COA Youth & Family Centers (originally Children’s Outing Association) sent the first eight kids to camp in 1906.  Camp has always been and continues to be a life-changing experience where kids spend time in and learn about the outdoors as well as themselves and others!  Over a century later, COA is proud to continue to support the strong tradition of overnight resident camp.

Camp Helen Brachman is located a little over 2 hours from Milwaukee, near Waupaca, WI.  We are located on 200 acres of pine forest, prairie and hardwood forest.  Pickerel Lake, located in the heart of camp, is the focal point for many beautiful views and fun activities!  Trained staff members provide a safe, fun and supportive environment for all campers to try new things and make new friends.  In 2021, CHB is planning adult with child mini-vacation, family and virtual camps. These programs are designed to provide opportunities for low-income, inner-city families to enjoy a rural habitat; enjoy and learn about nature, try new adventures, and bond as a family.

Camp Helen Brachman (CHB) is proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association. ACA Accreditation means that CHB cares enough to undergo a thorough (up to 300 standards) review of our operation – from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. American Camp Association collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to assure that the current practices at CHB reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operations. Camps and ACA form a partnership that promotes growth and fun in an environment committed to safety.

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.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: How to File a Complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.