Summer Day Camp FAQs

How much does camp cost?
Camp costs vary by location and camp type. Each rate is listed per child, per week. YMCA facility members receive discounted weekly rates. A one-time, non-refundable registration fee is required per camper. Some camps may also require a weekly deposit.

Need-based scholarships are available. Please contact your Camp Director for more information.

What are your payment procedures?

• All payments must be made via automatic draft.
• The remaining balance for each week is due on Friday, 17 days before camp starts.
• Once drafted or paid, weekly fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Cash and check payments are not accepted at camp sites.

Tax statements are mailed each January. Keep your receipts for IRS purposes. YMCA Tax ID: 61-0444843.

What is your returned draft policy?
Payments are due three weeks prior to the week of camp. Money orders are not accepted. Campers will not be permitted to attend until the balance is paid in full.

If you experience a financial issue, contact your local branch promptly.

Can I be refunded if my child doesn't attend?
You may cancel up to 17 days before the start of the camp week and receive a full refund or credit. Cancellations made within the 17-day window are non-refundable.

Refunds or credits will be offered for any camp sessions canceled by the YMCA.

What are your enrollment and custody policies?
At enrollment, parents must provide any court-ordered custody documentation regarding who may or may not have contact with the child. This must include the designation of a primary residential parent or shared custody arrangement.

Notify your Camp Director of any special circumstances. These policies ensure the safety of all campers.

What is your waitlist policy?
Each camp has a limited number of spaces. If a program is full, you may join the waitlist. If a spot becomes available, the YMCA will contact you. Once you confirm, your camper will be officially registered and payment will be processed.

If your plans change, please inform your Camp Director so we can update your status.

What do I need to send with my camper?
Clothing: Dress campers in comfortable clothes and tennis/gym shoes that can get dirty. On swim days, include a swimsuit and towel. Swim shoes or flip-flops are optional.

Food: Campers should bring a balanced, non-refrigerated lunch and a refillable water bottle daily. An afternoon snack is provided. On field trip days, pack lunch in a 100% disposable bag (no lunch boxes or coolers).

Other: Apply spray-on sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) before camp and pack extra in your child’s bag. Camp staff will schedule reapplication breaks. Hats and sunglasses are optional.

Label all belongings with your child’s first and last name.

Can my child be in a group with their friends?
We encourage campers to make new friends, but we understand the comfort of being with someone familiar. If your child wants to be grouped with a friend, let your Camp Director know by Tuesday of the week before they attend. We’ll do our best to accommodate.

How do I drop off and pick up my camper?
You’ll receive a car rider tag that must be shown at drop-off and pick-up.

• Remain in your vehicle—YMCA staff will bring your child to you.
• Only individuals with a valid car rider tag (age 18 or older) may pick up a child.

For safety, if someone appears under the influence of drugs or alcohol, staff will:

• Refuse release of the child
• Contact another authorized adult
• If no one is available, law enforcement will be contacted

Campers may not be picked up from off-site locations, including field trips.

What if I’m late picking up my camper?
Camp ends at 6:00 pm.

• A late fee of $1 per minute, per child starts at 6:01 pm.
• Fees are due at the time of pick-up.
• Make sure additional emergency contacts are listed for backup pick-up if needed.

Staff will attempt to contact all numbers listed on your camper’s registration form if you are late.

How will I know what my child is doing each week?
Each Friday, you’ll receive a camp e-newsletter outlining the upcoming week’s activities and themes. Be sure to check your email to stay informed.

Activities are subject to change due to weather or other factors.

What are your field trip policies?
If your camp includes field trips, transportation will be provided by the Y. Trip costs are included in the weekly camp fee.

• Parents are responsible for drop-off and pick-up at the camp site—not at field trip locations.
• Campers must arrive before departure and be picked up after returning to camp.
• If you cannot drop off before or pick up after the field trip, you’ll need to adjust your schedule or wait until camp returns.

What is your screen time policy?
We limit screen use to ensure an enriching, interactive camp experience.

Movies or games are only used if they support the weekly theme and encourage meaningful interaction.

What is your cell phone policy?
Cell phones are not permitted during program hours.
Campers with phones must turn them off while at camp. The YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen phones.

What happens if my child has medication?
To dispense medication at camp, we require:

• A medication form filled out daily (available from your Camp Director)
• Medication in its original bottle, labeled with the child’s name and prescribed dosage for that day only
• Medication to be handed directly to the Camp Director by a parent/guardian

Over-the-counter medication will only be administered with a note from a physician on letterhead, along with your daily permission form.

What happens if my child is sick?
If your child has a contagious illness, infection, or a fever of 100.3°F or higher, they must be picked up immediately. 

This includes head lice. Campers with a confirmed case of lice must provide a doctor's statement confirming they are nit-free before returning to camp.

What happens if my child is injured?
In the event of an injury, the Camp Director or acting supervisor will take the necessary steps to obtain emergency medical care. These steps may include:

• Contacting a parent or guardian
• Contacting listed emergency contacts if a parent cannot be reached
• Calling an ambulance or transporting the child to the nearest emergency facility with a staff member

Parents are responsible for all medical and accident-related expenses.

What are your behavior management policies and procedures?
Our goal is to create a positive, respectful environment for every camper. Minor behavior issues will be handled with redirection or temporary separation from the group.

If behavior problems persist:

• Staff will communicate concerns directly with parents or guardians.
• You may be asked to attend a meeting with the Camp Director and staff to develop a plan for improvement.

In serious cases, including repeated bullying, physical threats, or violent behavior, a camper may be suspended or removed from the program. These steps are taken only when absolutely necessary for the safety of all participants.

Who will be watching my kids?
Our staff are selected for their experience, enthusiasm, and love for working with children. Every staff member undergoes background checks and training in YMCA child safety protocols. Program leadership is provided by full-time Camp Directors and Program Directors.

What training does camp staff receive?
All camp staff complete over 40 hours of YMCA in-house training, covering:

• Policies and procedures
• Supervision and face counts
• Daily drop-off/pick-up routines
• Positive discipline strategies
• Sunscreen reapplication and safety
• Warning signs and prevention of child abuse
• CPR and First Aid certification
• Songs, games, and activity planning

Can staff babysit outside of camp?
No. YMCA staff may not be alone with campers outside of YMCA programs. This includes babysitting, sleepovers, or visiting a camper's home unless they had a pre-existing relationship or are a family member. If you observe any violations of this policy, contact the YMCA immediately.