Where Adventure and Character Meet
On the shores of Waubee Lake in northern Wisconsin.
Founded in 1964, Camp Nan A Bo Sho can be found on the beautiful shores of Waubee Lake near Lakewood, Wisconsin — a place where kids discover new skills, build lasting friendships, and grow in character. Offering programs that range from three days to two weeks, there is a camp experience just right for every child. All our activities revolve around the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Camp Nan A Bo Sho is ACA-accredited, giving families the peace of mind that our policies, practices, and safety standards meet the highest benchmarks in the camp industry.
Explore Camp Nan A Bo Sho
From waterfront adventures to wilderness trips and everything in between, Camp Nan A Bo Sho has something for every camper. Explore what makes our camp special.
Overnight Camp
Our overnight programs offer engaging activities that build character and confidence.
Day Camp
Day Camp is designed for those who live near Camp Nan A Bo Sho and want a full camp experience without the overnight stay.
Leadership Programs
Our leadership programs offer both a hands-on learning experience and all the fun of camp.
Wilderness Trips
Our wilderness trips are adventure, fun, excitement, and freedom rolled into two incredible weeks.
Family Programs
Camp Nan A Bo Sho offers a variety of family camps designed to help you relax.
Camp Activities
No matter which program you choose, every camper at Camp Nan A Bo Sho has the opportunity to take part in a wide variety of traditional camp activities.
Countdown to Camp
Meet Our Camp Directors
Danielle Pickering-Polzin | Camp Director
The heart of Camp Nan A Bo Sho is its people. Our dedicated directors bring decades of camp experience, a deep love for the outdoors, and a genuine commitment to every camper’s growth and wellbeing.
For over three decades, Danielle has been a dedicated figure in the world of camping, weaving her passion, expertise, and leadership into countless camp experiences. Her journey began as a camper herself, and she went on to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. Her favorite aspect of camp life is the wilderness trips. Danielle is a devoted mother to three daughters and her Goldendoodle, Montana.
Meet Our Camp Directors
Jacob Schroyer | Assistant Camp Director
Jacob’s passion for the outdoors began at a young age, inspired by years spent exploring and living in a camp environment alongside his mother. He began his career as a water ski instructor and later joined Camp Nan A Bo Sho as a trip leader, combining his love for nature with a background in biology. Today, as Assistant Director at Camp NABS, Jacob helps campers and staff grow, build confidence, and discover a love for adventure, while continuing to explore the outdoors whenever he can.
Camp for Every Budget
Camp Nan A Bo Sho believes every child deserves the chance to experience camp. Following the model used by camps across the country, we offer range based pricing, allowing families to choose the fee that best fits their budget—no questions asked. This system helps keep camp accessible for all while supporting the true cost of high quality programs. If your family has a greater financial need, we also offer additional financial assistance to ensure every camper can belong here.
Work at Camp
Working at summer camp is one of the most rewarding positions you will ever hold! Camp Nan A Bo Sho focuses on giving children a chance to explore and discover more about themselves in an environment that provides friendship and support. The camp staff plays a huge role in developing our campers into strong and confident individuals. If you have an interest in working with children and love being outdoors, we have a job for you!
Alumni Connection
Rediscover the magic of Camp Nan A Bo Sho! Whether you spent one unforgettable summer here or came back year after year, you’ll always be part of our camp family. Our Alumni Page is your place to reconnect with old friends, share stories that shaped you, and stay involved with the traditions that make camp so special. Celebrate your memories, stay in the loop on camp happenings, and continue being part of the Nan A Bo Sho legacy.
Where Adventure Lives
Camp Nan A Bo Sho is just far enough away to feel like an escape, yet close enough for easy travel from surrounding communities. Surrounded by towering pines and miles of natural beauty, it’s the perfect setting for summer camp, retreats, and outdoor learning.
We’re proud to be an ACA-accredited camp. It is our assurance to you that we are committed to providing our campers with the safest and best possible camp experience.
Find Us in Northern Wisconsin
Camp Nan A Bo Sho is nestled on the shores of Waubee Lake in Lakewood, Wisconsin — a 40-acre property built for adventure, connection, and growth. Whether your child is a first-time camper or a returning favorite, we can’t wait to welcome them this summer.
- Address: 18369 Okonto Lane, Lakewood, WI 54138
- Phone: 715.276.6084 (while child is at camp)
- Office: 920.733.9622 (Apple Creek YMCA, Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5:00 PM)
- Email: gro.seiticxofacmy@hcivapllams
Camp, For All
Last year we received financial assistance for our son Henry to attend camp. It was such a blessing and a wonderful opportunity that we never could have provided him otherwise. Henry is a child with unique interests and struggles to find friends with the same quirky interests as him. I was nervous about him being away from home, but he truly was able to meet so many people he connected with and shared common interests with. It was so powerful for him in building his confidence and he can not wait to attend camp again. I hope we can send our younger son for his first camp experience this summer as well!
Supporting the Whole Family
Last summer was one of the hardest seasons our family has ever faced. My two daughters had just experienced the unimaginable loss of their father in a tragic accident. As a mother, I was doing everything I could to hold our lives together while helping them navigate grief no child should have to carry.
Financially, emotionally, and mentally, we were stretched thin. Sending my girls to summer camp felt like a luxury I simply could not afford—but it was also something I knew they desperately needed. When the YMCA stepped in with financial assistance, it did more than cover a cost. It opened a door to healing.
Because of the YMCA, my daughters were able to attend camp during a time when their world felt broken. Camp gave them structure, laughter, and a safe space to just be kids again. The counselors didn’t just supervise activities—they showed compassion, patience, and understanding. They noticed when my girls were quiet. They celebrated their smiles. They created an environment where my daughters felt supported, included, and seen.
From Camper to Counselor
The YMCA has been imbedded in my life in a positive way since I was a child. I worked at the YMCA for about 12 years in a camp counselor, program staff, coordinator, and director position. Being a camp counselor at NABS was my initial introduction to the organization. I was essentially raised, professionally, by the Y and am eager for my children to grow their leadership skills much in the same way. Camp is “home away from home” that I believe is a great way for future kiddos to learn independence in a healthy, safe way!
Camp Nan A Bo Sho — Common Questions
All resident and day camp programs require a $125 non-refundable deposit that must be paid at the time of registration. Family camp programs require a $50/person non-refundable deposit. Remaining balances are due two weeks prior to the first day of camp and will be withdrawn automatically using the payment method on file.
Cost should never be a barrier, financial assistance is available through the YMCA of the Fox Cities’ Mission in Action Campaign. We believe that all children deserve a camp experience, we encourage all families who don’t think camp is in their budget to apply for financial assistance.
You are always welcome to transport your camper to/from camp. The camp address is 18369 Okonto Ln, Lakewood, WI 54138.
Bus service is available to and from the Apple Creek YMCA, located at 2851 E. Apple Creek Rd., Appleton, WI 54913. The bus departs the Apple Creek YMCA on Sunday’s at 12pm and returns to the Apple Creek YMCA on Fridays between 3-3:30pm.
For exact drop off/pickup times and program specific bussing, please check out our transportation schedule.
We allow for campers to switch programs up to two weeks before the program begins. This is limited to program availability.
If you can’t find a program to switch to we allow for cancellations with the following limitations:
- If you cancel more than two weeks before the start of the session, your cost will be refunded minus the $125 non-refundable deposit.
- If you cancel within two weeks of the session start date, Camp Nan A Bo Sho will retain 100% of the session fee.
- In the event of dismissal due to misconduct or withdrawal due to homesickness, Camp Nan A Bo Sho will retain 100% of the session fee.
- All pre-order t-shirt and sweatshirt sales are refundable through April 30. After May 1, all sales are final.
- In the event Camp Nan A Bo Sho cancels a program due to low enrollment, the $125 deposit and any fees paid are transferrable to another camp program within the same summer or are fully refundable.
While we can accommodate most dietary needs including; vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free and nut free – please contact the camp director two weeks prior to arrival so the proper food can be ordered.
If your child has specific health needs (injections, specialized equipment, diabetes), please contact the camp director prior to your child’s camp session so our staff can prepare to meet their needs.
Camp Nan A Bo Sho cannot provide a 1:1 staff ratio for our campers, if your child requires that in the classroom setting, or needs specialized accommodations for behavior related concerns, please contact the camp director prior to registration to discuss if Camp NABS can support the needs and we can decide together if your camper will be successful in the camp setting.
