Camp Helen Brachman

Our Mission

COA Youth & Family Centers helps Milwaukee children, teens and families reach their greatest potential through a continuum of educational, recreational and social work programs offered through its urban community centers and rural camp facility. As a multicultural agency, COA values diversity and promotes positive social interaction.

COA’s programming continuum is comprised of three core focus areas. Family is at the center of all we do. The three core areas are Early Childhood Development, Youth Development, and Community Development. COA Camp Helen Brachman is a branch of Youth Development.

Our History

COA Youth & Family Centers was founded in 1906 as the Children’s Outing Association by a dynamic group of Jewish women who sought to provide families in poverty the means to achieve self-sufficiency and raise healthy, productive, successful children.  Following the framework of Jane Addams’ Hull House in Chicago, these women established Milwaukee’s first Settlement House and through this holistic model of community service they provided an array of resources for families. Over the last century, COA has continued to evolve this continuum of services and today serves thousands of children and families through holistic and integrated early child, youth, and community development programs offered at its two community centers (Riverwest and Goldin), Camp Helen Brachman in central Wisconsin, and partnering Milwaukee Public Schools.

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 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! Each summer, youth ages 8 – 17 enjoy all of the fun and adventure CHB has to offer.  Trained staff members provide a safe, fun and supportive environment for all campers to try new things and make new friends.  Campers can choose from 6 or 12 day sessions. At camp, we focus on the core values of Kindness, Strength, Respect and Responsibility. Campers participate in activities such as swimming, canoeing, kayaking, archery, arts & crafts, camping, hiking, field sports, team building, dancing, fishing, cultural awareness, gardening, cooking, reading, meditation, and much more. Camp can be a life-changing experience for campers, staff, and volunteers who help make it all possible!