Large group of children around the campfire

Camp Programs

We believe that the camp experience is transformational. YMCA camp gives kids the chance to make new friends, learn new skills and interact with nature.

Our Camp Programs

The Y offers many enriching camp programs between our day, overnight and specialty camps. Serving hundreds of thousands of kids and teens, while offering a great first job for young adults, our camps teach young people how to be more independent and contribute to a group as they engage in physical, social and educational activities.

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.

  • 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.

  • 364,910

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

  • 61,000 Jobs

    The Y provides young adults with early work experience, employing some 61,000 of them as summer overnight camp leaders each year.

group of children playing tug of war at day camp

Day Camp

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

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

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.

Group sitting around campfire at night

Specialty Camp

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.

Developing the Next Generation of Environmental Stewards

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.

Learn More

Camp Stories

One–in–a–million experiences, memories that last a lifetime

Watch more Y stories

  • Camp Counselor Training: I Have a Better Sense of Responsibility.

    After spending several summers at Camp Sloane YMCA, Mabel was ready to take on more responsibility as a Counselor–in–Training (CIT). She spent the summer developing leadership skills while still having fun as a camper. Now she feels better equipped to handle the challenges of everyday life. This is her Y. Her Camera. Her Story.

  • Day Camp: He Has Really Grown Into a Leader.

    Caleb didn’t spend his summer watching TV or playing video games. Instead, he went on field trips, explored outdoors and made new friends through Cheyenne Family YMCA Day Camp. Watch as this active tween has the Best. Summer. Ever. This is his Y. His Camera. His Story.

  • International Exchange: It's About Self–Growth & Building Connections.

    Last summer, Rose traveled to Peru through the Becket–Chimney Corners YMCA's International Camper Exchange Program (ICEP) to work alongside peers from the Y in Peru. Through the service–earning experience, she formed a lasting relationship with her host family, connected with the local culture and developed into an emerging leader. This is her Y. Her Camera. Her Story.

  • Day Camp: They Encourage Her to be the Leader She Loves to Be.

    Amalia spent her summer at YMCA Camp Lincoln on the high ropes course, swimming in the lake and making friends. Her mom likes that she is having fun in a safe environment, while increasing her independence, self–confidence and leadership skills. This is her Y. Her Camera. Her Story.

  • Camp: "I'm Learning Teamwork & Responsibility."

    Braeden has gone from a shy young camper to leading younger campers as a Leader–In–Training (LIT) at YMCA Camp Carson. Watch his progression and how YMCA Camp Carson creates a safe and fun camp environment for all campers while managing treatment for campers with type 1 diabetes. This is his Y. His Camera. His Story.

Find a Y Camp

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

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