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!
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