Sports Camp
Sports Camp, located at Apex Elementary School, is filled with specific sports drills and scrimmages with time for swimming and a few traditional camp activities. Pick the sport per week your camper is interested in, and watch them improve their skills and burn off energy in a safe environment.
Sports Camp Sessions
There will be eight weeks of Sports Camp at Apex Elementary School this summer. July 3 is a holiday, and camp will be closed.
Registration
All YMCA Day Camps require a $20 deposit per session. If you do not have a YMCA account, you can create one at the time of registration.
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.
Sports Camp FAQs
Rides In: 7 - 8:30 a.m.
Rides Out: 4:30 - 6 p.m.
Pick up and drop off your camper in the carpool loop off of Tingen Road. A staff member will be outside to greet you from 7 - 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 - 6 p.m. If you are dropping off or picking up outside of these times, please call 919-815-3342. A staff member will assist you at your vehicle. Parents must present a pick-up card (provided on your child’s first day of the program) or an I.D. as a safety precaution. Rides Out ends at 6 p.m.
Campers will enjoy skill development, game time, swim time, tournaments and special events.
Our skill development sessions are designed to help athletes of all levels build confidence, sharpen fundamentals and elevate their overall performance. Through focused drills and game based learning, participants will improve keys skills such as coordination, dribbling, passing, shooting and sport specific techniques. Each session emphasizes effort, teamwork and positive encouragement; creating an environment where athletes can grow, challenge themselves and have fun. In addition, campers will receive weekly break out sessions dedicated to topics such as calisthenics, agility and student-athlete life to help build the entire athlete.
Friday Showcase
Each Friday our athletes will have the chance to show off what they have learned throughout the week. We will hold a Friday Showcase session from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. each week. Parents and fans will be invited to come to the gym or fields and participate in stations led by their little superstars to display skills that they have developed while at camp.
7 - 8:45a.m. Rides In: We open up the cafeteria area, gym area and the playground area (as needed) for fun friend building games!
9 - 9:30 a.m. Assembly: The whole camp comes together to dance, sing, act silly and laugh a ton!
9:30 - 10 a.m. Morning Snack/Chalk Talk: Pack a healthy morning snack! Fruit is always a good choice. Campers will go over the game plan for the day and what skills will be developed each day.
10:15 - 11:50 a.m. Skill Development (M/W/F): Time to participate in drills and activities that will help enhance specific sports skills. There will be two activity blocks with breaks in between.
10 - 11 a.m. Swim Time (T/Th): Campers will have the opportunity to swim on Tuesday and Thursday each week and may take a swim band test on Tuesday of each week.
11:50 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. Half Time: A daily devotion or “pep talk” will take place during this time focused on character development and the game plan for the rest of the day.
12:10 - 12:40 p.m. Lunch: This is a great time for the campers in their huddle to talk about the day so far and make new friends.
12:45 - 12:55 p.m. Chalk Talk: We will review the skills practiced in the morning and how to implement them in the afternoon practice.
1 – 2 p.m. Small Sided Games/Scrimmages or Skill Development Sessions: Athletes will engage in small sided games and activities that will reinforce the skills learned throughout the day/week.
2:05 - 2:50 p.m. Camp Activity: Athletes will get the opportunity to partake in regular summer day camp activities. Fun games and crafts will be offered during this time.
3 - 3:30 p.m. Camp Assembly: We reflect on the day and each huddle picks a camper of the day!
3:30 - 4 p.m. Post Chalk Talk and Afternoon Snack: Pack a healthy afternoon snack! Fruit is always a good choice. Campers will debrief the skills learned from the day.
4:30 - 6 p.m. Rides Out & Office Closed
Have questions about camp? We will talk through camp logistics and have a Q & A time for parents at our Parent Orientation.
Check your email for the link.
During Family Nights, you and your child are invited to attend camp together and experience what it is all about! Campers are invited to join us even if they are not registered for camp during the week of our Family Nights.
2026 Family Nights
July 9 and August 6
Sports Camp will swim twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, at the Kraft Family YMCA!
We ask that your child is dropped off no later than 9:25 a.m. to catch the bus.
Learn more about swimming at summer camp.
Campers are asked to bring a change of clothes, a swimsuit, a towel, lunch, two snacks, and a refillable water bottle. Most campers pack everything in a backpack.
Cleats can be brought for soccer camp. (Bring tennis shoes as well.)
The YMCA will provide balls for camp. Please leave personal balls at home.
Sunscreen/insect repellent (lotions and sprays) requires a Sunscreen/Insect Repellent Distribution Form to be completed if you wish for the Y to apply it to your child. This is part of the YMCA Medication Distribution & Sunscreen Application form.
We recommend that your child bring spray sunscreen and repellent for personal use if you prefer they self-apply. Please mark your child's first and last name on the bottles.
Other Day Camps
Offered by the Kraft Family YMCA
