It’s hard to believe it’s been 75 years since Harry W. Child donated the land that would become YMCA Camp Child. His legacy and passion for the outdoors lives on through the many kids and families who were lucky enough to spend a week or even a summer at Camp Child. Over the past few years the YMCA has made many improvements to camp, yet the charm and character that is Camp Child remains unchanged.
Questions? Contact:
Matt Bartlett
[email protected]
406-442-9622
Something new for adventure seekers and families looking for a getaway close to town. The Helena Family YMCA presents RENDEZVOUS. This day-trip destination in the beautiful surroundings at Camp Child has a warm lodge and heated patio overlooking the pond. Families can enjoy recreational ice skating, music, theme nights, hockey, and more. Food and refreshments available but BYOB responsibly. The ‘Y’ is rising! Join us for RENDEZVOUS every weekend through March. Open Saturdays 11am to 10pm and Sundays 11am to 4pm.
1 Camp Child Way
Elliston, MT
From Helena:
Take Highway 12 West over the Continental Divide towards Elliston about 18 miles. Right before reaching Elliston, turn left at the sign that says “YMCA Camp Child”. Go about 3 miles. You will see a sign on the left that says “Helena Family YMCA Camp Child”. Turn left. That dirt driveway will lead you into Camp.
From Missoula, Butte, etc.:
Take Highway 12 off of Interstate 90. Go about 25 miles through Elliston to your first right (If you get to the Continental Divide you have gone about 5 miles too far). There will be sign on the road that states “YMCA Camp Child.” Turn right. Go about 3 miles. You will see a sign on the left that says “Camp Child”. Turn left. That dirt driveway will lead you into Camp.
Entry fee: $5 for adults & $3 kids
Ice skate rentals: $5 adults & $3 kids
Food and drinks available for purchase.
Credit cards are accepted.
With world class snowmobiling and cross-country skiing at our doorstep, Camp Child offers overnight heated cabin and bunk rentals, (including bathrooms and hot showers) for skiers and snowmobilers to relax by the fire instead of an RV after a day on the trails. They will be able to enjoy some ice skating, music and food to add to their snowmobiling and skiing experience.
The Y will be hosting a Snow-Bash Jeep Safari in April, date will be determined later based on snowmelt.
As mountain bikers descend on Helena to experience the world class trail network, travelers and RV-bound adventure seekers can will now be able to rent cabins and bunks, as well as utilize Camp Child facilities, all a short distance from the Continental Divide mountain bike trail.
Helena Family YMCA is hosting a two-day Grand Fondo Road Stage Event. Route is being finalized but will begin at the Helena YMCA and end at Camp Child on the first day for an overnight. On the second day, riders will ride from Camp Child Over Flesher Pass and then soak in the Broadwater Hot springs. Your total times will be provided and top three winners receive a prize.
The Y will be hosting a 6-race, adventure race series taking advantage of the unique terrain and beauty of our surrounding mountains and rivers. The series will be hosted out of Camp Child, and will include many different skills, including but not limited to mountain biking, cycling, rafting, trekking, land navigation, rock climbing, challenge courses, obstacle courses, and swimming. Each race will be unique in design and distance. There will be awards for each race and series awards based on points awarded for each race.
Camp Child new programs offer a wide variety of outdoor adventures led by trained and experienced leaders who guide children and teenagers in having an unforgettable experience. Expect new and fun activities that will add not only build skills, but great new friends and character values for life.
Our Youth Adventure Day Camp offers almost all of the benefits of traditional camp—new experiences, skill building, a sense of community and lasting friendships—while allowing campers to return home each afternoon. In addition, this year we have completely redesigned the programs kids can participate in on a weekly basis. Each week, kids can choose a specific program to get professional instruction in different adventure sports prevalent in our area. These programs include Rock Climbing, Rafting, Outdoorsmanship, Fishing, Mountain Biking/cycling, Natural Sciences (Educational), and survival training for kids.
Camp Child will be a NICA mountain bike camp. Event details will be release as they become available.
Our Champ Child Family Camp program is a way for families to utilize Camp Child facilities while on vacation or traveling. They can rent a tent spot, an RV space, or rent bunks or a cabin. They can take advantage of all the Camp Child assets like the climbing wall and zip line, and eat a hot meal in the lodge at the end of the day. In addition, they can sign up and participate in daily adventure programs being offered at Camp Child. These programs include Rock Climbing, Rafting, Outdoorsmanship, Fishing, Mountain Biking/cycling, Natural Sciences (Educational), and survival training for kids.
Camp Child will be hosting a family-oriented mountain bike camp Event details will be release as they become available.
YMCA is hosting a two-day gravel camp focusing on elevation riding The camp will begin at the YMCA in Helena. Riders will then ride Austin Road up and over to Mullan pass and to Camp Child. On the second day, riders will complete a guided gravel ride back through telegraph creek, Minniehaha to Rimini road back to Helena.
Our Champ Hunting Camp program is a way for hunters in the area to utilize Camp Child facilities while hunting. They can rent a tent spot, an RV space, or rent bunks or a cabin. They can take advantage of all the Camp Child assets such as the warm lodge hall and fireplace, as well as a hot meal in the lodge at the end of the long day.
