Unplug and PLAY
Camp Excel serves elementary and middle school students with age-appropriate programming that inspires learning, teamwork and responsibility. Campers participate in character-building activities, literacy instruction, sports and daily swim lessons that build confidence, skills and lifelong healthy habits.
Supported by the Annual Campaign, Camp Excel is offered at no cost to families and is for children who are currently enrolled in Y Learning and their siblings.
If your child is not currently part of Y Learning, they are not eligible for Camp Excel. However, we’d love to help you explore other day camps and programs, including options with financial assistance. Click here or contact branch Welcome Center staff.
Camp Excel Sessions
2027 YMCA Summer Day Camp locations, themes and session dates will be confirmed in December.
Camp Highlights
Summer Fun
Hands-on activities, games and creative experiences that make learning joyful and engaging.
Literacy Instruction
Daily reading and writing support to strengthen skills and prevent summer learning loss.
Water Safety
Essential swim skills and water safety habits that build confidence and prevent accidents.
Healthy Meals
Nutritious meals and snacks that fuel growing minds and bodies all day long.
Camp Excel FAQ
Drop-off and pick-up (Rides In and Rides Out) take place from 8 - 9 a.m. and 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. in the main parking lot at East Millbrook Middle School. Follow the signs to the pick-up and drop-off area. Please do not pull back to the camp office unless dropping off or picking up outside of Rides In/Rides Out times.
A typical day at Camp Excel includes one hour of engaging literacy instruction led by certified teachers, along with nutritious breakfast and lunch provided at no cost through the YMCA’s partnership with public schools. Campers also enjoy swim lessons led by our aquatics team, plus a variety of traditional day camp activities that create a fun, safe and welcoming environment where children can learn, grow and thrive.
Campers in huddles K - 2 will swim on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 - 10:45 a.m. Campers in grades 3 - 8 will swim on Tuesdays and Thursday from 10 - 10:45 a.m.
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.
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.