Camp Activities
Summer Camps
Mini Camp
Sometimes a whole week away is too long for younger kids. Big Elk Creek has a 2 night / 3 day resident camp experience for the first-time camper. This camp has been especially designed for the younger first-time camper—with their abilities and age group in mind.
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What to expect from mini camp
Your kids will have fun, make friends, and develop lifelong memories at our camp while participating in adventurous events & activities. Mini Camp is a great introduction to the resident camp experience. Campers will have the chance to participate in many of the adventurous and fun camping activities offered during a regular week of resident camp. Some of the activities include archery, canoeing on the lake, swimming at the waterfront, games, and much, much more! Ages for Mini Camp are 7-9 years. Camp goes two nights—from Wednesday to Friday morning.
Ages for Mini Camp are 7-9 years.
Camp goes two nights—from Wednesday to Friday morning.
Resident Camp
Big Elk Creek Resident Camp – the ultimate summer adventure!
At Big Elk Creek, campers dive into a world of discovery, fun, and lifelong memories. Whether it’s hiking through scenic trails, unleashing their creativity in Arts & Crafts, or playing games or doing activites with new friends, there’s something here for every child to explore and enjoy.
Our experienced counselors are dedicated to providing a safe, exciting, and unforgettable summer experience. We believe camp is more than just fun—it’s a place where kids build confidence, foster creativity, and develop valuable life skills.
Each day is filled with a wide variety of engaging activities that promote teamwork, self-expression, and physical activity. From swimming and archery to outdoor adventures and campfire skits, campers are encouraged to try new things, make lasting friendships, and grow as individuals.
Join us this summer at Big Elk Creek—where laughter echoes through the pines, and every child is inspired to shine.
Day Camp at Big Elk Creek
A Fun-Packed Camp Adventure—Without the Overnight Stay!
We get it—sometimes a whole week away from home can feel like a big leap for both kids and parents. That’s why we’re excited to offer Big Elk Creek Day Camp! It’s the perfect way for campers to experience the magic of camp during the day—and still be home by dinner.
What to expect from Day Camp
Big Elk Creek Day Camp gives kids ages 7 and up a full camp experience alongside our resident campers, without the overnight stay. Campers will ride to camp with our experienced staff each morning—picked up at 7:30am from the Idaho Falls YMCA parking lot—and return by 5:00pm full of stories, smiles, and new friendships.
Each day is packed with the adventurous and enriching activities Big Elk Creek is known for. Campers enjoy a healthy lunch and snack, and are cared for by the same warm, professional staff who lead our overnight camp.
What to bring: Day campers should come prepared with a hat, sunscreen, water bottle, swimsuit, towel, and Crocs or water shoes.
Ages: 7 and up
Transportation: Daily pick-up at 7:30am and drop-off at 5:00pm at the Idaho Falls YMCA
Meals & More: Includes lunch, snack, and Camp Store visits
Pricing: $60 per day or $200 for the full week (Mon-Thur)
Financial Assistance: Financial aid is available click HERE
Spots are limited—register today and let the adventure begin!
Typical Daily Schedule
We believe in balancing adventure, creativity, learning, and rest.
Here’s what a typical day at camp looks like.
​Morning
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7:00 AM – Early Risers: Polar Bear Swim, Run, or bike ride (optional morning)
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7:30 AM – Rise & Shine: Wake-up call and get ready for the day. Flag raising
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8:00 AM – Breakfast
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9:00 AM – Devotional: Short, uplifting story/message to start the day
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9:30 AM – Magic Trash: Campers help keep their space tidy
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10:00 AM – Morning Activity Blocks (camper pick)
Midday
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12:30 PM – Lunch
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1:15 PM – Toes Up Time: Quiet rest time in cabins to recharge
​​Afternoon
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2:00 PM – All-Camp Game or Special Activity or Waterfront
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3:00–5:30 PM – Afternoon Activity Blocks (camper pick)
Evening
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6:00 PM – Dinner
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7:00 PM – Evening Games: Capture the flag, large-group games, or scavenger hunts
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8:30 PM – Campfire: Songs, stories, skits, and s’mores
Night
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10:00 PM – Lights Out: A good night's sleep to get ready for more adventure!
Extreme Camp
Extreme camp is for youth ages 12-17yrs old. Actives include swimming, a challenging low ropes course, white water rafting, and Lagoon Amusement Park.
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White Water Rafting
Have you ever braved the whitewater at Hoback Junction, just down the road from Big Elk? Craggy peaks rise high above the Snake River Canyon. The sun beats down, the river runs cold, and the air crackles with adventure—everything you need for an
unforgettable ride on one of the West’s most iconic rivers. But don’t get too comfortable... the Hoback holds nothing back. As your paddle slices through the current, the first wave of rapids hits: Station Creek, S-Turn, Cutback, and Little Kahuna—playful splashes! But the real action waits downstream: Hole, Three-Oar Deal, and the legendary Big Kahuna. It’s a wild, unpredictable ride—equal parts thrill and chaos. One thing’s for sure: you’ll never forget the Big Kahuna.
Plus Lagoon!
OK here’s where there is so much fun it is hard to explain… We start off spending the whole day at Lagoon Amusement Park on the rides and at Lagoon-A-Beach water park and then spend the night at Lagoon Park Campground. ​
Leader In Training
Hands-On Training for Future Camp Counselors!
The Big Elk Creek Camp Leader In Training (LIT) Program provides a unique opportunity for aspiring leaders to develop the competence they need to lead. Leaders develop confidence, master outdoor challenges, and gain real experience as counselor apprentices, all while having an unforgettable summer of fun!
The LIT program is available to boys and girls ages 14-17yrs. who wish to be junior leaders at camp. The skills they learn will be valuable throughout all areas of their lives.
LIT’s get the chance to apprentice with their cabin Counselor/Program Staff and other Big Elk Staff. This mentoring gives them hands-on experience about the qualities and duties of the Counselor leadership role. The LIT Program is an excellent fast-track for those who wish to become a future Counselors at Big Elk Creek—or other YMCA camps around the country.
LIT’s are faced with challenges that develop leadership
IT’s are also faced with challenges that develop leadership attributes through teamwork. Big Elk Creek is a safe and ideal environment for natural leading talents to develop. In this program LIT’s form strong friendships, character, and problem solving skills in their teams as they tackle exciting and perplexing challenges.
You Don't Have To Be An LIT To Have A Blast!
Also know if you are an older camper, you do not have to be an LIT to have a blast at camp! We have amped up the activities for the older group! Some activities include: The Creek Shoot (at night), night hike, new ropes course challenges, more advance boating e.g. wake boarding, tubing, knee boarding, etc, rappelling, older camper overnighter, advanced archery, fire making, & debris huts, carving. And don’t forget we have a few additional camps on the agenda, specifically for older campers: Cave Exploring Camp, Canoe Trip, & Extreme Camp.
​Training Week
The LIT Training Week is the beginning of the LIT Program. Here LIT’s will receive the training fundamentals of LIT Leadership at Big Elk Creek. During this week they will go through the real-life process of applying for Camp Staff employment—a mock job interview. LIT’s will need to come to camp prepared with a resume and Camp Staff employment application for their mock interview. Supervised, LIT’s will also develop and lead their own program activities for the Mini Campers during the Wed, Thurs, & Fri of Mini Camp. You’re welcome to bring your own programs equipment if you like.
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Once LIT’s have successfully completed the LIT Training week, and passed their evaluations, they are eligible to attend two Challenge Weeks. Challenge Weeks provide the Councilor apprentice opportunity in addition to the application of the training they received during training week. LIT’s will be able to coordinate with their teammates during Training Camp which of the two Challenge Weeks they would like to attend. At the end of each Challenge Week they will be given an evaluation of their progress.
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LIT Challenge Weeks
Attending LIT Training Week comes with some awesome benefits. You’ll get a discounted registration rate, priority in selecting your preferred weeks, and a much stronger chance of landing a future role on staff—either at Big Elk Creek or another YMCA camp. To complete the LIT Program, you’ll need to attend Training Week and two Challenge Weeks (resident camps where LITs support our counselor team). Want more camp time? You’re welcome to join us for additional weeks, too!
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NOTE: LIT’s may pre register for their Challenge weeks ahead of Training Week. However, they must pass their evaluation (have permission) with the Camp Director in order to attend. As the LIT is a leadership position you set an example to Campers.
What about our Staff?
What sets Big Elk Creek Camp apart is our commitment to providing a well-rounded and enriching experience for every camper. Our dedicated counselors create a warm, inclusive environment where kids can thrive. Whether it’s a child’s first time away from home or they are a seasoned camper, we provide a safe and supportive setting where everyone can grow. With a focus on teamwork, creativity, and outdoor exploration, your child will gain confidence, develop new skills, and create memories they’ll cherish forever.
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Interesting in becoming Staff at Big Elk Creek Camp?