Summer Camps at the YMCA

Run fast. Jump high. Splash big. At Y Summer Camps, legendary summers burst into life.

Make a mess, make a friend, learn something new. Here, kids grow bolder, braver, brighter – ready for what’s next.

Friends cheer them on, and counselors bring out their best. Adventures spark confidence, and kids discover just how far they can go. Silliness spreads, smiles shine, laughs roar.

At the Y, summer sizzles with energy. And the awesome never ends.

Awesome Starts Here

  • Every kid finds a summer designed for them.
  • Where friends & memories are made every day.
  • The Y is a playground for imagination, adventure, and learning new things.
  • Our expert counselors help unlock the awesome inside every kid.

     

 

New for 2026: Adventure Camps

Ready to level up in Summer Camp?

Dive into the YMCA Adventure Summer Camp where kids get to fully unleash their passion for a specific activity or interest! These camps are all about honing those skills with expert instructors in a super-focused environment, surrounded by friends who are just as enthusiastic.

No matter if your camper is eager to dive deeper or a seasoned pro looking to sharpen their skills, there’s a place just for them!

Campers not only enhance their skills, but they also ignite a passion for learning that paves the way for exciting future adventures and fosters personal growth! Plus, it’s an awesome opportunity to make friends with a diverse group of kids who share that same fiery passion!

 

Types of Summer Adventure Camps

Big Messy Art: Get ready to unleash your creativity and dive into a world of color, texture, and fun. From painting and clay sculpting to hands-on, larger-than-life mural projects, this camp is all about getting messy and making masterpieces.

Zookeepers: Calling all animal lovers! At Zookeepers Camp, kids will dive into the amazing world of wildlife, learn cool facts about their favorite animals, explore the zoos of NYC, and even meet some special animal friends.

Ready Camper One: Calling all creators, gamers, and big thinkers! This summer, you're invited to a camp where you don't just play games—you build them.

Basketball Academy: The Y's Basketball Academy offers a one-of-a-kind basketball camp experience designed specifically for young athletes who are passionate about the game.

Soccer Academy: The Y’s Soccer Academy is an extraordinary program designed to cultivate players' skills and instill important character values in an exciting environment. Led by certified U.S. Soccer Foundation (USSF) coach-mentors, this unique camp offers an unparalleled experience for young soccer enthusiasts in NYC.

Swim+STEM: Dive into a summer of discovery at our Swim & STEM Camp! Campers will spend their days mastering strokes and enjoying exhilarating water games in the pool, while also engaging in exciting STEM challenges. 

Swim+Art: Creativity and aquatic adventures come together for nonstop summer fun! Campers will splash into exciting pool time and dive into artistic expression with activities like painting and crafting.

Summer Camp Basics

Camp Dates and Session

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

Dates: June 30 - August 22 (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

Camp Hours and Prices

Camp hours and prices vary by location. Choose your camp to learn more!

Camp Registration and Open House

Registration is now open! Stop by the Y at our free Open House to learn more about Summer Camp. Enroll and submit payment by April 18th to receive the 10% Early Bird Discount.

Contact Us

Have a question? Check our frequently asked questions or contact our camp team and learn how this can be your child's best summer ever.

Contact Us

 

Why choose YMCA Summer Camps?


Y Camp is Awesome

  • Camp is Part of the Y’s DNA: We’re all about camp! With decades of experience, we've evolved to keep the fun rolling while ensuring everyone stays safe.
  • Awesome Adventures: Get ready for a jam-packed schedule filled with sports, crafts, games, and epic outdoor fun every day (weather permitting). Your kids won’t want to miss a moment!
  • Community and Friendship: At Y Camp, kids not only find purpose but also make lasting friendships! We weave in activities each day that spark social interactions and teamwork, creating bonds that last well beyond camp.
     

Y Camp is Enriching

  • An Educational Discovery Awaits: Dive into our awesome camps, where we blend fun with enriching experiences! From traditional day camps to exciting Adventure camps, we're all about helping kids unleash their full potential—physically, mentally, and emotionally!
  • Boosting Social-Emotional Skills: Camp is the ultimate playground for growth! It's a safe haven where kids can explore new interests, sharpen their skills, and forge strong friendships. Our activities celebrate cultural diversity, build lifelong capabilities, foster independence, and teach the magic of teamwork!
  • Y Values Rock: Our camp is all about the Y core values—caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility—ensuring that every camper learns and grows in a supportive environment.
     

Y Camp is the Highest Quality

  • Awesome Team: Our crew is made up of passionate youth development pros who are dedicated to sparking the love of learning and helping campers shine to their fullest.
  • Camp Vibe: We’re all about that camp spirit—who doesn’t love camp? From lively cheers to quirky spirit days, and catchy camp songs to thrilling weekly challenges, we whip up a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates what makes each camper unique while creating unforgettable memories.
  • Safety First!: All YMCA of Greater New York Camps are licensed by the NYC Department of Health and backed by the American Camp Association. But we don’t stop at just keeping it safe physically; we believe in a super welcoming environment where everyone belongs and diversity is celebrated. It’s essential to us that all campers feel valued and are comfortable being their true selves.
     

FAQ

How much does YMCA summer camp cost?

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.

Do you offer financial assistance or scholarships?

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.

What discounts are available?

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.

What kind of activities will my child participate in?

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! 

What more can you tell me about YMCA Camps?

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!

Have more questions? Check out our full FAQ's