YMCA Day Camp FAQs
Here are some of our most common questions from parents and guardians. If you need any additional information, please take a minute to flip through our Day Camp Parent Handbook or contact your Program Director.
Is financial assistance available for my child?
Yes. Thanks to generous contributions to the YMCA’s Annual Giving Campaign, financial assistance is available to campers who qualify. Applications for scholarships are available at your local YMCA. Applications take a minimum of 10 days to be returned and are processed in the order in which they are received. You will receive a follow-up letter following submission of your application. A current copy of your tax return or 30 days of most recent income is required with your financial assistance application.
What does a typical day of camp look like?
Camp begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. Before- and after-care is available at no additional charge (please check with your location for specific times). A successful program includes daily schedules with several different components, like small group time, activity periods, and all-camp activities.
Here's what you can expect:
7-9 A.M. | Before-care (hours vary by location) |
9-9:15 A.M. | Opening Ceremonies |
9:15-9:30 A.M. | Small Group Time 1 |
9:30-10:30 A.M. | Activity Period 1 |
10:30-11:30 A.M. | Activity Period 2 |
11:30 A.M. -12:30 P.M. | Lunch |
12:30-1:30 P.M. | Activity Period 3 |
1:30-3:30 P.M. | Swim Time |
3:30-3:50 P.M. | Small Group Time 2 |
3:50-4 P.M. | Closing |
4-6 P.M. | After-care (hours vary by location) |
What does my camper need to bring?
Each day, campers will need to bring a backpack with a: swimsuit, towel, reusable water bottle, sunscreen and lunch. Tennis shoes and insect repellent are also recommended. Please mark all items with your child’s first and last name.
What is the Y's sunscreen and bug spray policy?
Parents/guardians are responsible for providing sunscreen and insect repellent for their child to use at camp. Parents/guardians are also expected to apply the first coat of sunscreen/insect repellent in the morning before bringing their child to camp. Day Camp staff will stop activities for all children to apply sunscreen/ insect repellent at two additional times throughout the day. The Sunscreen and Insect Repellent release form must be filled out by the parent/guardian prior to their child attending Day Camp.
When do I need to drop-off and pick-up my camper?
YMCA Day Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with optional before- and after-care. All campers must be signed into the camp program by an adult, 18 years or older. If your child will arrive after camp begins, please call prior to their arrival. This ensures staff are available to greet the child. A parent/guardian may be asked to escort their child to their group so staff may uphold the YMCA’s staff-to-child safety ratios. The parent/ guardian may not leave the area until the camper is signed in with a YMCA staff member. All campers must be signed out of the camp program by an adult 18 years or older. Only adults listed on the registration form under the pick-up information will be able to pick-up a child. The adult must show a photo ID at the time of pick-up. If your child will be picked-up before camp ends, please notify camp staff at the time of drop-off.