Family Camp Fun

Escape to Nature Together for Unforgettable Family Memories

Spend a weekend surrounded by nature, adventure, and the people you love most. Family Camp at YMCA Camp Carter gives families the chance to slow down, explore together, and create memories that last long after the weekend ends. From campfires and outdoor adventures to shared meals and time spent laughing together, Family Camp is your opportunity to experience the magic of camp as a family.

Why Family Camp?

More Family Time. Less Screen Time.

Life moves fast. Between school schedules, sports practices, work commitments, and endless notifications, meaningful family time can be hard to find. Family Camp offers a refreshing escape where families can unplug from daily routines and reconnect with one another. We provide the activities, facilities, meals, and programming so your family can focus on what matters most: spending quality time together. Whether you’re introducing your children to camp for the first time, gathering multiple generations for a special weekend, or simply looking for an outdoor getaway, Family Camp creates space for unforgettable moments.

Who is Family Camp For?

At the Y, we are For All! Family Camp is designed for families of all shapes, sizes, blood-related, and chosen.

Our Program is Perfect for:

  • Parents and children
  • Grandparents and grandchildren
  • Extended families
  • Blended families
  • Foster and adoptive families
  • Good friends who consider themselves family

Families stay together in private cabins and create their own camp experience while participating in community activities throughout the weekend.

What to Expect at Family Camp

Every Family Camp weekend is designed to give families flexibility, connection, and plenty of opportunities for adventure.

You’ll enjoy:

  • Comfortable family cabin accommodations
  • Delicious camp meals provided by our Food Service Team
  • Family-focused activities led by experienced staff such as:
    • Campfires and family camp traditions, Canoeing and kayaking, Archery, Fishing, Climbing and High Ropes
  • Nature exploration on our beautiful trail systems
  • Outdoor games and recreation
  • Free time to relax and explore camp together

Whether your family loves high-energy adventure or simply relaxing in nature, there’s something for everyone.

Sample Weekend Schedule

Saturday

09:00am | Check-in
10:00am | Activity Period 1
11:00am | Activity Period 2
12:00pm | Lunch
01:00pm | Rest Period
02:00pm | Activity Period 3
03:00pm | Activity Period 4
04:00pm | Afternoon Break
05:30pm | Dinner
07:00pm | Evening Walk Around the Lake
08:00pm | Campfire
09:00pm | Evening Special Activity
11:00pm | Lights Out

Sunday

09:00am | Breakfast
10:00am | Activity Period 5
11:00am | Activity Period 6
12:00pm | Pack-Up & Clean-Up
01:00pm | Closing Ceremony
02:00pm | Departure

*Schedules vary by session

Tour Camp Carter

Before coming to family camp, get acquainted with the trails, landmarks, and topography of YMCA Camp Carter and see why it is such a unique and inviting space For All! With 360 acres to explore, there are wide-open spaces, program areas, and much more natural beauty to discover.

Upcoming Family Camp Weekends

You can count on safe, high-quality, fun activities led by a team of experts at our Family Camp weekends.

0 programs meet your criteria

Financial Assistance & Military Camperships

The Y is here for ALL. Financial assistance and income-based scholarships are available to help make camp programs possible for every family. We encourage families to apply early, as assistance is limited.

YMCA Camp Carter proudly offers Military Camperships to families currently serving as active duty, deployed, reserve, and veteran service members. Camperships are available for both Day Camp and Overnight Camp and are awarded using a tiered system based on rank and status. We are honored to serve military families and help ensure camp is accessible to those who serve our country.

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What They’re Saying About Family Camp

"The best part was having uninterrupted time together. No phones, no schedules, just quality family time. We left feeling more connected than we had in months."
Wolters Family
"Our kids loved the activities, and we loved seeing them experience camp through our eyes."
Cantron Family
"We try to never miss a Family Camp at Camp Carter! We love being at camp together any chance we get."
Kotar Family

Frequently Asked Questions

Family Camp is open to families of all shapes and sizes. Parents, grandparents, guardians, children, and extended family members are welcome. Whether you’re attending as a single-parent household, multigenerational family, or family friend group that considers itself family, you’ll feel right at home at Camp Carter.

Each registered family is assigned its own side of a cabin for the weekend unless “open to sharing” is selected upon registration. Families stay together and enjoy a comfortable home base while participating in camp activities throughout the property.

Activities vary by session but may include canoeing, kayaking, archery, fishing, hiking, nature hikes, high ropes course, campfires, outdoor games, and other family-friendly camp traditions. Families can choose to participate in as many or as few activities as they’d like – everything is optional.

Yes. Family Camp is designed for families to experience camp together. Camp staff lead activities and provide instruction, but parents and guardians remain responsible for their children and are encouraged to join in the fun. Depending on the session, we may offer adult only or child only activities to give a fun and appreciated break!

Absolutely. Meals are included during your Family Camp weekend and are served in our dining hall. Our team works to accommodate common dietary restrictions and food allergies whenever possible. Please note any dietary needs during registration.

We recommend bringing:

  • Bedding or sleeping bags for twin-size bunks
  • Pillows
  • Towels and toiletries
  • Comfortable outdoor clothing
  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Refillable water bottles
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent
  • Weather-appropriate layers

A detailed packing list will be provided before your session.

Yes. While there are plenty of scheduled activities throughout the weekend, Family Camp also includes free time for families to relax, explore camp, play together, fish by the lake, take a hike, or simply enjoy being in nature. Also, every activity is optional, and you can choose not to participate if a rest is needed.

Unlike a traditional vacation, Family Camp removes the stress of planning activities, preparing meals, and coordinating schedules. Instead, your family can enjoy meaningful experiences together, connect with other families, and participate in camp traditions that create lasting memories. It’s the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and connection. Plus – we’re right here only 15 minutes from Downtown Fort Worth!

Yes, cell service is pretty strong throughout all of camp, though coverage may vary by carrier. High Speed Wi-Fi is available in most spaces as well. While some connectivity may be available, we encourage families to put away devices and fully embrace the opportunity to connect with one another and experience the outdoors. However, we understand that life back at home may need your attention so we do have spaces available if you need to do work or take a call.

Camp happens rain or shine. Many activities can continue in light rain, and alternative indoor or covered activities may be offered when weather conditions require adjustments. Bring weather-appropriate clothing and a positive attitude.

Yes, every activity is optional and we understand that weekend sports schedules and other obligations may be scheduled during family camp. Participate when you can and jump back in at any time! Just be respectful of the experiences of others and let us know if you plan to miss an activity.