Summer Day Camp
Registration Opening Soon
- Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA
- Niles-Buchanan YMCA
- Northside Child Development Center
- YMCA O'Brien Center
When kids experience YMCA camp, they experience something new every day. From the confidence that comes from trying new things to the importance of healthy, long-lasting relationships with friends and mentors.
Registration Information
- With all of our summer camps being licensed, we require additional paperwork, outside of registration paperwork, to be on file before we care for your child(ren). All paperwork can be found here.
- Registration is available online for members and non-members. Those who have visted the Y before may access their online account using an email the Y has on file or the phone number of the primary user on the account. If not already in our YMCA system, please join as a Non-Member on our "Join Online" page to register for programs. When registering someone 12 and under, a parent or guardian must register first as the Primary Adult. Please call or stop by the Y if you need assistance. (This excludes Summer My Way®).
Day Camp at YMCA O'Brien Center
Collapsible
Day Camp at YMCA O'Brien Center Registration Opens Monday, February 16
Your child will have a blast with 9 themed weeks of camp! Each day, we will enjoy physical activity, crafts, and opportunities to make new friends. We will be outside as often as possible to enjoy the summer weather! Pick the weeks you want! Campers will be provided lunch. Click here to check out our camp brochure for more details.
| YMCA O'Brien Center 321 E. Walter Street South Bend, IN 46614 |
June 15-August 14 Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-4:00 PM |
For children ages Pre-K (4 years)-8th Grade | Member: $190/week Community: $220/week |
Registration & Payment Information
- A $50 non-refundable deposit for each registered week must be paid to retain your child’s place unless you pay in full at the time of sign-up. Deposit goes toward weekly fee. Deposits can not be transfered to other weeks.
- Final payment must be paid two Fridays prior to the start of care. If final payment is not made, the available spot will be filled by a child on the waitlist.
- Camp is a licensed child care program. Please fill out and return the necessary forms after completing online registration. Forms can be found here. All forms must be on file before the child attends
- Families will receive a "What to Expect" email before the start of each week.
Weekly Themes
Aloha Summer
Week #1 June 15-19
Aloha! Get ready for an unforgettable week of tropical fun, sunshine, and adventure as we celebrate all things Hawaiian at our Aloha Summer Week! Campers will be transported to an island paradise, where they’ll enjoy a perfect blend of arts, sports, nature, and cultural experiences inspired by the beautiful islands of Hawaii.
Friday Dress-Up Theme: It's a Luau
Pirates and Mermaids
Week #2 June 22-26
Climb aboard and set sail to the high seas and discover your inner pirate or mermaid. Enjoy a week of swash-buckling fun or exploring the reef below the ocean.
Friday Dress-Up Theme: Pirates and Mermaids
Stars and Stripes
Week #3 June 29-July 2 (No camp July 3)
Get ready to wave the red, white, and blue in celebration of everything awesome about the USA! This week, we’re going all-American with a fun-filled, action-packed Stars & Stripes Week, where campers will explore the history, culture, and spirit of our great nation through exciting games, crafts, and activities.
Price Change: $175 for members, $205 for community
*Thursday Dress-Up Theme: Red, White, and Blue
Superheroes
Week #4 July 6-10
Calling all heroes-in-training! It’s time to unleash your superpowers and join us for an action-packed week at Superhero Week! Whether you dream of flying high like a caped crusader or having the strength to move mountains, this week is all about discovering your inner superhero while having a blast with friends.
Friday Dress-Up Theme: Superheroes
Space is the Place
Week #5 July 13-17
Campers will travel light-years away from Earth as they engage in space-themed activities, fun challenges, and hands-on experiments that bring the mysteries of space to life. From creating rocket ships to building alien worlds, every day is filled with cosmic creativity and discovery.
Friday Dress-Up Theme: Tie Dye Day
Magic Academy
Week #6 July 20-24
Dear Camper, We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted into this session of Magic Academy. Campers will be required to report to the sorting opening ceremony on the first day of camp. Come to camp ready to learn about mythical creators, flying 101, and training your owls. Sincerely, Your Headmaster
Friday Dress-Up Theme: You're a Wizard, Camper!
Creative Campers
Week #7 July 27-31
Get ready to unleash your creativity at Creative Campers Week—the ultimate week of hands-on fun, DIY projects, and artistic exploration! If you love to build, design, and craft with your hands, this is the week for you!
Friday Dress-Up Theme: Crazy Hair Day
Under the Sea
Week #8 August 3-7
Under the sea! Under the sea! Camps are getting wetter. It will be better. Take it from me! Your grown-ups, they work all day. Out at camp, we play away! This week is hotter, Hop in the water Under the sea!
Friday Dress-Up Theme: Glitter, Glow, and Sparkle
Jurassic Park
Week #9 August 10-14
ROAR your way into a week of Dinosaur-inspired activities. Discover your inner archaeologist and dig for fossils. Let's travel back in time and spend a week with the Dinos.
Friday Dress-Up Theme: Camo Day
Pre & Post Care
Pre and Post Care is an option for families who need care for their children before and after the camp day. Extended hours provide a supervised activity time for children of working parents. Preregistration is required. Limited to 35 kids, it's only available for those who are already registered for camp.
| Pre-Care | 7:30-9:00 AM | Member: $35/week Community: $40/week |
| Post-Care | 4:00-5:30 PM | Member: $35/week Community: $40/week |
- Final payment must be paid two Fridays prior to the start of care. If final payment is not made, the available spot will be filled by a child on the waitlist.
Cancelation Policy
- A week's notice is required to receive a full refund (excluding deposit). Email mwise@ymcagm.org or call any of our YMCA locations to submit your notice
- Less than a week's notice, 50% system credit will be issued (excluding deposit).
- Notices given on or after the first day of programming, no refund will be issued.
Please note that CCDF Vouchers are accepted for care. To obtain a provider form, please contact Maycie Wise at mwise@ymcagm.org
Financial Assistance
We recognize that access and affordability to child care can be challenging. Please see your options below for financial assistance.
- Child Care Assistance is available to help you to access our license-exempt programs, like Y-Club, through financial assistance for those who qualify. Learn more on their website Early Ed Connect (in.gov).
- The Y offers financial assistance to those who qualify. Please fill out our financial assistance application, found here, and email Natalie Cooper, Member Administrator, at ncooper@ymcagm.org.
- In order to qualify for a scholarship from the YMCA, you must first apply to FSSA Child Care Assistance.
Gla-Da-Wen-Ta Day Camp at Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA
Collapsible
Gla-Da-Wen-Ta Day Camp Registration Opens Wednesday, March 11 at 12:00 PM
Your child will have a blast with 10 different themed weeks of camp and exciting field trips! Each day, we will enjoy physical activity, games, and opportunities to make new friends. We will be outside as often as possible to enjoy the summer weather! There will also be swimming in the pool and a waterslide throughout the week. Pre and Post-Care are also available for those who may need it. Select the weeks you want! Limited to 85 campers per week.
| Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA 3665 Hollywood Road St. Joseph, MI 49085 |
June 8-August 14 Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-4:30 PM |
Ages 5-12 Must have completed a full year of Kindergarten |
Member: $220/week Community: $240/week |
Registration & Payment Information
- A non-refundable deposit of $75 per child is required at the time of registration for each week of camp. Deposit goes toward weekly fee.
- Remaining balances are drafted the Thursday before the first day of camp each week.
- Gla-Da-Wen-Ta is a licensed child care program. Please fill out and return the necessary forms after completing online registration. Forms can be found here.
- Registration is available online for members and non-members. Those who have visted the Y before may access their online account using an email the Y has on file or the phone number of the primary user on the account. If not already in our YMCA system, please join as a Non-Member on our "Join Online" page to register for programs. When registering someone 12 and under, a parent or guardian must register first as the Primary Adult. Please call or stop by the Y if you need assistance.
Weekly Themes
Wild Wilderness
Week #1 June 8-12
Campers will explore the great outdoors as they learn about nature, survival skills, and environmental responsibility. Through scavenger hunts and animal-inspired games, campers will connect with the natural world while working as a team. This week blends outdoor adventure, creativity, and hands-on exploration.
Field Trip: Washington Park Zoo
Sports Spectacular
Week #2 June 15-19
Get ready to move! Campers will build teamwork, sportsmanship, and confidence through a variety of fun and friendly competitions. This high-energy week focuses on trying new activities and cheering each other on.
Field Trip: Strikers Bowling
Around the World
Week #3 June 22-26
Pack your bags—campers are traveling the globe! Each day introduces campers to different cultures, games, music, and traditions from around the world. Through crafts, challenges, and hands-on activities, campers will explore geography while celebrating global diversity.
Field Trip: Air Zoo (Kalamazoo)
Stars & Stripes
Week #4 June 29-July 2 (No Camp Friday, July 3)
*Price change for this week only* $176 for members, $192 for the community
This patriotic week celebrates American traditions with red, white, and blue fun. Campers will enjoy classic outdoor games, creative crafts, and team challenges inspired by U.S. history and culture. It’s a week full of spirit and summer celebration.
Field Trip: Eden Spring Park
Food Exploration
Week #5 July 6-10
Campers will explore food through creativity, science, and hands-on fun—no cooking experience required! Campers will learn about nutrition, measurement, and teamwork. This week encourages curiosity, creativity, and safe food exploration.
Field Trip: Rambo’s Blueberry
Entrepreneurs Week: Lemonade Stand Start-Up!
Week #6 July 13-17
Calling all future business leaders! Campers will create their own mini-businesses while learning about marketing, budgeting, and teamwork. Through design challenges, pitch competitions- campers will turn ideas into action.
Field Trip: TBA
Under the Sea
Week #7 July 20-24
Dive into an ocean-themed adventure! Campers will explore sea life through games, creative crafts, and STEM challenges inspired by the deep blue sea. This week combines imagination, movement, and hands-on learning with plenty of splash-worthy fun.
Field Trip: South Bend Cubs (older groups), Splash Pad (younger groups)
Mad Science
Week #8 July 27-31
Get ready for messy, exciting, and mind-blowing experiments! Campers will explore science concepts through hands-on labs, building challenges, and demonstrations. This week encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and discovery.
Field Trip: University of Notre Dame (older groups), TBA (younger groups)
Talent Show
Week #9 August 3-7
It’s time to shine! Campers will explore self-expression through music, dance, art, comedy, and performance. The week builds confidence and creativity as campers prepare for a final talent show celebration.
Field Trip: Loma Theatre
Camp Carnival
Week #10 August 10-14
Camp ends with a bang during our ultimate celebration week! Campers will design games and experience all the excitement of a classic carnival. This week brings together creativity, teamwork, and fun for an unforgettable camp finale.
Field Trip: Smiley's - Mishawaka
Pre & Post Care
Pre and Post Care is an option for families who need care for their children before and after the camp day. Extended hours provide a supervised activity time for children of working parents. Available for specific YMCA camps. Preregistration is required. Limited to 25 kids, it's only available for those who are already registered for camp.
| Pre-Care | 7:00-9:00 AM | Member: $45/week Community: $55/week |
| Post-Care | 4:30-5:30 PM | Member: $35/week Community: $45/week |
| Both | Member: $70/week Community: $90/week |
- Pre & Post Care balances are drafted the Thursday before the first day of camp.
- Registration is available online for members and non-members. Those who have visited the Y before may access their online account using an email the Y has on file or the phone number of the primary user on the account. If not already in our YMCA system, please join as a Non-Member on our "Join Online" page to register for programs. When registering someone 12 and under, a parent or guardian must register first as the Primary Adult. Please call or stop by the Y if you need assistance.
Parent Handbook
Click here to access the handbook
Registered families will receive a "What to Expect" email before the start of each week.
What is the challenge?
We will be using our Y TIES Program to develop our children’s social responsibility. This program allows the opportunity for students and staff to make living the Y character values tangible and collective. Children will be able to make individual pledges or goals, demonstrate their pledge, recognize their efforts and success, and reflect on their pledges and goals.
Field Trips
Weekly field trips will be divided into two age groups. Ages 8-12 will go on Tuesday and ages 5-7 will go on Thursdays.
Daily Schedule
| Time | Activity |
| 7:00-9:00 AM | Pre-Care: Community Room |
| 9:00-9:15 AM | Arrival/Check-In (at Tent behind the Y) |
| 9:15-9:30 AM | Daily Debrief/Counselor Time |
| 9:30-10:15 AM | Rotation 1 |
| 10:15-11:00 AM | Rotation 2 |
| 11:00 AM-11:30 PM | Clean Up/Prepare for Lunch |
| 11:30 AM-12:15 PM | Lunch |
| 12:15-12:45 PM | Rotation 3 |
| 12:45-1:00 PM | Head inside for Reading/Swim Time |
| 1:00-2:00 PM | Groups 1,3,5,7: Swim Groups 2,4,6,8: Reading/Educational Activity |
| 2:00-3:00 PM | Groups 1,3,5,7: Reading/Educational Activity Groups 2,4,6,8: Swim |
| 3:00-4:00 PM | Large Group Activity |
| 4:00-4:30 PM | Clean Up/Dismissal |
| 4:30-5:30 PM | Post-Care: Community Room |
Financial Assistance
We recognize that access and affordability to child care can be challenging. Please see your options below for financial assistance.
- MI Bridges can help you to access our state-licensed programs, like Gla-Da-Wen-Ta, through financial assistance for those who qualify. Learn more on their website or download a PDF. Program will be listed under "Building Blocks Preschool."
- Check the Eligibility Calculator.
- The Y offers financial assistance to those who qualify. Please fill out our financial assistance application, found here, and email Natalie Cooper, Member Administrator, at ncooper@ymcagm.org.
In order to qualify for a scholarship from the YMCA, you must first apply to MI Bridges.
Young Adventure Camp at Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA
Collapsible
Young Adventure Camp Registration Opens Wednesday, March 11 at 12:00 PM
Young Adventure is a 9-week camp held at our Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA. Each week has an assigned theme where campers will have the opportunity to do many fun and exciting activities while interacting with their friends. Limit of 36 campers per week.
| Half Day | Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-12:00 PM |
Ages 3-5 | Member: $130/week Community: $155/week |
| Full Day | Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-3:00 PM |
Ages 3-5 | Member: $240/week Community: $265/week |
Registration & Payment Information
- A non-refundable deposit of $50 per child is required at the time of registration for each week of camp. Deposit goes toward weekly fee.
- Remaining balances are drafted the Thursday before the first day of camp each week.
- Young Adventure Camp is a licensed child care program. Please fill out and return the necessary forms after completing online registration. Forms can be found here. Current immunization records are required BEFORE the start of camp.
- Registration is available online for members and non-members. Those who have visited the Y before may access their online account using an email the Y has on file or the phone number of the primary user on the account. If not already in our YMCA system, please join as a Non-Member on our "Join Online" page to register for programs. When registering someone 12 and under, a parent or guardian must register first as the Primary Adult. Please call or stop by the Y if you need assistance.
Weekly Themes
Slide into Summer
Week #1 June 8-12
As we slide into a fun summer, we will kick off Young Adventure Camp with fun summer activities, including our waterslide.
Down on the Farm
Week #2 June 15-19
This week, the kids will explore life on the farm through games, crafts, songs, planting a garden, and maybe meeting some farm animals.
Princesses and Superheros
Week #3 June 22-26
Let’s journey into make-believe land at camp! Dress up as princesses or superheroes daily and express your creativity through magical art.
Hip, Hip, Hooray for the USA
Week #4 June 29-July 2 (No Camp July 3)
*Price change for this week only* Half Day: $104 for members, $124 community; Full Day: $192 for members, $212 for community
Wear your red, white, and blue as we celebrate the birthday of the land that we live in and what makes it beautiful.
Friendship Week
Week #5 July 6-10
Kindness counts, and everyone belongs. We will explore friendships and how we can be good friends. There will be cooperative games and art projects.
Creepy Crawlie Week
Week #6 July 13-17
Where curious kids will explore the wonderful world of bugs through hands-on activities. We will investigate insect habitats and the importance of bugs.
Unicorns and Dinosaurs
Week #7 July 20-24
You read that right, Unicorns and Dinosaurs, why not! We will explore these mystical creatures as we step back in time to study these prehistoric creatures with very long names that roamed the earth a long time ago.
Pirates and Mermaids
Week #8 July 27-31
It’s a pirate’s life for me, and while we are out sailing the seas, we may be lucky enough to spot a mermaid; she may even lead us to the sunken treasure full of gold.
Messy Week
Week #9 August 3-7
Be prepared for a week of getting your hands and feet messy. Not a week to wear your Sunday's best, but guaranteed a week of fun.
Pre-Care
Extended hours are an option for families who need care for their children before the camp day. Extended hours provide a supervised activity time for children of working parents. Pre-registration is required.
| Pre-Care | 7:00-8:55 AM | Member: $45/week Community: $55/week |
- Parent/Guardian is required to provide a lunch. We are nut free, please label your child's lunch box and all containers.
- Balances are drafted the Thursday before the first day of camp each week.
- Registration is available online for those who have visited the YMCA. You may access your online account using an email the Y has on file or the phone number of the primary user on your account. Please call or stop by if you are new to the Y or need assistance.
Daily Schedule
| Half Day Camp | Full Day Camp |
| 8:50-9:10 AM: Drop Off/Free Play | 8:50-9:10 AM: Drop Off/Free Play |
| 9:10- 9:15 AM: Clean-Up | 9:10- 9:15 AM: Clean-Up |
| 9:15-9:30 AM: Circle Time | 9:15-9:30 AM: Circle Time |
| 9:30-10:15 AM: Centers | 9:30-10:00 AM: Centers |
| 10:15-10:30 AM: Clean-Up | 10:00-10:15 AM: Clean-Up |
| 10:30-10:45 AM: Snack | 10:15-10:30 AM: Snack |
| 10:45-11:00 AM: Songs/Music Dance | 10:30-11:00 AM: Outside |
| 11:00-11:30 AM: Outside Time | 11:00-11:15 AM: Songs, Music, Dance |
| 11:30 AM-12:00 PM: Story/Get Ready for Dismissal | 11:15-11:45 AM: Free Play |
| 12:00 PM: Dismissal | 11:45 AM-12:00 PM: Clean-Up |
| Swim Days and Water Slide days and times to be determined. | 12:00-12:30 PM: Lunch |
| 12:30-12:45 PM: Clean-Up | |
| 12:45-1:15 PM: Outside Time | |
| 1:15-2:00 PM: Rest | |
| 2:00-2:45 PM: Wake-Up/Table Activities | |
| 2:45-3:00 PM: Get Ready for Dismissal | |
| 3:00 PM: Dismissal |
Parent Handbook
Click here to access handbook
Registered families will receive a "What to Expect" email before the start of each week.
Pool
We are in the pool twice a week. Please bring your swimsuit every day for the water slide and other activities.
Financial Assistance
We recognize that access and affordability to child care can be challenging. Please see your options below for financial assistance.
- MI Bridges can help you to access our state-licensed programs, like Young Adventure/Preschool Care, through financial assistance for those who qualify. Learn more on their website or download a PDF.
- Check the Eligibility Calculator.
- The Y offers financial assistance to those who qualify. Please fill out our financial assistance application, found here, and email Natalie Cooper, Member Administrator, at ncooper@ymcagm.org.
In order to qualify for a scholarship from the YMCA, you must first apply to MI Bridges.
