YMCA - Rochester

The YMCA of Greater Rochester runs a diverse array of summer day camp experiences for kids of all ages focused on fun, skill‑building, outdoor activity, and community. At the core are traditional Day Camps where children are grouped by age and enjoy daily activities like swimming, games, creative challenges, and specialty theme weeks throughout the summer (e.g., Color Wars or Kingdom Games) designed to keep each week fresh and engaging. These day camps operate from morning through afternoon with free before‑ and after‑care included, giving families flexible options for summer schedules.

In addition to traditional day camps, the YMCA offers location‑based specialty camps across its facilities in the Rochester region. Highlights include Camp Bay View on Irondequoit Bay, which blends waterfront play with arts, sports, and adventure; Camp Arrowhead, known for its wooded setting, pool, ropes course and fields for hiking and active play; Camp Glacier Lake in Canandaigua for water activities like canoeing and kayaking; and Camp Watson Woods with nature exploration, hiking, and climbing. Camp Eastside in Penfield features core day camp experiences plus options like sports, archery, rock wall climbing, and creative pursuits.

For families interested in overnight or extended outdoor experiences, the Rochester YMCA also operates two classic YMCA overnight camps: Camp Cory on Keuka Lake, offering multi‑day sessions packed with sailing, swimming, climbing, zip lines, arts and nature programs, and Camp Gorham in the Adirondacks with traditional summer camp activities as well as wilderness adventure programs for older campers. These sleepaway options allow kids ages 7 and up to unplug, build independence, and form deep friendships in a nature‑rich setting.

June 23 - Sept 4, 2026

Association Office
100 Chestnut Street, Suite 901

Rochester, NY, 14604

Find the 9 summer camp locations addresses here.

Camp Arrowhead, Camp Bay View, Camp Eastside, Camp Northpoint

• Youth Member: $350/week
• Additional Sibling Member: $330/week
• Non-Member: $430/week

Camp Glacier Lake, Camp Watson Woods

• Youth Member: $310/week
• Additional Sibling Member: $290/week
• Non-Member: $380/week

‍Camp Cory

• Day Camp (standard): $345/week
• Day Camp (Community Rate): $245/week (available to children in the Penn Yan and Dundee school districts)
• Overnight Camp (member): $1,040 - $1,160/week
• Overnight Camp (non-member): $1,180 - $1,300/week

‍Camp Gorham

• 1 week session* (member): $1,350
• 1 week session* (non-member): $1,475
• 2 week session* (member): $2,275
• 2 week session* (non-member): $2,395
• Adirondack Wilderness Explorers (member): $2,275
• Adirondack Wilderness Explorers (non-member): $2,395
• Counselor in Training (member): $2,600
• Counselor in Training (non-member): $2,675

*Horseback riding + waterskiing is an addition $300 per session

Register for day camps here, and overnight camps here.

Association Office
585-546-5500

‍Contact Us Form

Find the 9 summer camp locations contact info here.

What Parents Like‍

• Many local families speak positively about long‑standing programs like YMCA Camp Arrowhead and the traditional overnight experience at Camp Cory, noting that their kids stay active, outdoors, and engaged with a variety of activities, from pool time and climbing towers to games and crafts — all giving a real “camp feel” close to home. Parents have recommended Arrowhead specifically as a great weekly program with outdoor fun and a true day‑camp experience that works well for kids who don’t want overnight stays. (1)
• In community recommendations, families also mention that Camps like Arrowhead and Cory are reliably popular and often fill up quickly, a sign of satisfaction and local trust in the YMCA’s programming. (1.5)
• Some long‑time Rochester parents mention lifelong positive associations with YMCA camps, with one thread highlighting that kids have attended Arrowhead, Cory, and Gorham with very good experiences, and that these camps are often the top recommendations when asking for summer program suggestions. (1.75)

‍What Parents Think Could Be Improved‍

• A few local parents note that the YMCA’s online information and registration process can be confusing or hard to navigate, especially for specific options like day camp at Camp Cory — some families indicated they had to call directly to confirm options or availability. (1.5)

‍Our Take

‍Overall, local parent sentiment toward YMCA of Greater Rochester summer camps leans generally positive, with specific praise for the outdoors‑focused activities, community atmosphere, and long history of programs like Arrowhead and Camp Cory. Families appreciate the variety of experiences available — from classic day camps with sports and creative play to traditional overnight adventure on Keuka Lake and the Adirondacks — and often share recommendations informally in neighborhood discussions.

The few caveats raised tend to focus on administrative or logistical aspects (like registration clarity and weather management) rather than the quality of the camp experience itself.