2027 Registration
We hope you had a great summer at the YMCA. Registration opens in early 2027 for next summer.
Sign up for registration information and reminders.
Camp Explorer
Camp Explorer, located at Apex Elementary School, is packed with activities, games and fun. Campers spend the day swimming, creating crafts, playing kickball, pickup basketball, and soccer and enjoying games like gaga ball and capture the flag.
Camp Explorer Sessions
2027 YMCA Summer Day Camp locations, themes and session dates will be confirmed in December.
YMCA Day Camp Experience
From preparation to programming, these are the essentials that shape each camp day.
Counselors & Staff
YMCA Day Camp operates with a 10:1 camper-to-staff ratio. We hire high schoolers, college students and teachers to lead activities, drive buses and facilitate summer camp. Each staff member undergoes extensive training - from CPR and First Aid to leading assemblies. Many staff are former campers and return summer after summer.
Swimming at Day Camp
Almost all YMCA Day Camps offer free swim times or water play (for younger campers). Each camper is assessed for their swim ability on the first swim day of the session. Campers are issued swim bands that identify their swim levels. Swim bands also help lifeguards and counselors identify which areas of the pool are appropriate for each camper.
Weather Management
From outdoor games to water play, day camp is designed to keep kids moving, learning and connecting. But when the heat index rises, so does our responsibility to make smart, timely adjustments that protect campers and staff.
Huddles
Huddles are small groups of campers of similar age and grade who are grouped together at day camp. Typically, huddles move together throughout the day to difference activities. Each huddle is accompanied by two or more counselors.
Character Traits
Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Honesty, and Faith are the character traits the YMCA uses to reinforce positive behavior. Campers can earn beads by demonstrating these traits. Each camper (ages 5 and older) receives a necklace on the first day camp for their beads.
Camp Explorer FAQs
Rides In: 7 - 8:30 a.m.
Rides Out: 4:30 - 6 p.m.
Pick up and drop off will happen in the carpool loop off of Tingen Road. A staff member will be outside to greet you from 7 - 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 - 6 p.m. If you are dropping off or picking up outside of these times, please call 919-815-3342. A staff member will assist you at your vehicle. Parents must present a pick-up card (provided on your child’s first day of the program) or an I.D. as a safety precaution. Rides Out ends at 6 p.m.
Camp Explorer will swim twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, at the Kraft Family YMCA!
We ask that your child is dropped off no later than 9:25 a.m. to catch the bus.
Have questions about camp? We will talk through camp logistics and have a Q & A time for parents at our Parent Orientation. Our Parent Orientation will be June 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Check your email for the link.
During Family Nights, you and your child are invited to attend camp together and experience what it is all about! Campers are invited to join us even if they are not registered for camp during the week of our Family Nights.
2026 Family Nights
July 9, July 23 and August 6
Campers are asked to bring a change of clothes, a swimsuit, a towel, lunch, two snacks, and a refillable water bottle. Most campers pack everything in a backpack.
Sunscreen/insect repellent (lotions and sprays) requires a Sunscreen/Insect Repellent Distribution Form to be completed if you wish for the Y to apply it to your child. This is part of the YMCA Medication Distribution & Sunscreen Application form.
We recommend that your child bring spray sunscreen and repellent for personal use if you prefer they self-apply. Please mark your child's first and last name on the bottles.
Other Day Camps
Offered by the Kraft Family YMCA
