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 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 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 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 2025!

• Saturday, February 8th  
• Saturday, March 8th
• Saturday, April 5th  
• Saturday, April 26th – Healthy Kids Day and Early Bird Deadline
• Saturday, May 10th

Summer camp starts on June 30 and runs in two-week sessions through August 22.

Dates: June 30-August 22 (no camp Friday, July 4)

• Session 1: June 30 – July 11, 2025
• Session 2: July 14 – July 25, 2025
• Session 3: July 28 – August 8, 2025
• Session 4: August 11 – August 22, 2025 

The YMCA offers all kinds of programs during the summers. From our immersive full five-day a week camp experiences to our 30-minute swim classes, we have what you need to stay busy all 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 New York City Department of Health and accredited by the American Camp 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 and save all summer long. Join Today!

10% Early Bird Discount*  
Receive 10% off by paying your camp balance by April 26, 2025.

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 26, 2025
• 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 offer the perfect blend of fun activities, learning new skills, creating lifelong memories and making friends. Campers are encouraged to grow, explore and learn about themselves as well as the people and world around them.  

Our day camps are packed with activities, games and fun. Y campers stretch themselves physically and creatively. They play games, participate in science experiments, solve puzzles, build teamwork, craft art, engage in play and physical activities, 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.  

Each group's programming is designed specifically for their age group and/or specialty.  

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 announcements, camp songs, skits, dances and group activities

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

MID-DAY 
Physical recreation including group games and sports

LUNCH 
Food and Friendship

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

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

END OF DAY 
Journal writing, celebrating achievements & reflection

A Typical Day at Specialty Camp

MORNING 
Morning assembly including announcements, camp songs, skits, dances and 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 
Afternoon adventures with play, teambuilding, and Social Emotional Learning skill building  

END OF DAY 
Journal writing, celebrating achievements & reflection

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. 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
• Fun and engaging camp spirit, where campers can be silly, make friends, sing, dance and be creative
• A safe space that welcomes all
• Activities that promote cultural diversity, develop lifelong skills, promote independence and teaches teamwork
• 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.  

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

• Bedford-Stuyvesant
• Broadway 
• Castle Hill
• Chinatown
• Cross Island 
• Greenpoint 
• Harlem 
• Long Island City
• McBurney
• 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 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, Positive Youth Development Principles, YMCA Camp Standards, Social Emotional Learning, Diversity and Inclusion Practices, Camp Games and Songs. 

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.

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.