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Groups & Retreats

YMCA Camp Duncan Groups & Retreats

Looking for a unique team bonding experience? Our group rental program at Camp Duncan encourages students to better understand the relationship between themselves and our natural environment.  We energize youth through activities that promote teamwork, friendship, and communication!
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Welcome Packet & Group Rates

Have something to celebrate? Interested in team-building retreats? At Camp Duncan, we can design a custom program that fits your needs. Our activities and curriculum are facilitated by trained camp professionals who create an amazing learning experience through group work, guided discovery, discussions, and fun activities!

We host day, weekend, and overnight trips with a minimum of 15 people. Seasonal activities are included and premium activities are available for additional fees. View our welcome packet here, our rates below, and contact [email protected] to get started!

Group Rates

Facilities & Lodging

Camp Duncan has enjoyed over 100 years on beautiful Fish Lake in Ingleside, IL!  Groups enjoy our waterfront, hiking trails, activity areas, cabins, and meeting spaces. Contact our Group Services Director to schedule a tour and see what our historic campus has to offer!
  • Robert Malcolm Lodge

    Robert Malcolm Lodge

    This lodge is the centerpiece of Camp Duncan and overlooks our beautiful waterfront. It has a capacity of 264 people and it is used for dining and indoor activities. It also hosts a craft room and our camp store. This lodge is adjacent to our outdoor picnic and gathering area!
  • Fireside Lodge

    Fireside & Sorenson Lodges

    Our campus has two additional indoor spaces in our Fireside and Sorenson lodges. Each space can comfortably seat up to 50 people for indoor meeting spaces or breakout spaces. Each lodge has restrooms attached, tables and chairs for seating, and a fireplace for ambiance or activities!
  • Duncan House

    Duncan House

    Duncan House is a favored Camp Duncan facility that has both a small commons area and two living spaces. It also has restrooms and showers! Duncan House can serve groups that have up to 33 participants. Adventure awaits at Duncan House; we can't wait to host you here at Camp Duncan!

  • YMCA Camp Independence

    Camp Independence traditionally serves individuals who have spina bifida. Groups can use this facility as an indoor meeting space or lodging for groups under 33 participants. Restrooms and showers are located inside the building, and a spacious basement area is available!

Year-round Lodging

We can accommodate up to 300+ people or multiple groups on the same dates. Each cabin has twin bunk beds, electricity, and heat/AC. We do our best to accommodate cabin requests!

  • Unit 1 (18 beds - restrooms/showers inside): Aquila, Lyra, Scorpio, & Sagitta
  • Unit 2 (22 beds - central bath & shower house): Silver Maple, Mountain Ash, Old Hickory, Black Oak, & Weeping Willow
  • Unit 3 (22 beds - bath & shower house in Fireside): Woodpecker, Cardinal, Purple Martin, Bobolink, & Blue Jay
  • Unit 4 (20 beds - bath & shower house at Sorenson): Barred Owl, American Kestrol, Golden Eagle, & Redtail Hawk

Meals & Dining

  • Meal Planning

    Our food service staff make meal planning easy for you! In addition to a main entrée, each meal is accompanied by options such as a cereal bar, fruit and yogurt, or a salad bar. Meals are served family style at tables to create community! Ask us about our premiere entrées, snacks, and desserts available for an additional fee.
    Contact Us

  • Typical Menu Items

    Breakfast: a side, cereal bar, fruit, yogurt, and milk/juice. Plus, pancakes, waffles, french toast, biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, or a breakfast sandwich. Lunch: a side, fruit bar, cottage cheese, and water/juice. Plus, hamburgers, hot dogs, sloppy joes, chicken tenders, corn dogs, or tacos. Dinner: a side, salad bar, and water. Plus, mac and cheese, chicken and rice, chicken parm and pasta, pork chops, tacos, or chicken wings.

  • Dietary Needs

    We accommodate most dietary needs at Camp Duncan including vegetarian and gluten- and dairy-free foods. We are a nut-free campus. We will be happy to connect you with our Food Service Manager to discuss other options; the manager also chooses which sides accompany entrées. Contact us if you have any questions!
    Contact Us

Program & Activity Areas

We're happy to provide a variety of indoor and outdoor program areas that can be utilized for multiple purposes! Connect with our Group Services Director to discuss your desired activities or program areas.

Activities include: a rock climbing tower, a high ropes course, a zip line, hiking trails, a waterfront & fishing/boating docks (seasonal), an archery range, slingshot, a paintball range, a camp store, five outdoor pavilions, a low ropes team-building course, an amphitheater with a fire pit, five outdoor fire circles, Pat's Playground, an indoor swimming pool (seasonal), & an athletic field with soccer goals.

Camp Duncan Classes

We believe in the power of discovery, connection, and challenge. Our thoughtfully designed programs create unforgettable experiences where campers can grow their confidence, learn valuable life skills, and make lasting friendships all while having the time of their lives. 

Classes come to life on our 337 acres of forest trails, meadows, and 65-acre lake. From thrilling high ropes to hands-on science and living history lessons, Camp Duncan offers something for every camper. Our classes list is coming soon!

Learn More
  • "McHenry High School and Camp Duncan have a long-term relationship, and there's a reason that we keep coming back year after year! The people and the hospitality there have always been top-notch, and that's not even mentioning the incredible space and resources that they offer. Camp Duncan remains one of the most important locations in our community, and they have the reliability to back it up.”
    - Director of Student Activities, McHenry High School
  • “Our club visited Camp Duncan last year and had a beautiful time! The staff and directors were great and showed us the time of our lives. We experienced so many things like boating, swimming, fishing, arts and crafts, obstacle courses, rock climbing, archery, campfires, and much, much more. Camp Duncan is a great place for adults and children to bond and learn a lot of different things. I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of a terrific family, and I can’t wait until next time!"
    - Founder, The Foundation

We Host Medical Camps All Year

Learn more about the medical Overnight Camps that we host at Camp Duncan: CAMP – A FASD Community, Camp I Am Me, Camp Triangle Adventure, Camp Quality, Hope Loves Company, Kidney Camp, and Tourette Syndrome Camp USA!
  • Camper Hugging Staff

    Camp - A FASD Community

    CAMP - A FASD Community offers an annual, week-long, flagship program for youth ages 9-18 who are diagnosed with or suspected of having FAS/FASD. Camp Duncan provides a positive and safe environment where contributions are recognized and appreciated as youth build skills that assist them in everyday life and increase their self-image. 2026 applications are open!
    APPLY NOW
  • Group at Camp Duncan

    Camp I Am Me

    Camp I Am Me provides a safe, non-judgmental environment for burn survivors ages 7-20! Campers build self-esteem and enjoy camp activities during the week. Through generous supporters, this opportunity is made available at no cost and includes lodging, meals, health center access, and transportation across Illinois. 2026 registration is open!
    Register Now
  • Triangle Camp participants

    Camp Triangle Adventure

    Camp Triangle Adventure is an American Diabetes Association camp hosted at Camp Duncan. Campers enjoy activities like swimming and crafts and develop skills to thrive while managing diabetes. Campers also build life-long friendships and confidence and learn about nutrition, exercise, glucose control, & more. 2026 registration is open!
    Register Now

  • Kid with Fish

    Camp Quality

    Camp Quality USA serves children with cancer by providing year-round programs, experiences, and companionship, all at no cost. Camp Quality USA promotes hope and inspiration while helping children foster life skills and develop their full potential. Sibling, teen, and summer camp registration is open!
    Register Now
  • Family Outside

    Hope Loves Company

    Hope Loves Company is for youth ages 6–17 and families affected by ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). Campers connect with others who understand ALS and build friendships and coping skills through music, art, mindfulness, and outdoor adventure. This camp is offered at no cost!
    Learn More
  • Group of Youth

    Kidney Camp

    Kidney Camp is a National Kidney Foundation camp for youth ages 7-15 who are affected by kidney disease. Campers experience traditional YMCA Overnight Camp including adventurous activities like water sports, high ropes, archery, hiking, and more. This camp is offered at no cost, and staff are onsite 24/7!
    Register Now
  • Youth with Instructor

    Tourette Syndrome Camp USA

    Tourette Syndrome Camp USA is a one-week camp for youth ages 8-16+ whose primary diagnosis is Tourette Syndrome or OCD. This camp allows youth to experience a fun, safe, and positive environment where their tics are accepted and meet other youth who share similar experiences and coping mechanisms.
    Register Now