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 Blazing Trails
At Camp Blazing Trails, campers spend the days outside exploring nature, hiking, making crafts and making friends. Campers learn about the environment through hands-on activities and guest speakers.
Camp Blazing Trails 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 Blazing Trails FAQs
Follow the signs directing you to our camp Rides In area near the Dogwood Shelter marked with a red dot on the map below off of Lake Crabtree Park Drive off of Aviation Parkway.
A counselor will welcome your child.
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.
Fishing
Campers will have the opportunity to go fishing most days. Gear will be provided, however, campers are more than welcome to bring their own gear. Staff may not be able to assist with maintenance of personal gear. We use artificial bait as well as hot dogs to generally catch bluegill, sunfish and catfish. Lake Crabtree is catch and release only.
Archery
Campers will have the opportunity to participate in archery most days. We will provide all equipment.
Canoeing
Campers will be able to canoe on Tuesday and Thursday. Swimming in the lake is not permitted, but please pack an extra pair of clothes, just in case.
Adventurer Training
Campers will have the opportunity to experience Outdoor Adventure through learning outdoor skills and conservation projects.
Mountain Biking
Campers who are rising fourth graders or older and in the extended day option will have the opportunity to go mountain biking on Tuesday afternoons. Campers will need to come prepared with their own bike and helmet. Helmets are required and campers without helmets will not be allowed to participate. We highly encourage a mountain bike as other types of bikes may not be adequate for trail rides.
