Summer Camp FAQ & Protocols

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. 

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. 

We are excited to offer a diverse range of engaging trips and special activities planned for the summer. Some of these experiences will take us off-site to explore various attractions throughout New York City, while others will bring enjoyable activities directly to our location. Additionally, we will organize walking excursions within our local communities and visits to nearby parks. Detailed information regarding all our trip offerings will be provided during our family orientation. 

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.

A key component of what makes Y camp unique is our staff. All of our staff will participate in a comprehensive 40-hour training program, before camp sessions begin.  

All Camp staff members attend a mandatory and comprehensive pre-camp training program that covers all NYC Health Department, American Camp Association, 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, Diversity and Inclusion Practices, Camp Games and Songs.   

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 2026!

• Saturday, February 7th  
• Saturday, March 7th
• Saturday, April 18th (Healthy Kids Day and Early Bird deadline)
• Saturday, May 16th  

See branch webpages for details on these and other Summer Camp Open Houses. 

Summer camp starts on June 29 and runs in two-week sessions through August 21.

Dates: June 29-August 21 (Camp closed Friday, July 3rd in observance of the July 4th Independence Day Holiday) 

• Session 1: June 29 – July 10, 2026
• Session 2: July 13 – July 24, 2026
• Session 3: July 27 – August 7, 2026
• Session 4: August 10 – August 21, 2026 

The YMCA offers a wide range of programs for summer engagement. Our offerings include immersive two-week camp experiences as well as convenient 30-minute swimming lessons, ensuring there are multiple options available to suit your interests throughout the summer.

Learn more about programs other than camp.

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 NYC Department of Health and accredited by the American Camp Association to meet health and safety standards. 

Fees for YMCA 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 and save all summer long. Join Today!

10% Early Bird Discount*  
Receive 10% off by paying your camp balance by April 18, 2026.

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.

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 18, 2026
• 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.

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.  

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  

Medical Form

Y Summer Camp is the ultimate destination for a fantastic mix of fun activities, skill-building, unforgettable memories, and friendship! Campers are encouraged to grow, explore, and discover more about themselves and the world around them.

Our camps are buzzing with excitement, games, and tons of fun! Y campers push their limits both physically and creatively. They enjoy all sorts of games, dive into science experiments, crack puzzles, build teamwork, unleash their artistic side, engage in play and physical challenges, and showcase their musical talents in performances. Families often share that their kids return home feeling exhausted yet happy and often singing a catchy new camp cheer!

At the start of each session, families receive weekly schedules tailored to each age group from the camp office. We encourage families to go over the schedule with their campers. The planned activities are designed to be age-appropriate, recreational, challenging, and above all, enjoyable!

Each group's programming is crafted specifically for their age and interests. If you have any questions about the activities or events, just chat with the Camp Director! 

A Typical Day at Camp

MORNING 
Morning assembly including announcements, camp songs, skits, dances and group activities

LATE MORNING 
Hands-on activities, such as: group challenges, STEM experiments, and themed explorations,  

MID-DAY 
Exciting group games, team building activities, and sports

LUNCH 
Food and Friendship

EARLY AFTERNOON 
Creativity time with arts and crafts, music and movement

LATE AFTERNOON 
Afternoon adventures with play, and Social Emotional Learning skill building  

END OF DAY 
Journal writing, celebrating achievements & reflection

A Typical Day at Adventure / Swim / Sports Camp

MORNING  
Morning assembly including announcements, camp songs, skits, dances and group activities

AM EXPERIENCE 
Get ready for a blast of hands-on fun activities, exciting team challenges, and awesome opportunities centered around your camp specialty! You'll level up your skills, unleash your creativity, and reach new heights!

LUNCH   
Food and friendship

PM EXPERIENCE
Get ready for an action-packed afternoon that's all about hands-on fun! We're talking team games, creative challenges, and field trips that take deep dives into your chosen specialty.

Daily Grand Finale: Celebrate & Level Up!
Wrap up the day with exciting mini activities or stations focusing on the camp’s unique programming! We'll also save time to cheer for our achievements and reflect on all the amazing things we accomplished.  

A Typical Week at Camp

MONDAY 
Camp spirit challenge of the week

TUESDAY 
Fun & Fitness Day

WEDNESDAY 
Wacky Wednesday theme day

THURSDAY 
Trip 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. 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.

At Y Camps, we’re all about:  

• Awesome staff who are not just trained, but also your real-life superheroes!  
• A lively camp vibe where you can let loose, make besties, sing your heart out, dance like nobody's watching, and unleash your creativity!  
• A safe space that welcomes all.
• Exciting activities that celebrate cultural diversity, build life skills, boost independence, and teach teamwork.  
• New, age-appropriate adventures that are both challenging and a blast!  
• A community that champions fairness, teamwork, and cooperation.  
• Fun health, fitness, and nutrition know-how to keep you energized!  
• And guess what? Y Camps are proudly accredited by the American Camp Association!

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

• Bedford-Stuyvesant
• Broadway 
• Castle Hill
• Chinatown
• Cross Island 
• Greenpoint 
• Harlem 
• Long Island City
• McBurney
• Prospect Park 
• South Shore

The Y actively seeks mature and qualified individuals to work in our programs. We rely on each staff member to serve as a role model for our campers and to instill 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 Camp staff members attend a mandatory and comprehensive pre-camp training program that covers all NYC Department of Health, American Camp Association and YMCA requirements. Examples of the trainings our staff participate in are: CPR/First Aid, Risk Management, Positive Youth Development Principles, YMCA Camp Standards, Social Emotional Learning, Diversity and Inclusion Practices, Camp Games and Songs. 

Most of our Camp staff work for the Y year-round in programs such as the Y Afterschool, Early Childhood Programs, and Teen Programs.

Camp staff are dedicated to supporting the children and their families. We encourage families to provide as much information as possible about their child to enhance the camp experience.

Our entire team is eager to welcome you to camp this summer! 

Absolutely thrilled to hear that! Join us at YMCA camp, where you can change a child's life, meet awesome new friends, and craft unforgettable memories!

Learn more about available positions >

All Camps operated by the YMCA of Greater New York hold licenses from the NYC Department of Health and are accredited by the American Camp Association. This certification signifies that we have met a stringent set of standards designed to ensure a healthy physical environment, foster positive interactions between staff and campers, and deliver robust programming. We consistently uphold the appropriate counselor-to-child ratios, and our attentive and professional staff members are always prepared to address the needs of our campers. Each team member undergoes thorough screenings to guarantee that we have the most qualified individuals to support your family.  

At the YMCA of Greater New York, we understand that providing a safe environment extends beyond physical safety.  We are sincerely committed to providing an environment that encourages a sense of belonging and celebrates diversity, all while fostering an accepting and welcoming culture. It is important to us that campers feel valued and comfortable being themselves.

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, 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.