Large group of children around the campfire

Camp Programs

We believe camp is a transformational experience. YMCA’s day, overnight, and specialty camps give kids the chance to make new friends, learn new skills and interact with nature as they engage in physical, social and educational activities––and create memories that will last a lifetime.

A Variety of Camp Options

  • group of children playing tug of war at day camp

    Day Camp

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    Day camp at the Y is led by experienced staff and offers nearly all the benefits of overnight camp – new outdoor experiences, skill–building and lasting friendships – in rural, urban and suburban settings, while allowing campers to return home each afternoon.

  • two young friends hugging at overnight camp with tent in the background

    Overnight Camp

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    Located in picturesque settings across the country, Y overnight camp experiences can stretch from one weekend to an entire season and are led by a dedicated team of staff who ensure campers enjoy outdoor adventures and new friendships that last a lifetime.

  • father and daughter doing crafts together at YMCA camp

    Family Camp

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    Y family camps give families the chance to bond while experiencing everything that Y camps have to offer. Spending time together in beautiful surroundings, exploring new adventures and forming friendships with other families lead to memories that will last a lifetime.

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    Specialty Camp

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    Y specialty camps offer programming for specific interests, including teen adventure, music, sports, cooking and more. The Y also offers camp programs designed for medical and mental health challenges or other special needs so kids of all abilities and circumstances can enjoy the ultimate camp experience.

Find a Y Camp Near You

It's never too early to begin thinking about summer camp. From day camp to overnight programs, use the search tool below to find a Y offering camp options near you.

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Watch more Y stories

  • The Lasting Impact of Summer Camp

    Wondering if summer camp is right for your child? Hear from several YMCA camp counselors who turned their own summer camp experiences as children into a career. 

  • Camp is a Place Where All Are Accepted

    Camp is a place where all are accepted. Learn from Shawn Morrison, Senior Vice President of Philanthropy, at the YMCA of Greater Richmond—and former YMCA camp counselor—how camp helps level the playing field for all kids. 

  • Inspiring Confidence in Kids

    Camp is a place kids can be their authentic selves. See how camp inspires confidence in kids from Nat Corrall, Director of Child and Youth Development at the YMCA of San Diego County. 

  • Camp Can Foster Resilience for Life

    When kids create crafts or shoot a basketball, they’re doing so much more. Hear how the skills learned at camp foster resilience for life from Tim Joyce, former camper and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Richmond from 2013-2020. 

  • Access and Ability at Camp

    At the Rancho Family YMCA’s day camp, YMCA staff meet kids and families where they are. Hear camp director Mia Kelliher talk about access and ability at camp. 

Kids running outside at camp

A Partnership with the National Park Service

The Y's strategic partnership with the National Park Service is connecting kids, who may not typically have awareness or access to local public lands, to our nation's national parks. This multi–site initiative engages Ys in urban areas to provide thousands of kids with outdoor recreation, learning, and leadership experiences in their local national park each year.

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The Numbers on Y Summer Camps

  • 1,467 day camps

    In 2020, the Y provided more than 1,400 day camp programs in the U.S.

  • 364,910

    Ys nationwide served 364,910 kids and teens at resident and day camps in 2020.

  • 234 Overnight Camps

    The Y has more than 200 overnight camps for kids and teens, along with specialty camps that focus on specific programs to meet the individual needs of campers.

More about Y Summer Camp

Find a Y Camp

Ready to learn more? Search below for Ys that offer camp programs.

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