Large group of children around the campfire

Camp Programs

We believe camp is a transformational experience. YMCA’s day, overnight, and specialty camps give kids the chance to make new friends, learn new skills and interact with nature as they engage in physical, social and educational activities––and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Find a Y Camp Near You

It's never too early to begin thinking about summer camp. From day camp to overnight programs, use the search tool below to find a Y offering camp options near you.

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Watch more Y stories

  • The Lasting Impact of Summer Camp

    Wondering if summer camp is right for your child? Hear from several YMCA camp counselors who turned their own summer camp experiences as children into a career. 

  • Camp is a Place Where All Are Accepted

    Camp is a place where all are accepted. Learn from Shawn Morrison, Senior Vice President of Philanthropy, at the YMCA of Greater Richmond—and former YMCA camp counselor—how camp helps level the playing field for all kids. 

  • Inspiring Confidence in Kids

    Camp is a place kids can be their authentic selves. See how camp inspires confidence in kids from Nat Corrall, Director of Child and Youth Development at the YMCA of San Diego County. 

  • Camp Can Foster Resilience for Life

    When kids create crafts or shoot a basketball, they’re doing so much more. Hear how the skills learned at camp foster resilience for life from Tim Joyce, former camper and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Richmond from 2013-2020. 

  • Access and Ability at Camp

    At the Rancho Family YMCA’s day camp, YMCA staff meet kids and families where they are. Hear camp director Mia Kelliher talk about access and ability at camp. 

The Numbers on Y Summer Camps

  • 1,467 day camps

    In 2020, the Y provided more than 1,400 day camp programs in the U.S.

  • 364,910

    Ys nationwide served 364,910 kids and teens at resident and day camps in 2020.

  • 234 Overnight Camps

    The Y has more than 200 overnight camps for kids and teens, along with specialty camps that focus on specific programs to meet the individual needs of campers.

On her blog, YMCA of the USA President & CEO Suzanne McCormick reflects on recent visits to several YMCA overnight camps and how they reminded her how the camp experience can be so transformational in a child’s development journey. 

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group of children playing tug of war at day camp

Day Camp

Day camp at the Y is led by experienced staff and offers nearly all the benefits of overnight camp – new outdoor experiences, skill–building and lasting friendships – in rural, urban and suburban settings, while allowing campers to return home each afternoon.

two young friends hugging at overnight camp with tent in the background

Overnight Camp

Located in picturesque settings across the country, Y overnight camp experiences can stretch from one weekend to an entire season and are led by a dedicated team of staff who ensure campers enjoy outdoor adventures and new friendships that last a lifetime.

father and daughter doing crafts together at YMCA camp

Family Camp

Y family camps give families the chance to bond while experiencing everything that Y camps have to offer. Spending time together in beautiful surroundings, exploring new adventures and forming friendships with other families lead to memories that will last a lifetime.

Group sitting around campfire at night

Specialty Camp

Y specialty camps offer programming for specific interests, including teen adventure, music, sports, cooking and more. The Y also offers camp programs designed for medical and mental health challenges or other special needs so kids of all abilities and circumstances can enjoy the ultimate camp experience.

Developing the Next Generation of Environmental Stewards

The Y's strategic partnership with the National Park Service is connecting kids, who may not typically have awareness or access to local public lands, to our nation's national parks. This multi–site initiative engages Ys in urban areas to provide thousands of kids with outdoor recreation, learning, and leadership experiences in their local national park each year.

Learn more about the Bringing Youth Outdoors Together Summer Camp Program.

Camp Stories

One–in–a–million experiences, memories that last a lifetime

Watch more Y stories

  • Camp Counselor Training: I Have a Better Sense of Responsibility.

    After spending several summers at Camp Sloane YMCA, Mabel was ready to take on more responsibility as a Counselor–in–Training (CIT). She spent the summer developing leadership skills while still having fun as a camper. Now she feels better equipped to handle the challenges of everyday life. This is her Y. Her Camera. Her Story.

  • Day Camp: He Has Really Grown Into a Leader.

    Caleb didn’t spend his summer watching TV or playing video games. Instead, he went on field trips, explored outdoors and made new friends through Cheyenne Family YMCA Day Camp. Watch as this active tween has the Best. Summer. Ever. This is his Y. His Camera. His Story.

  • International Exchange: It's About Self–Growth & Building Connections.

    Last summer, Rose traveled to Peru through the Becket–Chimney Corners YMCA's International Camper Exchange Program (ICEP) to work alongside peers from the Y in Peru. Through the service–earning experience, she formed a lasting relationship with her host family, connected with the local culture and developed into an emerging leader. This is her Y. Her Camera. Her Story.

  • Day Camp: They Encourage Her to be the Leader She Loves to Be.

    Amalia spent her summer at YMCA Camp Lincoln on the high ropes course, swimming in the lake and making friends. Her mom likes that she is having fun in a safe environment, while increasing her independence, self–confidence and leadership skills. This is her Y. Her Camera. Her Story.

  • Camp: "I'm Learning Teamwork & Responsibility."

    Braeden has gone from a shy young camper to leading younger campers as a Leader–In–Training (LIT) at YMCA Camp Carson. Watch his progression and how YMCA Camp Carson creates a safe and fun camp environment for all campers while managing treatment for campers with type 1 diabetes. This is his Y. His Camera. His Story.

Find a Y Camp

Ready to learn more? Search below for Ys that offer camp programs.

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More On Youth Development

Explore the many ways we are committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen.

  • Food Programs

    We work year–round to help address child hunger through our extensive food programs. Together, we can make sure every child is safe, healthy and fed.

  • Beyond School Blog

    Tips, tools and facts sourced for families and youth development professionals who work with kids, teens and families.

  • Child Care Programs

    Child care programs at the Y provide kids with a safe and interactive environment to learn, grow and socialize.