Have a question? Let's see if we can help!
We know, now more than ever, kids need the fresh air, social interaction (with precaution), and growth opportunities only camp can provide right now. We want to help kids get back to a sense of normalcy and make up for time lost.
We are sure you have plenty of questions about how we will create a safe camp community, what camp will look like for your camper, and more. Building on the success of last summer, our track record of effectively adapting and delivering youth development programming throughout the year, and the guidance of our risk management team and subject matter experts, we’re eagerly looking forward to summer.
Registration for summer 2024 opens in January! General registration opens on Wednesday, January 18. We encourage everyone to register through our member portal. Members and non-members can register using the steps below.
How to Register:
1. Visit your online account and login. If you do not have any account, create one by clicking "Activate My Y Account" to begin your registration. If you are unsure if you have an account, use the forgot password feature to attempt to send a recovery password to your email address.
3. Click on the Summer Day Camp category.
4. Filter by your local YMCA.
5. Browse day camp options.
6. Follow the prompts to finish registration.
7. Get ready for a great summer!
If you would prefer to register in-person, or are seeking assistance, you can register in-person or over the phone. 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)-220-9199.
We will have in-person and virtual open houses. The schedule will be available once we have confirmed the open house events for 2024.
Online registration closes the Thursday before the camp session beings, 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 contact, health history, 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 30 minutes to complete.
For more information view our Parent Help Guide. For help completing your registration forms, please click here to watch our walkthrough video.
Safety is our top priority. Our Y is accredited by the American Camp Association and licensed via the Department of Human Services. 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.
Learn more about our Y’s commitment to child protection.
Weekly camp activities include arts and crafts, nature and STEM, drama, field games, sports and movement, water play, and theme-related activities. We will offer in house entertainment experiences and field trips as able, as well as special events designed to educate and engage.
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 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 receives over 40 hours of pre-camp training on key topics like; Child Abuse Recognition and Prevention, CPR and First-Aid Training, Camp Health & Safety, COVID-9 Procedures, Character Development and Group Dynamics, Diversity and Inclusion Training, 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*
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!
*At this time we are planning for all YMCA location-based and offsite camps to swim, subject to change depending on current safety protocols.
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!
Deposits are non-refundable. Deposits may be transferred between camp weeks until May 31st. On or after June 1st, no deposits may be transferred between camp weeks. Cancellations or changes between camp weeks require at least fifteen (15) days’ notice prior to the camp week start date. After fifteen (15) 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.
We are here to help!
Please call us at (215)-220-9199 or reach out to via email at SummerCamp@philaymca.org. A caring and dedicated YMCA staff member will assist you in making this summer the best one yet!