Summer Camp FAQ & Protocols

Before your campers' first day, please submit the required application 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-toed shoes, clearly label all belongings with full name, and for children 5 and under bring a spare change of clothing. 

When arriving in the building, campers need to be signed in and then they will join their group.

During dismissal, the staff member will ask the authorized pick-up for their photo ID, match it to the authorized pick-up list and complete the dismissal form.  The camper and authorized pick-up can then exit the building.  

The arrival and dismissal location will be covered in the Family Orientation prior to camp starting.

Good news! All YMCA deposits and fees are fully refundable for any health or medical-related reason (including refund requests related to changing and/or updated state or city requirements regarding masking and vaccination).

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.

Swimming is available at select 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.

All Camp staff 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: Health and Safety protocols, CPR/First Aid, Responding-to-Emergencies (RTE), Risk Management, Positive Youth Development principles, YMCA Camp Standards, Social Emotional Learning, camp games and songs.

The health and well-being of our campers and families is our number one priority, and we’re doing everything we can to create a welcoming and clean environment for all. Our operating procedures are consistent with New York State and New York City regulations and safety guidelines.

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 2023! 

• Saturday, February 11th
• Saturday, March 11th 
• Saturday, April 29th – Healthy Kids Day and Early Bird Deadline
• Saturday, May 13th 

Summer camp starts on July 3 and runs in two-week sessions through August 25. 

Dates: July 3-August 25 (no camp on Tuesday, July 4) 

• Session 1: July 3 – July 14, 2023 
• Session 2: July 17 – 28, 2023 
• Session 3: July 31 – August 11, 2023 
• Session 4: August 14 – 25, 2023 

With more than 20 camps in 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 Camping Association to meet health and safety standards.

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.

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.

Member Pricing
YMCA of Greater New York members receive discounted member pricing and priority registration for camps. Join the Y today and save all summer long.

10% Early Bird Discount*
Receive 10% off by paying your camp balance by April 29, 2023.

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.

Good news! All YMCA deposits and fees are fully refundable for any health or medical related reason (including refund requests related to changing and/or updated state or city requirements regarding masking and vaccination).

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.  

Medical Form

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Yes, we offer inclusion camps at the following locations in partnership with the Lisa Beth Gertsman Foundation: 

• Broadway 
• Chinatown 
• Cross Island 
• Greenpoint 
• Harlem 
• Prospect Park 
• South Shore

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 attend a mandatory and comprehensive pre-camp training program that covers all NYC Health Department (DOH), American Camp Association (ACA) and YMCA requirements. Examples of the trainings our staff participate in are: CPR/First Aid, Responding-to-Emergencies (RTE), Risk Management, DOH Mandates, YMCA Camp Standards, and ACA 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!

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 >

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.

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.

If a child is injured, certified staff in CPR/First Aid/Responding to Emergencies and other camp staff will take whatever steps necessary to administer care and/or obtain emergency medical care.