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.
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.
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.
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.
