Why stay home this summer when there is so much fun to be had at YMCA Summer Day Camp! Our camps fill kids’ days with swimming, creative arts, sports, games, friendship and YMCA traditions like beads, songs and devotions?
Our goal is to provide a safe, positive, fun day at camp for your child. We want every camper to try a new activity and discover hidden talents and strengths, and make new friends. The Y also teaches and models our character traits: respect, responsibility, caring, honesty and faith in God in programs and activities.
Here’s what a typical day at camp is like:
MORNING ASSEMBLY
Morning assembly is the key to a good day at camp! During this time, counselors get the kids excited and set the tone for the rest of the day.
GAMES AND SPORTS
Rather than spending time connected to a device, children engage in active fun while playing a variety of games and sports. Activities vary by camp, but can include things like archery, kickball, soccer, capture the flag and gym games.
CREATIVE ARTS
Each day children are given an opportunity to tap into their creative side through hands-on arts and crafts. They might learn the colors in the color wheel, craft a Camp memento or create a masterpiece.
SWIMMING
Swimming is an important part of each day. According to parents and kids, it is one of the best parts of camp! Even our youngest campers – Kindercamp and Wee Camp – enjoy water or splash time.
SNACKS AND LUNCH
At camp, we have two snack times, one morning, one afternoon. We recommend your child’s lunch box include a nutritious lunch, beverages and two snacks for full-day camps; and a snack and beverage for half-day camps.
SONGS
Those cheers your kids are singing in the back seat on the way home – we’re probably still singing them too! YMCA camp cheers and songs have a way of getting stuck in your head!
BEADS
Bead necklaces are a favorite tradition at camp and a creative way to reinforce good behavior in kids. Different YMCA camps use different beads, but the intent is the same - to reinforce positive behavior, character traits or a special achievement!
DEVOTIONS
A YMCA devotion is a story, Bible verse or parable that reinforces the YMCA character traits of respect, responsibility, honesty, caring and faith in God. Be sure to ask your camper about the Thought for the Week, too. Usually campers who have it memorized earn extra beads.
FRIENDSHIP
Let’s not forget that each day at YMCA Summer Camp is filled with friendship. The connections your children make with counselors and campers could last a lifetime.
ENERGIZE THEIR SUMMER
Visit our Camp Finder page to find your camp and register!
