What is a typical day at camp like? Are there discounts available? How do we accommodate children with food allergies? Learn the answers to these and other frequently asked questions.
General
What do I need to do to prepare?
Before your camper’s first day, please submit the required Camper Information Form and Medical Form signed by a physician. Campers cannot attend camp before these important documents are submitted to the camp office. During the summer, campers are expected to wear comfortable attire with closed-toe shoes, clearly label all belongings with full name, and for children 5 and under, bring a spare change of clothing.
What does arrival and dismissal look like?
During arrival, the caregiver will sign in and enter the arrival time on the attendance form. Campers will join their group.
During dismissal, a caregiver will sign the child out and enter the pick-up time. Every authorized person MUST be at least 16 years of age and MUST have a valid form of ID. Campers will be participating in activities during arrival and dismissal times supervised by their counselors.
The arrival and dismissal location will be covered in the Family Orientation prior to camp starting.
Will campers go on field trips?
We plan on offering a variety of fun indoor and outdoor activities, as well as walking trips in our local communities. We will share all our trip information in our family orientation.
Will campers have the opportunity to swim this summer?
Swimming is available at most camps, and we’ll be working with each camper to strengthen their swimming ability during their time at camp. Please check with your local branch for more information.
If you would like to register your child for swim lessons at the Y, please see our Classes and Programs page.
What kind of training do YMCA staff members take prior to camp?
All Camp staff members attend a mandatory and comprehensive pre-camp training program that covers all NYC Health Department and YMCA requirements. Examples of the training our staff participate in are: CPR/First Aid, Risk Management, Positive Youth Development Principles, YMCA Camp Standards, Social Emotional Learning, Camp Games and Songs.
Dates & Locations
Are there Open Houses I can attend to learn more about YMCA Camps?
The YMCA hosts multiple open houses throughout the spring. Join us to learn more about summer camp options for your child. Take a tour, meet our team, and get excited about summer camp 2024!
- Saturday, February 10th
- Saturday, March 9th
- Saturday, April 20th – Healthy Kids Day and Early Bird Deadline
- Saturday, May 11th
What are the dates for summer camp?
Summer camp starts on July 1 and runs in two-week sessions through August 23.
Dates: July 1-August 23 (no camp Thursday, July 4)
- Session 1: July 1 – July 12, 2024
- Session 2: July 15 – July 26, 2024
- Session 3: July 29 – August 9, 2024
- Session 4: August 12 – August 23, 2024
Where are YMCA camps located?
With more than 100 camps across all 5 boroughs, there’s bound to be a camp near you.
Our camps are hosted in YMCA branches that are licensed by the New York City Department of Health and accredited by the American Camp Association to meet health and safety standards.
Costs, Discounts, & Signing Up
How much does YMCA summer camp cost?
Fees for YMCA day camps vary depending on branch and type of camp. Find the right camp for your child and see price information based on the camp's location.
We offer discounts and financial assistance for all of our camps.
Do you offer financial assistance or scholarships?
At the Y, no family is ever turned away because of an inability to pay. The YMCA of Greater New York awards financial assistance to campers based on the family’s annual income.
Download an application and bring it to your branch to explore scholarship options.
What discounts are available?
Member Pricing
YMCA of Greater New York members receive discounted member pricing and priority registration for camps and save all summer long. Join Today!
10% Early Bird Discount*
Receive 10% off by paying your camp balance by April 20, 2024.
10% Sibling Discount*
All siblings of the first child registered at full price receive a 10% discount.
*Discounts cannot be combined and are available only on the cost of camps per session, not on extended day or transportation fees.
How do I sign my child up for camp?
1. Sign up online and reserve your child’s spot
- Complete online forms
- Submit a deposit for each session you would like your child to attend
- How to complete online registration form
2. Take advantage of our discounts
- Member rates if you are a YMCA member
- 10% Early Bird Discount if you pay off your entire balance by April 20, 2024
- 10% Sibling Discount for all siblings of the first child registered at full price
Note: Early Bird and Sibling Discounts cannot be combined. Please connect with the branch’s membership desk to apply the early bird or sibling discount.
3. Note on payments:
- Two forms of payment are accepted: credit cards and cash
- The YMCA accepts all major credit cards, and you will need to sign up for automatic billing to ensure payments are made on time with no late fees incurred
- Online payment is currently not able to process 3rd party payments, sibling discounts, and financial assistance
- How to complete online payments
4. Once you’ve submitted your information and payment online, you’ll receive an email with additional registration and medical forms that will need to be completed and submitted to the camp director before the start of camp.
5. Your child’s full application packet, including medical forms, are due before the camp registration can be finalized. The camper medical form must be completed, stamped by a doctor and dated within 12 months of your child’s last day of camp. Note: if your child has a current medical (including immunizations), you may submit this instead of completing a new form. If the 12-month mark comes up during camp, an updated form must be submitted.
6. If you wish to sign up for camp in person, come to our YMCA branch and we will be happy to assist you.
| Session | Payment Deadline | Session Start |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6/17/2024 | 7/1/2024 |
| 2 | 7/1/2024 | 7/15/2024 |
| 3 | 7/15/2024 | 7/29/2024 |
| 4 | 7/29/2024 | 8/12/2024 |
What is your credit/refund policy?
Good news! All YMCA deposits and fees are fully refundable for any health or medical related reason if your request is received in advance of your camper’s camp session start date. Requests for credits or refunds after your camper’s camp session begins will be granted at the Camp Director’s discretion.
What paperwork do I need to provide?
The Camper Information Form and Medical Form must be completed prior to the start of summer camp.
According to NYC Department of Health, all participants must have a completed medical form on file prior to the start of summer camp. The camper medical form must be completed, stamped by a doctor and dated within 12 months of your child’s last day of camp. If your child has a current medical (including immunizations), you may submit this instead of completing a new form. If the 12-month mark comes up during camp, an updated form must be submitted.
During the registration process, it is extremely important that families notify the camp if the child has any medical conditions such as, but not limited to, allergies, asthma, diabetes or other conditions.
Additionally, campers must submit all necessary consent forms, including but not limited to:
- Authorized Pick Up
- Emergency Care Consent
Camp Activities, Schedules, & Gear
What kind of activities will my child participate in?
Y campers stretch themselves physically and creatively. They play games, read, create books, and write poetry. They participate in science experiments, solve puzzles, craft art, and perform music and shows. Parents say their children come home tired, smiling, and frequently humming a new camp cheer.
Weekly schedules for each age group are provided to families at the beginning of each session. They can be obtained from the camp office. Families are encouraged to review the weekly schedule with their child. Weekly activities that are planned and scheduled are age-appropriate, recreational, challenging, and fun. If there are any questions about the activities or events, please speak to the Camp Director.
What's the daily and weekly schedule for campers?
A Typical Day at Camp
MORNING
Morning assembly including camp songs and traditional camp group activities
LATE MORNING
Hands-on learning theme activities including STEM/Literacy
MID-DAY
Physical recreation including group games and sports
LUNCH
Food and Friendship
EARLY AFTERNOON
Creativity time
LATE AFTERNOON
STEAM/Literacy
END OF DAY
Journal writing & reflection
A Typical Day at Specialty Camp
MORNING
Morning assembly including camp songs and traditional camp group activities
LATE MORNING
Daily specialty skill development
MID-DAY
Physical recreation including group games and sports
LUNCH
Food and friendship
EARLY AFTERNOON
Daily specialty skill development
LATE AFTERNOON
Hands-on learning theme activities including STEM/literacy
END OF DAY
Journal writing & reflection
A Typical Week at Camp
MONDAY
Challenge of the week
TUESDAY
Fun & Fitness day
WEDNESDAY
Wacky Wednesday theme day
THURSDAY
STEAM Challenge day
FRIDAY
End of week acknowledgements, end of session showcase or family event
What clothes/gear does my child need?
Each camper will receive two camp t-shirts and a camp bag. Camp t-shirts must be worn every day. Additional camp t-shirts may be purchased with the camp director.
What's the Y's program philosophy?
The Y promises to prepare kids for success in life. Summer Day Camp builds self-esteem, fosters self-reliance, and teaches healthy behaviors and positive values. Because it’s different from school, campers also explore different sides of themselves. Supported by our highly skilled counselors, campers build competence and confidence while learning and growing all summer long.
What more can you tell me about YMCA Camps?
All Y Camps feature:
- Well-trained staff who serve as positive role models
- Activities that promote cultural diversity and inclusion
- Lessons in conservation and protecting the environment
- Exposure to new age-appropriate, challenging, and fun experiences
- An atmosphere that fosters fairness, teamwork, and cooperation
- Health, exercise, and nutrition education
- Y Camps are accredited through the American Camp Association
Do you offer camps for children with special needs?
Yes, we offer inclusion camps at the following locations in partnership with the Lisa Beth Gertsman Foundation:
Staff, Safety, & Compliance
What's the Y's criteria for hiring camp staff and what kind of training do they receive?
The Y recruits mature and capable staff to work in our programs. We count on each of them to be a role model to our campers and to teach campers the Y’s core values—respect, responsibility, honesty and caring.
All camp staff members are carefully screened and selected based on:
- Experience, skills, and abilities
- Certifications and education
- Character
- Enthusiasm
- Love of working with children
All Day Camp staff members attend a mandatory and comprehensive pre-camp training program that covers all NYC Health Dept., American Camp Association and YMCA requirements. Examples of the trainings our staff participate in are: CPR/First Aid, Risk Management, Dept. of Health Mandates, YMCA Camp Standards, and ACA camp Standards.
Most of our Day Camp staff work for the Y year-round in programs such as the Y Afterschool, Early Childhood Programs, and Teen Programs.
Camp staff are there to serve the children and their families. Families are encouraged to share as much information as possible about the child to make the child’s time in the Day Camp as pleasant as possible.
All of our staff members are looking forward to seeing you at camp this summer!
I'm interested in a camp job. How do I apply?
We're so glad to hear that. You can make a difference in a child's life, make new friends, and create lifelong memories while working at YMCA camp!
Learn more about available positions >
How safe are YMCA camps?
All YMCA of Greater New York Day Camps are licensed by the New York City Department of Health and accredited by the American Camp Association. This means that we have passed a very strict set of standards that are geared toward assuring a healthy physical environment, positive staff/camper interactions, and strong programming. We always maintain the proper counselor-to-child ratio, and attentive, professional staff members are ready and alert to attend to campers’ needs. All our staff complete rigorous screenings to ensure we have the best team possible to support your family.
How do you accommodate children with food allergies?
The YMCA is a peanut and nut free environment. During the registration process, it is extremely important that families notify the camp if the child has any medical conditions such as, but not limited to, allergies, asthma, diabetes or other conditions.
What if my child gets injured?
If a child is injured, the staff certified in CPR/First Aid and all other camp staff will take whatever steps necessary to administer care and/or obtain emergency medical care.
The Y has camps for all ages and interests throughout New York City.
Contact our camp team and learn how this can be your child's best summer ever.
Sign up for swim lessons, instructional sports, dance classes, and more.