opportunities for kids and teens