Our Resident Camp Program provides overnight camping experiences for campers aged 7-17 years old. We offer coed sessions and sessions specifically designed for Boys, Girls, and Teens. We even offer half week sessions for Magnificent 7-8 year old campers. Our Staff Development Program (SDP) for teens ages 15-18 offers a unique leadership experience.

Phantom Lake has over 115 years of camping tradition. Since 1896 we have been providing a nurturing environment for kids to grow in mind, body, spirit and socially. Phantom Lake has been an ACA (American Camp Association) accredited camp for over 20 years. We look forward to another year of fun, fellowship, and exciting summer adventures this year. Thank you for selecting Phantom for your child. We’re very happy your camper will be a part of our camp family. Our staff will strive to provide types of experiences that will help improve your camper’s self-image and that will help them grow “in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and man” - Luke 2:52.

Each summer, hundreds of boys and girls from Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and around the US (and even a few from around the world!) head to southern Wisconsin for a week or more of camp at Phantom Lake YMCA Camp. Most return year after year, and many become our staff. Traditions are passed from generation to generation of campers and staff, giving each Phantom camper a similar, though personally unique, experience.

A cool dip in the lake, practicing perfect aim at the archery range, making a candle for mom at the craft shop or making new friends at the ga-ga pit is what makes each summer day perfect! The friendships that develop will last a lifetime, and the memories of Phantom are the glue that binds. Summertime at Phantom Lake YMCA Camp is nothing short of perfect.

» Parents Click Here for more information.

" My child had such a wonderful time at camp.  He said it was even better this year then last year.  He said he was familiar with the camp and was able to enjoy some other things this year that he didn’t choose to do last year.  I can’t begin to express how happy I am that my child loves this camp.  It is such a wonderful place to be with your friends and a wonderful place to meet new people.  Thank you so much for all your wonderful staff.  They make the kids experience so great!" -PLYC Camper

» For rates and dates visit our calendar page.

Coed Camp - Most of our weeks are Coed Camp. Boys and girls do activities together and separately. Unit night brings coed groups of kids of the same age together to have a cook out and roast marshmallows. Campers learn to work together and some fun rivalries also develop during capture the flag. There is typically a dance on one of the nights that campers look forward to. It is always hard to say goodbye to all the friends that you made during the week.


Boys Camp - As legend has it, a group of about 30 boys hiked from Milwaukee to camp on the shores of Phantom Lake over 110 years ago. Respect for each other and for traditions are valued. This is a week that boys can be boys and all ages enjoy it. Kettle games, or games in the woods, are a favorite all camp activity. The Great Battle kettle game has taken on legendary status. All boys look forward to the traditional awards night on Friday followed by the Square ceremony. Boys return home having grown in wisdom and stature, knowing they have left their mark on Phantom Lake YMCA Camp.



Girls Camp - We just celebrated 75 years of girls camp. Girls camp is a week when girls can be girls. The air is filled with song and laughter. Girls pay less attention to their hair and find joy in getting a little dirty on a mud hike. It is tradition to have a pajama jammy jam one of the evenings where there are NO BOYS ALLOWED! Girls find strength in new found skills such as theater, climbing wall or sailing. Strong friendships and respect for one another last for years to come after a stay at Phantom Lake YMCA Camp.








Teen Camp - Designed for Teens ages 13-17. This is a week they can be a leader, enhance a skill or have one more chance to be a camper. Teambuilding activities energize teens the entire week, teaching them to work together. Traditional camp activities and programs will be mixed with opportunities for leadership and adventure. A more relaxed week where campers form tight friendships.


Add On Specialties = AOS
AOS programs are designed to provide the perks of specialty camps (e.g. Golf Camp, Soccer Camp, Sailing Camp, etc.) as an Add On Specialty to the Traditional PLYC Resident Camp Program.

8-10 hours of small group/individual AOS instruction

2 hours of skill focused instruction each morning as the general camp population participates in 2 separate specialties during the same period of time

AOS programs are not made available to the general camp population during the morning activity period

Add On Specialties are led by qualified PLYC instructors & coaches.

» For Add On Specialties visit our specialties page.

» For rates and dates visit our calendar page.