Unplug and Play
At YMCA Summer Day Camps, kids put down their devices and play the old-fashioned way. Campers make friends and learn new skills through a variety of activities including games, swimming, arts and crafts and assemblies at inside and outside.
Kids Need Camp
That's why we offer traditional, sports, nature and speciality camps for children in preschool through middle school. Our leadership experiences for high schoolers help develop lifelong skills.
Theme Weeks
Each week of day camp has a different theme, such as Beach Blast or Under the Big Top. During the week, campers experience new activities, games, crafts and assemblies tied to the camp theme. Changing our themes keeps the day camp fun and interesting week over week for campers.
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.