Two Summer Experiences. One Y. Every Child Thrives!

New for 2026! YMCA Enrichment Academy: (Ages 7–12)

The YMCA Enrichment Academy is a unique summer program designed for participants who want to explore interests, build skills, and stay active through structured, instructor-led programming. Hosted at the Kankakee Area YMCA, this experience focuses on hands-on learning and skill development in a variety of enrichment areas.

Throughout the week, participants take part in guided activities that encourage creativity, teamwork, and personal growth. Programming is designed to give participants the opportunity to practice new skills, explore their interests, and build confidence in a positive and supportive environment. Participants also enjoy daily swim time at the YMCA, providing a fun way to stay active and cool off during the summer months.

Each week concludes with a Friday Showcase, where participants have the opportunity to demonstrate the skills, projects, or activities they have been working on throughout the week. Participants should bring a packed lunch, a refillable water bottle, and any allergen-aware snacks they may need during the program each day.

The YMCA Enrichment Academy is ideal for families seeking a skill-focused summer experience that encourages learning, creativity, and personal development.

Enrichment Academy Printable Registration Forms:

Registration Packet

Additional Child Registration Packet

Medication Authorization Form

Enrichment Academy Parent Handbook

Summer Day Camp: Camp Discover (Ages 5–10)

Camp Discover is our traditional YMCA summer day camp designed to give children ages 5–10 a safe, engaging, and adventure-filled summer. Hosted at K1 this summer, this program blends classic camp fun with structured activities that keep kids active, creative, and connected all season long.

Each week features a new theme that guides games, crafts, group challenges, and creative programming. Campers spend their days exploring, building friendships, and participating in activities designed to encourage teamwork, curiosity, and confidence.

Camp Discover also includes exciting weekly off-site field trips that give campers the opportunity to explore new places and experiences throughout the summer. In addition, each group visits the YMCA once a week for swimming and water fun.

To help families feel confident that their child is well cared for throughout the day, Camp Discover also provides daily meals, including breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack.

With caring staff, engaging weekly themes, and memorable adventures, Camp Discover is the perfect place for kids to learn, grow, and create lasting summer memories.

Summer Day Camp Printable Registration Forms:

Registration Packet

Additional Child Registration Packet

Medication Authorization Form

Camp Handbook

CCR&R for Summer Camp Application

How do I sign up for summer day camp?

Signing up for any of the Y's Summer Camp 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.

Where will the summer day camp be held this summer?

Camp Discover will be held at Kankakee First Church of the Nazarene (K1), 1000 Entrance Ave. Kankakee

*June 15-June 19, Camp Discovery will be held at the Kankakee Area YMCA, 1075 N. Kennedy Ave. Kankakee

FAQs

Click on the question to see the answer.

What are your YMCA summer camp hours?

Summer Day Camp hours are 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.
Pre-Camp starts at 6:30 am - 8:30 am, and Post-Camp starts at 5:00 - 6:00 pm.
Lunch: 11:00 am- 1:00 pm (depending on the group)
Swimming:11:30 am-3:30 pm at the Kankakee Area YMCA weekly (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: 5:00 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 - on swim days
    Plastic bag (for wet swimsuit/towel) - on swim days
    Sunscreen (Medication Authorization required if assistance is needed)
    Shower shoes (flip-flops/sandals) - on swim days
    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 transition indoors and participate in alternative activities throughout designated areas within the K1 Church space.

Severe Weather: The YMCA follows established emergency weather procedures in alignment with K1 protocols. Staff are trained to respond appropriately based on the type of weather emergency to ensure the safety of all campers.

We actively monitor weather conditions and will communicate any necessary updates with families. Your child’s safety is always 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.

Required Registration Forms for Summer Day Camp & Enrichment Academy:

Completed Registration Form (1 per child)
Signed Bank Draft Authorization (1 per family)
Signed Parent Handbook Acknowledgment (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)

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.