Conferences & Retreats

This Place

This place is glazed
with a silver silence
that lifts
and gently breezes
over the soul.

by
John Gracen Brown
Edwards Staff Member, 1950s

~   ~   ~

   Edwards YMCA Camp and Retreat Center, on the shores of Lake Beulah, offers the serenity of a quiet, rural place amidst marshlands, pine forest, prairies and wooded dells. Hiking forest trails, relaxing by the lakeshore, strolling the marsh boardwalk or enjoying the recreational opportunities are benefits of Edwards that can strengthen any program or group outing. Edwards, established in 1929, is a branch of the Elgin, IL YMCA. Located in East Troy, WI, Edwards is within easy traveling distance of Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison metropolitan areas.

   Edwards YMCA Camp and Retreat Center is a year round facility that can host groups from 12 to 225. Our facilities are second to none. Please contact us via the online Request for Group Information for available dates and fees. Large groups looking for summer rentals, please call and we can discuss options of hosting your retreat.

Edwards YMCA Camp Serves Many Different Groups 
   Camp Edwards is able to host many different functions: Conference Groups, YMCA Adventure Groups, Boy and Girl Scout Retreats, Church Groups, Corporations and Family events such as reunions, showers, etc. Getting away from the office routine for staff training or team-building can be a great incentive for your employees. Edwards' dedicated staff can help you plan a conference or retreat tailored to meet your specific needs. Edwards YMCA Camp offer a wide range of program activities for all ages. Depending on the time of year, we can offer programs ranging from canoeing to ice skating. Edwards services and quiet natural surroundings can allow you to concentrate completely on your program objectives.

LODGING
                  

 
Hoffer:   A modern air-conditioned lodge with country charm, will sleep 32 people. This year-round lodge offers two meeting areas, two fireplaces, an outdoor patio, ping pong table and snack kitchen. A suite houses 8 people with a shared bath/shower. One room with private bath. Linen/towel service is available to Hoffer guests for a minimal charge. Hoffer Lodge is available to Conference Groups year around.

Runge:   Runge Lodge, with its sunken fireplace, cathedral ceiling and loft balcony provides an old-fashioned ski resort atmosphere. This year-round lodge sleeps 32 people, 6 rooms with shared bath and 2 rooms with private bath. This lodge offers a snack kitchen, three separate meeting areas, a piano, ping pong table and linen/towel service is available to Runge guests for a minimal charge. Runge Lodge is available to Conference Groups from mid-August through Mid-June.

Cabins:  13 heated log cabins provide sleeping accommodations for up to 162 people. Cabin lodging is complemented by a spacious central shower-house/restroom facility, clean concrete pathways and group meeting areas in Micklewright and Edwards lodges. Each cabin sleeps 12 people, with exception of Sequoia Hut, which sleeps 18. Cabins are available to Conference Groups from mid-August through mid-June. However, if you have a large group, please call for availability.

 

SHARED FACILITIES

   The Micklewright Lodge houses a rustic dining hall, kitchen, a viewing porch overlooking Lake Beulah, business offices and the Loft, which is an additional lodging opportunity for small groups of eleven or less.

   A large outdoor deck on the lakeshore suitable for picnics, meetings, and special events. Family style meals are a tradition at Edwards and the quality of our food service is good enough to boast about. A complete fresh vegetable salad bar is offered daily and home-baked breads and desserts accompany each dinner meal. A piano and sound system are available for mealtime enjoyment and presentations. Edwards outdoor attractions include an elevated boardwalk through our Marshlands, along with trail side interpretive shelters. Hiking trails are well maintained and abundant with wildlife and a diversity of vegetation. Our newest facility, an outdoor amphitheater, is perfect for lectures, campfire programs, and any creative use your group desires.

MEAL SERVICE

   Edwards YMCA Camp offers a wide range of meal options for all group sizes. A typical breakfast may be Eggs, Hash Browns and Bacon or perhaps Pancakes and Sausage. Lunch may be a sandwich, chips and either soup or salad. Dinners can range from a traditional turkey dinner with all the fixin's, to a meatloaf and mashed potato dinner. A salad bar is always included with dinner. Optional evening or mid afternoon snacks can be added to the meal plan for a modest fee.

   To discuss the food options or special needs further, please contact our Food Service Director, 262-642-7466, extension 201. Please note Edwards YMCA Camp will make every effort to honor your menu requests. However, it is dependent upon scheduling needs.

   Special dietary needs, such as specific allergies, should also be discussed with our Food Service Director early in the planning stage.

ACTIVITIES FOR ALL SEASONS

Edwards' program activities provide recreational and educational opportunities for all groups and interests. Some activities require special arrangement. Ask our staff for details.

FALL/SPRING

• Canoeing
• Fishing
• Athletic Fields
• Harron's Run
• Climbing Tower
• Sandpit Volleyball
• Ropes Challenge Course
• Group Initiative Course
• Archery
• Bicycling (Bring your own Bike)

 All of Edwards' lodges are equipped with TVs and VCRs. Easel pads / overhead projectors / slide projector / are available to supplement your program needs.

TOURS
   Call us at (262) 642-7466 to schedule a tour of Edwards' facilities and grounds, or ask about a presentation at your location.

   For reservations and/or information please call 262-642-7466,  fax 262-642-5108, or contact us via the online request for group information form.

 

HOW TO FIND US
   Click on the map, below, for a larger version and driving directions.


Our current customer groups include:

• high school/college leadership programs
• women's fitness camp
• adventure guides
• Boy Scouts
• Girl Scouts
• university sponsored musical / arts programs
• family reunions
• church retreats
• business trainings/workshops.

   The cleanliness of our facilities and quality of our food service establishment are important to our customers, and keep them coming back year after year. Another extra you will find at Edwards' is our rustic charm. We are an authentic wilderness experience with all the creature comforts your group requires. We think you'll find that our fresh air, clear water, tranquil setting and natural beauty is a tonic for the soul, especially if, as frequent travelers, you have grown tired of prefabricated cookie-cutter hotels and restaurants. Experience our difference.

Pricing
   Edwards YMCA Camp fees are based on four factors:  number of group participants, length of stay, number of meals served, and which lodging accommodations are chosen. Weekend price fees can range from $41.00 to $90.00 per person, while midweek prices start at $29.00 and up. We can customize your stay to your specifications.

   Please call our Office Manager, 262-642-7466, to discuss pricing structure. Or contact us via the Online Request for Group Information form.