Camp Helen Brachman
For over 115 years, COA has provided transformative camp experiences for hundreds of Milwaukee’s youth at COA’s Camp Helen Brachman (CHB), located in central Wisconsin. Trained camp counselors provide a safe, fun, and supportive environment for all campers to enjoy the wonders of nature, try new things, and make new, life-long friends during summer camp, family camp, and winter camp sessions. Camp Helen Brachman is the longest-serving camp in Wisconsin’s history!
COA Camp Helen Brachman is a 206-acre facility located 150 miles northwest of Milwaukee in Almond, Wisconsin. Pickerel Lake, located at the heart of camp, is the focal point for many beautiful views and fun activities! There are also prairie, pine, and hardwood forests, 3.8 miles of hiking trails, a main lodge and program hall, a library, cabins, sports fields, and basketball courts.
Kindness, strength, respect, and responsibility
Camp Helen Brachman strives to provide youth with fun and structured opportunities for personal growth in a safe and natural environment while upholding our four core values: kindness, strength, respect, and responsibility.
At Camp Helen Brachman, campers have the opportunity to participate in…
- Swimming, canoeing, and kayaking
- Archery, basketball, and arts & crafts
- Nature exploration, gardening, and hiking
- And so much more.
Why Camp Helen Brachman?
Camp Helen Brachman provides experiences that will last a lifetime! At CHB, campers experience the wonders of nature, make new life-long friends, and gain confidence as they learn new skills such as teamwork and communication all while making positive, impactful memories.
Check out what former family camp participants had to say about their experience with CHB!
“Camp has grown our appreciation for nature and allowed us to spend more time together.”
“Coming to CHB has brought my family closer together. Together we tried and learned new things. Surviving off the grid? Best feeling in the world!”
Summer Sessions 2024 Info
Action packed & fun-filled sessions allow campers to experience cookouts/outdoor camping (depending on age), boating, archery, sports, swimming, art, nature and more! Older campers participate in a unique Teen Leadership program.
• Session 5: August 10 – August 15 (6 days)
Outdoor Life Exploration – For the adventurous! Campers will sleep in tents and develop their campfire, outdoor cooking, safety and plant identification skills. This special session will be packed full of exciting activities like night hikes, navigating by the sun/stars, boating and outdoor team challenge games.
• Session 3: July 15 – July 19 (5 days)
Campers may only attend one session per summer unless pre-approved by the Camp Director.
A scholarship program is available for campers who may need additional support. For most families the co-pay is between $75 and $375 per camper. Some first-time campers may qualify for additional assistance. A completed scholarship section within our online registration or on the registration form is necessary to qualify for a discounted rate. To receive a scholarship, every potential participant is required to provide income verification, unless an MPS pre-approved grantee.
The CIT program is designed for campers who love camp, being with kids and are either 16 or 17 during the summer. Those that excel in the program may be invited to return for additional sessions throughout the summer. This program is broken into 2 levels to allow participants to progress through and develop a variety of skills:
Level 1: Focuses on gaining skills and training for how to work with youth in the different areas throughout camp. CITs will stay in cabins with the younger age groups, learn group management skills, assist counselors and be great mentors to the younger youth at camp.
Allows CITs to develop more in-depth skills that will help with job readiness, learning how to run different program areas and builds on resume and interview skills.
Support areas ~ may include kitchen, office, housekeeping and maintenance.
Spaces are limited so make sure to register early and reserve your spot. To apply, simply complete the camper registration form selecting the CIT program and then a member of the camp team will contact you to complete an additional questionnaire & do an interview. Only a select few will be accepted into this incredible program at Camp Helen Brachman.
Camp Helen Brachman Rentals
Whether you’re hosting a family reunion, a business meeting, or a small gathering of friends, CHB has the accommodations to suit your needs! Check out our rental flyer below for detailed facility descriptions and photos.
Interested in a rental? Contact Camp Director Dayshia Anderson:
danderson@coa-yfc.org | (715) 366-2234
Thanks to financial support from Bader Philanthropies, United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County, Camps for Kids, The Greater Milwaukee Foundation, and the Camp Nebagamon Scholarship Fund, COA is able to provide financial assistance to make sure no child is denied the life-changing opportunities offered by Camp Helen Brachman.
