Summer Day Camp

Welcome to YMCA Summer Camp!

Summer Camp 2025 is in its final planning stages! Look below for some important information!

Registration Packet

Additional Child Registration Packet

Medication Authorization Form

Camp Handbook

CCR&R for Summer Camp Application

L.I.T. Application

Camp Discover (ages 5-12)

Welcome to Camp Discover – where every day is an adventure! Our base camp is designed to give children ages 5-12 a well-rounded, fun-filled experience, all without any additional fees. Each week brings a new exciting theme, including "Strike Up the Fun," "Curiosity Quests," and "Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead." Campers dive into a variety of activities tied to the weekly theme, all while enjoying classic camp experiences like swimming, lunch, and fun games.

But that’s not all! We take our camp adventures off-site with awesome weekly field trips, including visits to places like the Ball Factory and Medieval Times. With something new every week, Camp Discover is the perfect way for your child to make lasting memories and explore their creativity!

Specialty Camps

The Y's Specialty Camps are perfect if your child is looking to explore specific activities, sports, or dive deeper into areas they already love! Each week, we offer three different specialty camp options, giving your child the opportunity to experiment, learn, and grow in new areas of interest.

Campers enrolled in Specialty Camps will still enjoy all the typical Camp Discover activities, like swimming, lunch, and games. However, for two hours each day, each specialty group will focus on learning or practicing that week’s activity.

This year, we’re offering a variety of educational, sports, and fun camps. Check out each week's specialty camp descriptions in our camp guide to find the perfect fit for your child!

Leaders in Training (LIT) (ages 12-15)

Are you looking for an opportunity to develop your leadership skills? Try becoming a volunteer "Leader In Training" (LIT). Throughout the summer, we will focus on developing your communication skills and helping you grow into a true leader.

The YMCA’s Leader in Training (LIT) Program is open to registered summer day campers entering grades 7-9. As an LIT, you will gain hands-on experience by assisting our camp counselors with younger campers while learning the key leadership skills that can be applied at school, home, and in your community.

To apply, interested campers must submit an application. After turning in your application, the camp director will contact you to schedule an interview. LIT selection is based on both the application and interview. As an LIT, you will be expected to model the YMCA’s four core values: Honesty, Respect, Caring, and Responsibility. Campers will look up to you, and it’s important to take your position as a role model seriously.

LITs are also expected to perform unsupervised tasks, including setting up and taking down activities, preparing and serving snacks, and assisting counselors during activities.

Cost:

Members: $85/week
Prospective Members: $95/week

Teen Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers play a vital role in the success of YMCA programs, and we invite area high school students entering grades 9-12 to help during our summer camp. Volunteers will contribute in a variety of ways and gain valuable experience working with youth. To apply for a volunteer position, prospective volunteers must submit a volunteer application.

How do I sign up for camp?

Signing up for any of the Y's Summer Camp options requires submitting the proper forms and documentation to the Welcome Center prior to the camp’s start. The necessary forms can be found in the registration packet below or in person at the Welcome Center.

Please review the checklist below for a breakdown of where to find each required registration component.

Required Registration Forms:

Completed Registration Form (1 per child)
Signed Bank Draft Authorization (1 per family)
Signed Parent Handbook Acknowledgement (1 per family)
Electronic Signature
Signed Liability Waiver | Photo/Audio Visual/Narrative Release (1 per family)
Electronic Signature
Signed Summary of Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers (1 per family)
Medication Authorization (If a child needs help applying sunscreen, a form is needed)
(Form provided upon request)
Signed Attendance, Late Fee & Pick-up Policy | Field Trip Fees (1 per family)
Electronic Signature
Signed Camp Behavior & Expectations (1 per child)
Original Birth Certificate (for each child)
(The Y will copy)
Health Information (for each child)
(Most recent school physicals may be used, even if they are over 6 months old. There must be a doctor’s signature, immunizations, and lead/TB screenings on the submitted form)
Custody Agreement/Court Order (If applicable)

Important: All forms must be filled out and turned in before the Welcome Center can officially sign your child up for camp.

Bring in from home

Original Birth Certificate (the Y can copy)
Health Information (most recent school physical, even if older than 6 months, including doctor's signature and up-to-date shot records)
Signed Behavior Contract with Parent/Guardian and Camper Signature

Optional

Custody Agreement/Court Order (if applicable)
Medication Authorization (available upon request)

FAQs

What are your YMCA summer camp hours?

Summer Day Camp hours are 8:30 am - 4:00 pm.
Pre-Camp starts at 6:30 am - 8:30 am, and Post-Camp starts at 4:00 - 6:00 pm.
Specialty Camp: 9:00 am-11:00 am Lunch: 11:00 am- 1:00 pm (depending on the group)
Swimming:11:30 am-3:30 pm (depending on group)

How does camp pick-up/drop-off work?

We offer a rolling car line for easy drop-off and pick-up—no need to leave your car! Our staff will come to you.
Rolling Drop-Off & Pick-Up Hours:
Morning: 6:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Afternoon: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
⏰ Outside of these hours – Parents must park and come inside to check their child(ren) in or out. A sign-in/out area will be available for those who prefer to come inside at any time.
✅ Important Pick-Up Reminders:
Only authorized individuals listed in your registration packet or Brightwheel may pick up your child. You must sign your full name in Brightwheel at drop-off and pick-up.
If someone else is picking up, update Brightwheel with their full name—they will need to show photo ID.
- More details can be found in our Parent Handbook.

What should my child bring to Summer Camp?

Please label everything with your child’s name
- Daily Essentials: Tennis Shoes/Sneakers w/socks, Weather appropriate play clothes
  - Wear Every Day:
    Tennis shoes/sneakers with socks
    Weather-appropriate play clothes
    Pack in Their Bag:
    Swimsuit & towel
    Plastic bag (for wet swimsuit/towel)
    Sunscreen (Medication Authorization required if assistance is needed)
    Shower shoes (flip-flops/sandals)
    Water bottle
    Lunch/snack (if not eating the provided meals)
    Any required hygienic supplies
    Change of clothes
    A great attitude!
  - Items NOT Allowed:
    - ❌ Electronics (phones, iPads, etc.)
      ❌ Trading cards (Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh, etc.)
      ❌ Toys or stuffed animals
      ❌ Jewelry, makeup, or nail polish
      ⏳ If any prohibited items are brought to camp, they will be held in the director’s office until pick-up.

How will staff be trained and monitored?

At the Y, we are committed to providing a safe, engaging, and educational environment for all campers. Our Camp Director and Assistant Youth Specialists hold degrees in education, business, or related fields and meet the required years of experience working with children as specified by DHS qualifications. Our college-aged counselors bring valuable experience and are often pursuing degrees in child care, physical education, art, or related fields.

All camp staff are required to wear a name tag or staff shirt and are expected to project a professional image at all times. Conditions of employment for all staff include:

First Aid/CPR Certification
Background Checks/Screening Process
Training in Safety and Emergency Procedures
Program-Specific Certifications
Three Written References
Proof of Education, College Courses, and/or Relevant Experience
Before camp begins, all staff participate in comprehensive training sessions. In addition to this, staff receive on-the-job training and are required to attend regular staff meetings. These sessions cover essential topics such as:
Child care knowledge
Group work skills
Behavior management
Emergency procedures
Program content
Water safety
We ensure that our staff are well-prepared and continuously supported to create the best possible experience for your child.

What happens if the weather get bad?

Rainy Days: Campers will move indoors and enjoy alternative activities in different areas of the YMCA.
Severe Weather: The YMCA has written emergency weather procedures in place. Staff will follow specific protocols based on the type of weather emergency to ensure camper safety.
We closely monitor weather conditions and will communicate any necessary updates to parents. Your child’s safety is our top priority! ⛑️

How are payments set up for summer camp?

Full Pay Families: Camp payments will be automatically deducted from your credit or debit card on the Thursday before each week of care.
Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) Families: Co-payments will be automatically deducted on the 1st of each month or upon registration.
Pending CCR&R Families: Camp payments will be automatically deducted from your credit or debit card on the Thursday before each week of care until approval or denial notice comes.

What is your cancellation/ withdrawal policy?

Refunds will only be given when a Program Withdrawal Form (available at the YMCA’s Welcome Center) is completed the Monday prior to the week you would like to cancel.

What do I do if I need to update or change my registration?

A change form (available at the Welcome Center) simply needs to be completed with any changes or updates.

When is the deadline to register for next week’s camp?

As long as there are spaces available in a camp we will take registration. However, we do not pro-rate for missed days of camp.