YMCA CAMP KIRKWOOD

Outdoor Education

YMCA Camp Kirkwood offers a wide range of classes that promote learning. Each of our classes helps students bring their textbooks to life through fun, engaging, hands-on experiences as they explore our 195 acres of nature.YMCA Camp Kirkwood offers a wide range of classes that promote learning. Each of our classes helps students bring their textbooks to life through fun, engaging, hands-on experiences as they explore our 195 acres of nature.

We welcome schools and other learning institutions throughout the year. Our curriculum can be tailored to fit any age or grade from 1st through 12th. Teachers can fully customize their program schedules by picking classes that line up with lessons they are teaching in the classroom. Start planning your visit today by completing our interest form below!

Explore our full Outdoor Education catalog and discover all our opportunities by viewing the printable PDF here!

Programs for Everyone

We offer dynamic, experience-based learning opportunities designed to inspire curiosity, deepen understanding, and create meaningful connections beyond the traditional classroom. Whether we’re bringing hands-on programs directly to your school, guiding students through immersive day trips, facilitating transformative overnight adventures, or supporting educators through professional development, our programs are built to enrich learning at every level. Each experience is thoughtfully designed to align with educational goals while fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and real-world engagement.

Programs for Everyone

Day Classes

Forest Ecology

Explore the unique biodiversity of the forest. Learn tree anatomy and identification and discover the many benefits of trees.

Wilderness/Leave No Trace

Gain basic knowledge of bushcraft, fire building, leave-no-trace principals, and how to use our resources in creative ways.

Orienteering

Students will learn about different types of maps and how to use them along with a compass. They will determine bearing and distance through a variety of activities.

Pond Study

Discover what’s beneath the surface and all the life it holds. Learn about the unique habitats of ponds, their zones, and their importance in our ecosystem. *Students will get wet in this class as they explore the water’s edge. Lifejackets are provided.

Weather

Learn about the water cycle, weather patterns, cloud formations, and how to use several different weather instruments. You may even get the chance to be the camp meteorologist!

Animal Adaptations/Tracks

In this class, we will discuss the many different adaptations of our wildlife and learn how to identify what animals are living at camp by looking at tracks and scat.

Creeping Crawlers

It’s a bug’s life! Get up close and personal with these tiny and not-so-tiny bugs as students learn to classify, characterize, and identify different types of insects and arachnids.

Wings in the Woods

Take flight into the fascinating world of birds! In this hands-on class, students will explore bird habitats, behaviors, and adaptations. Learn to identify local bird species by sight and sound, examine real feathers and nests, and even go on a bird-watching adventure through the woods.

Combo Classes

Having trouble choosing? Our combo classes offer the best of both worlds! Allow 2 hours per combo class.

Night Classes

Campfire Folklore

A great way to end the day. Sing silly songs, roast s'mores, listen to stories around the crackling fire, and laugh at skits preformed by students and staff.

Night Nature

Students will get the chance to learn about nocturnal species and how they use the 5 senses to navigate the dark.

Stars and Constellations

Learn how the earth’s rotation and orbit affect what we see in the night sky.

Brain Twister

This class will challenge students to get creative, work together, and use STEM to create a lander that will survive a drop.

Bingo

During each round students will get a chance to earn prizes, by getting a bingo the camp way!

Mystery Night

Let us surprise you with a fun and creative activity your students will love!

Programs for Everyone

Other Classes/Activities

  • Team Building & Cooperative Games
  • Archery
  • BB Guns
  • Hatchets
  • Knot Tying
  • Scavenger Hunts
  • Nature Hikes & Nature Art
  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Tree Climbing
  • Kanga Jump
  • Zipline
  • V Swing
  • Power Pole (ages 10+)

Programs for Everyone

Contact

Lex VonBrockdoff

Director of Camping and Outdoor Education

Alexis.Vonbrockdoff@ymcasenc.org

910-726-9789 Ext. 291