YMCA - Nationwide

The YMCA sees camp as a "transformational experience”; time away from screens where kids can make friends, try new things, and be outdoors. Across the U.S., Ys run a wide variety of year round options, serving hundreds of thousands of kids each year.

Day Camps

A classic 9–3 or 9–4 style camp where kids go home each afternoon. Led by trained staff, kids enjoy outdoor games, swimming (at many locations), arts & crafts, STEM/creative projects, team-building, and character development activities. Day camps are a good fit for families who want a full camp experience and need local, reliable childcare in summer or school breaks.

Overnight (Resident) Camps

Sleepaway camp in “picturesque settings” across the country—woods, lakes, mountains. The sessions range from a weekend to several weeks. Campers engage with cabin life, campfires, lake/river activities, hiking, archery, ropes courses, arts, themed camp games, and leadership activities—depending on the site. This is a good choice for kids ready for more independence, deeper friendships, and bigger adventures away from home.

Family Camps

Camp for the whole family, not just kids! Usually for weekend or weeklong stays. Families stay in cabins or lodges and share activities together. Everyone can enjoy hiking, boating, games, campfires, crafts, and family-focused programs with other families on site. If your family is wanting a screen-light, outdoorsy vacation where no one has to plan the activities or cook every meal, this is your camp.

Other Specialty Camps

Other camps offered by the Y are built around a specific theme or need, such as:

• Sports (basketball, soccer, multi-sport)
• Teen outdoor adventure or travel
• Music, arts, or cooking
• STEM or coding
• Camps designed for kids with medical, mental health, or other special needs so they can fully participate.

These camps are good for kids who already know what they’re excited about or who need a more tailored environment (e.g., neurodivergent kids, kids with medical conditions).

These can be day or overnight programs, depending on the location.All in all, if you’re looking for a reliable, structured, reasonably priced day or overnight camp grounded in social-emotional learning, outdoor play, and “old-school” camp traditions, YMCA camps are a strong, nationally established option to add to the list!

Year-round

Varies by camp and location

Camps offered in 41 states! Find the camp closest to you here.

Will vary widely by location, type, age, etc., but parents can generally expect:

Day Camps

$175–$325/week for members, $225–$400/week for non-members

Overnight Camps

$650–$1,200/week

Specialty Camps

$200–$350/week for members, $250–$425/week for non-members

Programs can be registered for online. Your local YMCA will have a camp finder at their respective website.

fulfillment@ymca.net for nationwide inquiries.

Please contact your locally operated Y by finding their contact info here.

Please see individual locations within the MomBrains site to see relevant ratings & reviews.