Summer Day Camp

Welcome to YMCA Summer Camp!

Summer Camp 2024 is almost HERE! Look below for new information!

Camp Discover (ages 5-12)

Camp Discover is our base camp for children ages 5 - 12 to experience a well-rounded, fun time at camp without any additional fees. Each week will have a new theme, from sports and pirates to LEGOs and movies. Our campers will take part in activities throughout the week that are related to the theme, along with other camp activities like swimming, lunch, and games.

In addition to fun times at the Y, we still plan to partake in weekly field trips. The field trips are listed in the camp guide, but are all currently pending due to COVID-19 regulations.
 

Specialty Camps

The Y's specialty camps are perfect if your child wants to start experimenting or learning more about specific activities, sports, and more! Each week, we offer three different specialty camp options. Campers enrolled in these camps will do all of the typical Camp Discover activities, but for two hours of the day, each specialty group will be on their own learning about or practicing that week's activity.

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

Camp S.U.N. (ages 5-10)

Camp S.U.N. is Specialized for Unique Needs. Our goal is for every camper to have a great camp experience and we understand that some children may have unique needs that need to be met to make this happen. Camp S.U.N. campers & parents will need to meet with our Camp Director prior to registration.

Preschool Camp (ages 3-5)

The Kankakee Area YMCA offers a great preschool option for children ages 3-5. Children 5 years old may be enrolled in either Preschool Camp or Camp Discover; the Camp Director may decide whether the child is ready for a full day in Camp Discover. Preschool camp field trips may differ from field trips for Camp Discover and are subject to change. Parent chaperones are welcome and encouraged to participate on field trip days with our Preschool Campers.
 

Leaders in Training (LIT) (ages 13-15)

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 communication skills and helping you become a true leader. After turning in your application (see below), you will get a call from the director to schedule an interview. LIT selection is based on both the application and interview As a LIT, you are expected to model the four core values of the YMCA: Honesty, Respect, Caring, and Responsibility. The campers will look up to you, and you need to take your position as a role model seriously. You are expected to perform unsupervised tasks around camp including setting up and taking down activities, preparing and serving snacks, and assisting counselors during activities. (Members: $75/week, Prospective Members: $85/week)

How do I sign up for camp?

Signing up for any of the Y's Summer Camp options requires proper forms and documentation given to the Welcome Center prior to the camp's start. The appropriate forms in the registration packet can be found below or in person at the Welcome Center. Please review the checklist below for a breakdown of where to find each required registration component. 

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

Checklist Breakdown

Registration Packet

• Registration Form
• Bank Draft Authorization
• Summary of Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers
• Additional Child Registration Packet for every child after the first

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)
• Behavior Contract Signed

Sign electronically at Welcome Center during registration

• Parent Handbook Acknowledgement
• Liability Waiver
• Attendance, Late Fee, and Pick-up Policy

Optional

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

FAQs

What are your YMCA summer camp hours?

• 6:30am-6:00pm
• Specialty Camp: 9:00am-11:00am
• Lunch: 11:00am- 1:00pm (depending on group)
• Swimming: 11:30am-3:30 pm (depending on group)

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

• We do rolling drop off and pick up. Rolling car line means the parent/guardian does not need to leave the car! Our staff will come to you. Hours for rolling drop off at pick up are 6:30am-8:30am / 4:00pm-6:00. Outside of these times, you must park and come inside to check your child(ren) in. A sign-in/out area will be available when you arrive if you’d prefer to park and come inside. Your child will only be released to the parent/guardian or another authorized adult you have indicated on your registration packet or in brightwheel. This list can be updated on brightwheel at any time
  • You must sign your full name in brightwheel when dropping off and picking up your child(ren).
  • If someone else is picking up, you need to let us know in Brightwheel and provide a first and last name. Photo identification will be checked.
• 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
• Please wear every day: Tennis Shoes/Sneakers w/socks, Weather appropriate play clothes
• Everyone:
  • Towel
  • Plastic bag (for wet swimsuit/towel)
  • Sunscreen (Medication Authorization required for kids who need assistance with application)
  • Swimsuit
  • Shower Shoes (flip-flops/ sandals)
  • Water Bottle
  • Bag
  • Lunch/snack (if not eating the provided food)
  • Any required hygienic supplies
  • Change of clothes
• Preschool:
  • Blanket/pillow
  • Change of clothes (x2)
• Absolutely no:
  • Electronics (cell phones, ipads, tablets, etc.)
  • Trading cards (Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, etc.)
  • Toys
  • Stuffed Animals
  • Jewerly
  • Make-up
  • Nail Polish
    • Please note if your child(ren) brings any of this, it will be confiscated and put in the director's office till pick up.

How will staff be trained and monitored?

• Our Camp Director & Assistant Director have degrees in education or related fields and have the required number of years of experience working with children according to DHS qualifications. Our college-aged counselors have experience with children and many are taking classes in child care, physical education, art, or related fields. Staff are required to wear a name tag or staff shirt and project a professional image. Conditions of employment include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • First Aid/CPR
  • Background Checks/Screening Process
  • Training in Safety and emergency procedures
  • Program-specific certifications
  • 3 written references
  • Proof of education, college course, and/or experience
  • Prior to the start of camp staff will attend training sessions. Staff receive on the job training, and are required to attend staff meetings on a regular basis. Topics include, but are not limited to: Child care knowledge, group work skills, behavior management, emergency procedures, and program content, water safety.

What happens if the weather get bad?

• YMCA emergency weather procedures are in writing and will be followed depending on the type of weather emergency.
• On rainy days our campers will utilize different areas in the Y.

How are payments set up for summer camp?

• Full pay family’s camp payments will be automatically deducted from a credit or debit card the Thursday before each week of care.
• Child Care Resource & Referral family’s camp co-payments will be automatically deducted from a credit or debit card on the 1st of each month or upon registration.
  • Pending CCR&R families will have a $50 temporary co-payment automatically deducted from a credit or debit card the Thursday before each week of care.

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.