What Ymca Camp Copneconic does

YMCA Camp Copneconic is a Michigan-based, not-for-profit year-round youth camp and retreat center operating since 1915 on approximately 700 acres of woodland surrounding Lake Copneconic in Fenton Township, governed under the YMCA of Greater Flint. Its functional offering spans overnight camps, day camps, K–12 school outdoor-education programs (Project EARTH curriculum and Adventure Learning Programs aligned to Michigan benchmarks), group retreats accommodating up to 450 guests, and seasonal events. The programming mix includes traditional camp activities, equestrian instruction at the on-site Circle C Ranch, STEM programming (Imagination Factory, Mad Science), leadership development (CIT Camp), and a Gluten-Free Overnight Camp session. A core differentiator is the 11,580-square-foot Health and Wellness Center, opened in 2014 and expanded in 2017, which — combined with priority access at Hurley Children's Hospital — underwrites a network of partner camps for children with diabetes (ADA), cancer (Camp Quality), Crohn's/UC (CCFA), kidney disease (NKFM), asthma (Hurley), and autism (POWER Camp), serving roughly 1,200 special-needs campers per summer.

The business model is dual-stream: camper registration fees across tiered programs (overnight sessions $885–$1,600; day camps $280–$445; specialty/adventure $350–$415; themed day camps $350) plus tax-deductible donations supporting camperships, equestrian scholarships, and Snooper Day Camp for young campers. Distribution is direct-to-consumer via the CampInTouch online registration portal, supplemented by phone, mail, and YMCA member referrals. Pricing infrastructure — 15% sibling discounts, monthly installment plans through June 15, and a formal 'no child turned away' financial-assistance program — supports access but caps average revenue per camper. The organization employs 11–50 staff year-round (headcount expands seasonally) under Executive Director Thomas Bawden, with three Senior Program Directors covering Outdoor Education, Overnight Camps & Partnerships, and Day Camps & Retreats, plus dedicated directors for support services and food service. Geographic footprint is Michigan-only, and revenue is not publicly disclosed.

The competitive position rests on three structural assets: 110 years of brand heritage and an active alumni network (The Copneconic Circle); an irreducible nonprofit cost structure enabling accessibility pricing; and a healthcare-partnership ecosystem that competing commercial camps cannot easily replicate. Strategic posture in 2026 is incremental expansion — shoulder-season Spring Break programming, dietary and disability-specific niche sessions, and continued partnership-network buildout — rather than geographic or capacity-scale growth.

Name

Ymca Camp Copneconic

Legal name

YMCA Camp Copneconic

Website

https://campcopneconic.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1915

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

YMCA Camp Copneconic is a Michigan-based nonprofit operating year-round youth camps, K–12 school outdoor-education programs, group retreats, and partner camps for children with medical needs across 700 acres in Fenton since 1915.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Summer Camp and Outdoor Education Services

NAICS

Recreational and Vacation Camps (except Campgrounds) (721214), RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Recreational Camps (7212), Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Multi-Sport Camps (General Athletics, Summer Camps) (MPAKAJAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Family & Recreation Campgrounds (Amenities/Activities Focus) (THAMAJAJ), Group Camping & Scout Camps (THAGAOAI)

Keywords

• Youth summer camp
• Overnight camp
• Day camp
• Outdoor education
• Group retreat

Headquarters

HQ city

Fenton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Camper Registration Fees: Registration fees for day camps, overnight camps, equestrian camps, specialty camps, and school programs. Fees vary by program type and duration. Deposit of $75/camper/session required at registration.
2. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Tax-deductible donations supporting camperships (financial assistance) for underprivileged youth. Donors can contribute to specific programs such as overnight camp scholarships, equestrian programs, and Snooper Day Camp for young campers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

YMCA Camp Copneconic operates a year-round youth camp and outdoor education facility on 700 acres surrounding Lake Copneconic in Fenton, Michigan. It delivers traditional overnight camps, day camps, school outdoor education programs, group retreats, and specialty programs (equestrian, STEM, themed, partner medical camps). The camp also runs seasonal events and provides financial assistance and payment plans.

Product overview

YMCA Camp Copneconic operates as a year-round residential and day camp facility offering multiple interconnected program categories: traditional Overnight Camps and Day Camps as core offerings, supplemented by School Programs (Outdoor & Environmental Education and Adventure Learning Programs), Group Retreats, and Seasonal Events. The camp provides specialty programming including equestrian camps (Circle C Ranch, Horsemasters, Boots and Saddles, Horse Lovers), themed camps, STEM-focused programs (Imagination Factory, Mad Science), and specialized programming for dietary needs (Gluten Free Camp) and leadership development (CIT Camp). Partner programs extend services to children with diabetes, cancer, Crohn's disease, kidney disease, asthma, and autism. The organization is structured as a not-for-profit YMCA entity offering financial assistance and payment plans to ensure accessibility.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Overnight Camps One-week overnight resident camp sessions for youth entering Grades 4-11, featuring traditional camp activities (fishing, canoeing, swimming), adventure activities (zip lining, high ropes course, rock climbing), horseback riding, and campfire experiences.
• Day Camps Day camp programs running 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with extended care (7 a.m.-6 p.m.) for ages 4 through Grade 8, including themed activities, specialty camps, and equestrian day programs.
• School Programs Year-round educational programs including Outdoor & Environmental Education (Project EARTH curriculum) and Adventure Learning Programs for Grades 4-12, tailored to school curriculum and Michigan benchmarks.
• Group Retreats Retreat and conference services for scouts, YMCA Adventure Guides, church groups, businesses, and non-profit organizations on 700 wooded acres, accommodating groups up to 450 people.
• Seasonal Events Year-round programming outside the traditional summer season, including Spring Break Day Camp and Mother & Daughter Ranch Camp.
• Specialty Day Camps Age-progressive specialty day camps including Snoopers (ages 4-K), Fish Frogs & Forts, Aquamania, Ooey Gooey, Copneconic Survivor, Watersports, Rod and Reels, Mad Science, High Five Sports, and Adventure Challenge.
• Themed Day Camps Weekly themed day camp sessions for Grades 1-7 including Superheroes of Camp, Outer Space Adventure, Party in the USA, Copneconic Safari, Wacky Water Week, Copneconic's Got Talent, Wild West Week, Messy Mania, Color Clash, and Passport to Adventure.
• Equestrian Camps Equestrian programming including overnight Circle C Ranch Camp and Horsemasters for Grades 4-11 plus day camps Boots & Saddles and Horse Lovers, with horseback riding instruction grouped by skill level, horse care, and traditional camp activities.
• Counselor In Training (CIT) Camp Two-week leadership development program for campers entering Grade 12, featuring workshops on camper management and communication skills plus hands-on counselor shadowing.
• Imagination Factory STEM-focused program featuring rocket launching, simple machines, egg drop challenges, and innovation activities combined with zip lining and water toys.
• Summer Mini-Camp Shortened four-day overnight camp experience (June 28-July 1) for Grades 4-8 featuring Copneconic Arcade themed activities.
• Gluten Free Overnight Camp Specialized overnight camp session for gluten-sensitive children, managed by a trained food service team operating a dedicated kitchen.
• Partner Camps for Children with Medical Needs Specialized overnight and day camps operated in partnership with American Diabetes Association (Camp Midicha), Camp Quality USA, Crohn's & Colitis Foundation (Camp Oasis), National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, Hurley Medical Center (Easy Breathers), and Autism Support & Resource Center (POWER Camp), serving children with diabetes, cancer, Crohn's/ulcerative colitis, kidney disease, asthma, and autism.

Quantifiable outcome

• Serves approximately 4,400 children per summer season across day camps, overnight camps, and partner special needs camps

Named customers11 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• American Diabetes Association - Camp MidichacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerADA Camp Midicha is designed for and dedicated to children and teens with diabetes. Medical and dietary needs monitored by full-time medical staff. Children learn diabetes management skills while enjoying camp activities. Partnership allows children with diabetes to attend camp in an environment where 'all the children have diabetes and no one feels different.'
• Autism Support & Resource Center - POWER CampcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPOWER Camp expands capabilities and confidence for children living with Autism Spectrum Disorder through a Peer Buddy program where mentors develop leadership skills while building new friendships with ASD children.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater FlintminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth mentorship organization partnering to provide camping experiences for matched pairs.
• Camp Quality of America - Michigan NorthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCamp Quality USA provides year-round support programs for children with cancer and their families. The summer camp creates stress-free environments offering exciting activities, fostering new friendships and helping children gain courage, motivation and emotional strength.
• Crohn's & Colitis Foundation - Camp OasiscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCCFA Camp Oasis provides youth with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis a sanctuary to leave their disease behind and just be kids. Children are challenged to do things they may have never thought possible and return home with confidence to set goals and try new things.
• Hurley Medical Center - Camp Easy BreatherscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Y and Hurley Wellness Services partnered to bring an interactive educational camp experience to kids with asthma ages 8-14. Four adventure-filled days and three nights with swimming, canoeing, archery, climbing, hiking, arts and crafts. On-site wellness center equipped with treatment rooms, pharmacy ensures quick medical care if asthma is triggered.
• National Kidney Foundation of Michigan - Summer CampcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNKFM Summer Camp provides children living with chronic kidney disease, who spend much of their time in hospitals, the opportunity to experience the joys and friendships from a week of summer camp.
• University of Michigan - Camp KesemminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCamp Kesem provides support for children affected by a parent's cancer. College student-led program offering free summer camp for these children.
• Institute for Educational Advancement - Camp YunasaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCamp Yunasa provides programming for gifted and talented youth, focusing on social-emotional development and talent development in an outdoor setting.
• Hurley Medical CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHurley Medical Center provides Camp Copneconic with priority status for children's hospital care, ensuring campers receive prompt professional medical attention if serious injuries occur.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• YMCA of the USA: National umbrella organization for YMCA affiliates, of which YMCA of Greater Flint (Copneconic's parent) is a member. Provides institutional credibility, donor pipeline, and cross-camp benchmarking across the YMCA camp portfolio.
• American Camp Association: National professional association serving accredited camps across the U.S., setting standards that Camp Copneconic operates against. Not a direct competitor but the most relevant industry body governing the camp's accreditation, safety standards, and peer network.

Direct peers

• Camp Towanda: Premier independent overnight summer camp with strong sports, adventure, and waterfront programming on a large rural campus. Comparable traditional sleepaway experience and target family demographic.
• Camp Pontiac: Established overnight summer camp serving girls with traditional activities, specialty programs, and adventure options. Comparable sleepaway-camp product offering for similar grade ranges.
• Camp Eberhart (YMCA): Historic Midwest YMCA camp offering summer resident camp, outdoor education, and retreat services with year-round facility use. Closely comparable nonprofit YMCA operating model and program mix to Camp Copneconic.
• Camp Tanuga: Long-running Michigan sleepaway camp for youth offering traditional activities (waterfront, adventure, sports). Closely comparable in geography, target market (Michigan families, grades 4+), and traditional-camp product set, though operated as a private for-profit.
• YMCA Camp Storer: Another Michigan-based YMCA overnight and day camp operated under a regional YMCA, offering traditional summer camp, equestrian, and adventure programming on a multi-hundred-acre property. Highly comparable nonprofit operating model, mission, and program mix to Camp Copneconic.
• Camp Timbers: Midwest-based traditional overnight summer camp for grades 3–10 offering classic activities (swimming, archery, arts, adventure). Comparable core product, target demographic, and seasonal operating cadence.
• Camp Cedar (YMCA): YMCA-affiliated traditional resident camp with strong equestrian and adventure programming on a multi-acre property. Comparable mix of overnight, day, equestrian, and retreat offerings under a regional YMCA.

Emerging players

• Camp Kesem (national): National nonprofit operating college-student-led free summer camps for children affected by a parent's cancer. University of Michigan's Camp Kesem already partners with Camp Copneconic; comparable mission-aligned youth-camp model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/campcopneconic
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCYOpli4qbPusyDIj5S3c1SQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/campcopneconic
• Instagraminstagram.com/ymcacampcopneconic
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ymca-camp-copneconic

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ymca Camp Copneconic