YMCA Camp Erdman

Building Character and Confidence.

The Courage to Try Something New

Camping became a cornerstone of YMCA programming in 1885 with the start of Camp Dudley in New York, America’s first known continuously running summer camp program. Since then, generations of kids, teens, young adults, and families have experienced the magic of camp—gaining confidence, building character, and making friends and lifelong memories.

Camp for All

In Hawai‘i, YMCA of Honolulu owns and operates Camp Erdman in Mokulē‘ia. The camp offers a range of programs for kids and teens throughout the summer and year-round for school groups and retreats, as well as healing camps for children of prison inmates, youth with disabilities, and more.

For some, it’s the first time they’ve ventured beyond their community, eaten three meals a day, or slept in a bed—not to mention, climbed, sang or gone swimming. Through financial aid, the Y ensures life-changing experiences for all children across O‘ahu.


 1920s camps were filled with outdoor activities and opportunities to make new friends. Starting in January 1926, Walter F. Dillingham, leased 10 acres of land for $1 a year to the YMCA for youth camping. At the time, the site was called Camp Mokulei‘a.
1920s Camp Life: archery, butterfly hunting and marine reef exploration.
On Christmas morning, 1932, the Y received an unexpected gift—the donation of the camp by Marion D. Erdman and Mary Dillingham Frear. Instead of being leased to by the family, Camp Mokulē‘ia would now belong to the Y. The gift was made in memory of Mrs. Erdman’s 26-year-old son who had been killed in a polo accident. Their gift included a request that Camp Mokulē‘ia be renamed Camp Harold R. Erdman to ensure “his spirit of contribution to the happiness of others, carries on.”
The earliest recorded experience of YMCA Honolulu tent camping was held in 1903 in Wahiawa with youth leaders and Boys’ Club members.
1920s scholarship Boys' Club campers. From the beginning, the Y has offered financial assistance to ensure children from all walks of life can enjoy the experiences of camp. It's a commitment that continues today.

“A lot of my students don’t have the funds to attend camp—their parents struggle just to put food on the table. YMCA financial assistance ensures no one gets left behind. They discover their hidden talents, learn valuable life lessons and appreciate and accept each other’s differences and views,” says 5th Grade DOE Teacher, Ms. Nichol.
Started in 1914 at a California YMCA, the Raggers Program is for youth and adults who are committed to developing their personal growth and positive character traits. They work with mentors to progressively earn higher levels of skills, signified by colored kerchiefs.

“Accepting your White Rag is the highest level of commitment and a pledge to help many others find their best selves,” said Bobby Stivers. He received his White Rag in 2016, and along the way, helped hundreds of others progress through the program. The tradition continues today, with 100+ teens and adults earning their new “rags” of commitment each summer at Camp H.R. Erdman.
 1950s Camp Erdman. Meals were a family affair, and everyone shared in KP duty.

Central YMCA ➔