Summer Day Camp

We will have in-person and virtual open houses. The schedule will be available once we have confirmed the open house events.

Watch the video below for an overview on the camp experience at the Y!

Day Camp registration opens in January! We encourage everyone to register through our member portal. Members and non-members can register using the steps below.

Step 1: Pick your camp!

We cannot wait to welcome back our campers and see new faces this summer! We offer Traditional Day Camp with daily activities and weekly themes, AND Specialty Camp* options if you're child has a specific interest or hobby they want to explore this summer!

Step 2: Access your account.

Make sure you have access to your YMCA online account before registration day to prevent any issues securing your spot in camp.

Login to your account to make sure your child(ren) is on your membership, your payment method is valid, and all other information is up to date.

If you need extra assistance finding the right camp for you or accessing your online account give us a call at (215) 608-5823 or contact us.

Step 3: Gather some info about your camper.

We have also streamlined our process and will be asking some basic questions at the time of registration to keep your camper safe this summer. Don't worry, it only takes about 7 minutes to complete and your registration will be held for one hour. Here is some info to have on hand:

• List of allergies/medications/dietary restrictions
• Authorized pick up person(s)
• Emergency contact person(s)

After you register, our team will reach out to you to collect a few other important forms (i.e physical forms, health insurance info, etc.). We will contact you when it's time to complete them!

Step 4: Get ready for a great summer!

If you would prefer to register in-person, or are seeking assistance simply stop by one of our Y branch locations and a member service representative can assist you with your registration. Or call our Connection Center for help registering at (215) 608-5823.

To complete your registration for camp, the following documents must be completed and emailed to our summer camp team.

Please contact them at gpy-camp@philaymca.org.

• Summer Day Camp Agreement (Fee Agreement)
• Child Health Report (PA)
• Child Health Report (NJ)

Before and After Care is included in the price of Day Camp. No additional registration is required. Check the list of camp locations for program times.

*Haverford YMCA Gymnastics Center does not offer before and after care.

Online registration closes the Thursday before the camp session begins, however there may not be spots left at this time. The earlier you enroll, the better!

Yes, you will receive an email to complete your camper's online file, which will include emergency health history to be signed by a physician, immunizations records and other important information. You must complete this paperwork before your child(ren) can attend Y camp. We estimate this paperwork will take about 10-20 minutes to complete.

Safety is our top priority. Our Y is accredited by the American Camp Association. Prior to the beginning start of our summer, each counselor of our camp team goes through about 40 hours of camp training so that we can provide your camper with a safe, fun, and engaging experience.

All staff are required to complete and maintain up-to-date certifications in CPR and First Aid. In addition, every team member undergoes background checks, including child abuse clearances, and participates in Child Abuse Prevention Training prior to beginning their roles. These steps ensure a safe, supportive, and trustworthy environment for everyone in our care.

Daily camp activities begin promptly at 9 AM and wrap up at 4 PM. Your camper may be dropped off before 9 AM (check your camp's page for it's Before Care start time), and may remain in our care until 6 PM.

Our summer camp professionals spend countless hours thoughtfully building engaging, values-based, age appropriate curriculums for each weekly theme.

Curriculum components for Traditional Camps include STEM, arts & crafts, swim or water play, teambuilding, gross motor play, and a field trip or in-house experience. Campers do not nap, and lunch/snacks are not provided, unless specified.

Specialty Camps spend their days focused on a specific interest and learning new skills within the area of focus.

Your camper will be guided each week by our trained, caring, and dedicated camp staff including camp counselors, camp supervisors, and camp directors!

At the Y, we believe that our staff is our greatest resource. Our camp staff all have prior experience working with children and have camp specific training to ensure they not only provide your camper a fun experience but a safe and educational one as well.

To ensure your child is in safe hands, all camp staff members must also pass through a rigorous series of background checks including; FBI fingerprinting, National Child Abuse Registry, National & State Sex Offender Registry, and full reference checks. All staff also receive over 40 hours of pre-camp training on key topics like; Child Abuse Recognition and Prevention, CPR and First-Aid Training, Camp Health & Safety, Character Development and Group Dynamics, and so much more.

A prepared camper is a happy camper! Please be sure to pack every day:

• Lunch
• 2 Snacks
• Refillable Water Bottle
• Sunscreen
• Spare Clothes
• Swimsuit and Towel*
• Closed toe shoes (no Crocs!)

Please leave all toys and electronics at home! We have many fun activities made available for your camper throughout the day. Bringing personal items adds extra weight to carry around all day!

Yes, the Financial Assistance Program is central to our mission here at the Y.  You can learn more about the program, find out if your family qualifies for assistance, and apply online!

Learn more

Deposits are non-refundable. Deposits may be transferred between camp weeks until May 15th. On or after May 16th, no deposits may be transferred between camp weeks. Cancellations or changes between camp weeks require at least fifteen (15) business days’ notice prior to the camp week start date. After fifteen (15) business days prior to camp week start date, the entire camp fee is non-refundable. When transferring to a camp week of higher value, the difference in the deposit amount is due at the time of the transfer, and remaining balance is due two weeks prior to the camp week, aligning with the camp payment due date.  Changes to a program of lesser value will result in a credit to the Y account for the difference. No credits or refunds for unused/unattended camp days. No credits or refunds will be issued for camp closures due to inclement weather, maintenance, city ordinance, events, or other closures. Account credit is good for use up to one year from the credit date.

View YMCA Policies

We are here to help!

Please call us at (215) 608-5823 or reach out to via email at gpy-camp@philaymca.org. A caring and dedicated YMCA staff member will assist you in making this summer the best one yet!

Contact Us

No, sibling discounts are not offered for Day Camp programs.

Campers are waitlisted in order of registration completion. If a spot opens for your camper, an email will be sent to the email address on file and you'll have 48 hours to accept. In the event that you receive the email less than 48 hours before the close of registration, you must accept the position before registration closes to secure your spot. We are unable to share the exact spot your child occupies on the waitlist.

ID is required for pick-up every day. ID presented must match the guardian(s), emergency contact(s), or authorized pick-up person(s) on file for your camper. Your branch's Camp Leader will send out specific instructions in the weekly newsletter for the pick up process the Friday before camp starts. The Pick-Up process may be altered by weather and is subject to change at the discretion of Branch Leadership.