Summer Day Camp Register Here!
Summer 2023 coming soon!
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. All programs will follow COVID-19 guidelines from the state and local health departments.
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®).
Gla-Da-Wen-Ta Day Camp
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Gla-Da-Wen-Ta Day Camp
Gla-Da-Wen-Ta is full for summer 2022!
Your child will have a blast with 10 themed weeks of camp and exciting field trips! 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! There will also be swimming in the pool and a waterslide whenever we get the chance. Pre- and Post-Care are also available. Pick the weeks you want. Limit of 85 campers per week.
| Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA 3665 Hollywood Road St. Joseph, MI 49085 |
June 13-August 19 Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-4:30 PM |
Ages 5-12 Must have completed a full year of Kindergarten |
Member: $150/week Non-Member: $180/week |
Registration & Payment Information
- A non-refundable $50 deposit is due at the time of registration for each week of camp.
- Remaining balances are drafted the Thursday before the first day of camp.
- 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
Aloha to Summer
Week #1 June 13–17
Get your grass skirts ready for a week of sun, fun, and all things tropical! Campers will design their own tiki masks and play island games. This is sure to be the ultimate island escape!
Challenge: Honesty
Field Trip: Potawatomi Zoo (South Bend)
Hello Sunshine & Sandy Toes
Week #2 June 20–24
Every day is a mystery that needs solving, and Y campers are on the case! Scavenger hunts and brain-teasing riddles will keep your young detective’s mind sharp and engaged.
Challenge: Respect
Field Trip: Warren Dunes State Park
STEAM Week
Week #3 June 27–July 1
S.T.E.A.M. stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Campers will be using these skills to build, create, and inspire in an action-packed week with a surprise ending!
Challenge: Caring
Field Trip: Air Zoo (Kalamazoo)
Party in the USA
Week #4 July 5-8 *No programming Monday, July 4
Bring your red, white, and blue attire this week and join together to celebrate our nation’s birthday and partake in classic summertime games like tug-o-war, four square, hopscotch, and arts and crafts.
Challenge: Responsibility
No Field Trip
Splashtacular
Week #5 July 11-15
“Water” you waiting for? Kids will stay cool with exciting water games while practicing proper swimming techniques and learning about water safety. Bathing suits are a must and don’t forget your towels as we slip-in-slide in this wild week of water fun.
Challenge: Respect
Field Trip: Blueberry Picking
Art of Summer Color Craze
Week #6 July 18-22
Get ready for one of the most popular weeks of camp, filled with fun and friendly competition! Spend the week showing off your favorite color combos. We will get messy and creative working with all the colors of the rainbow in many different ways!
Challenge: Responsibility
Field Trip: Washington Park Zoo/Splash Pad (Michigan City)
Game On (Sports Week)
Week #7 July 25-29
It is fun and games all week long! Campers will enjoy playing a wide variety of sports this week along with several minute-to-win-it activity challenges, game show trivia, and fun carnival games.
Challenge: Caring
Field Trip: Notre Dame Athletic Tour (ages 9-12); Bowling (ages 5-8)
Epic Underwater Adventure
Week #8 August 1-5
Oh no! We have been shipwrecked! What will it take to survive a week of being shipwrecked at the Y? Find out as we build our own boats, play water games, search for buried treasure, and more!
Challenge: Honesty
Field Trip: South Haven Maritime Museum
All American Road Trip
Week #9 August 8-12
We will be traveling all over the United States, looking for the best that America has to offer. Don’t miss your chance to have fun and see the U.S.A.
Challenge: Respect
Field Trip: Sarett Nature Center
Great Adventure St. Joe's Got Talent
Week #10 August 15-19
Campers always enjoy a good talent show! Our campers and staff will be able to show off some of their talents, skills, or dance moves during this week. Different art activities, STEAM projects, and games will be incorporated throughout the week leading up to the talent show.
Challenge: Caring
No Field Trip
Pre & Post Care Register Now
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. Only available for those that are already registered for camp.
| Pre-Care | 6:45-9:00 AM | Member: $40/week Non-Member: $50/week |
| Post-Care | 4:30-6:00 PM | Member: $30/week Non-Member: $40/week |
| Both | Member: $65/week Non-Member: $85/week |
- Pre & Post Care balances are drafted the Thursday before the first day of camp.
- 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.
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 |
| 7:30-9:00 AM | Arrival/Check-In |
| 8:30-9:00 AM | Welcome/Counselor Time |
| 9:30-10:00 AM | Team Building Activity - Theme Related |
| 10:00-10:45 AM | Rotation #1 |
| 10:45-11:30 AM | Rotation #2 |
| 11:30 AM-12:30 PM | Lunch & Songs |
| 12:15-12:30 PM | Wash Up/Locker Rooms |
| 12:30-1:30 PM | Rotation: Older Kids/Groups and Rotation #3: Younger Groups |
| 1:30-2:30 PM | Rotation: Younger Kids/Groups and Community Room: Older Kids |
| 2:30-3:30 PM | Rotation #3: Younger Groups and Community Room Older |
| 3:30-4:15 PM | Rotation #4 |
| 4:15-5:00 PM | Counselor Time/Clean-Up/Dismissal |
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.
Day Camp at O'Brien Center
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Day Camp at O'Brien Center Register Now
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 breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack.
| YMCA O'Brien Center 321 E. Walter Street South Bend, IN 49914 |
June 6-August 5 Monday-Friday 7:00 AM-6:00 PM |
For children ages Pre-K (4 years)-8th Grade | Member: $130/week Non-Member: $160/week |
Registration & Payment Information
- A $25 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.
- 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.
- A registration form must be filled out before a camper's first week of camp.
- 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
Sports Week
Week #1 June 6–10
Kick, shoot, and score your way through a week of sporty fun.
Dress-Up Theme: Jerseys
All About Animals
Week #2 June 13–17
All things animal, learn about different animals like monkeys, tigers, and bears...oh my!
Dress-Up Theme: Favorite Animal
LEGO Week
Week #3 June 20–24
Create, build, and play through a week of Lego-inspired fun.
Dress-Up Theme: Sunglasses
Mad Scientist
Week #4 June 27–July 1
Unleash your inner scientist, campers will experience a week of science, technology, engineering, and mathematic fun!
Dress-Up Theme: Backwards
Art Smart
Week #5 July 5-8
Campers will get to tap into their inner artist and discover different types of art. Drawing, painting, sculpting, and more.
Dress-Up Theme: Red, White & Blue
Water, Water Everywhere
Week #6 July 11-15
Cool down with a week of wet and wild activities.
Dress-Up Theme: Tie-dye
Out of this World
Week #7 July 18-22
Moon-walk through a week of fun space-inspired activities.
Dress-Up Theme: Pajama Day
Nature Week
Week #8 July 25-29
Discover the great outdoors right in your own backyard. Campers will learn about trees, plants, and animals.
Dress-Up Theme: Favorite Color
Mermaids & Pirates
Week #9 August 1-5
Set sail on a summer adventure and discover your inner pirate or mermaid.
Dress-Up Theme: Mermaids & Pirates
Registration
- A $25 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.
- 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.
- A registration form must be filled out before a camper's first week of camp.
Parent Handbook
Click below to access parent handbook!
Dress Up Days
Dress-up days are Thursday of each week!
Cancelation Policy
Cancellation is due in writing one week before the first day of care. A 50% refund will be issued if less than one week’s notice is given to cover costs.
Young Adventure Camp (BHSJ)
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Young Adventure Camp Register Now
*NOTE: Campers will now swim every Monday & Wednesday*
Young Adventure is an 8-week camp held at our Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA. Each week has an assigned theme to it where campers will have the opportunity to do many fun and exciting activities while interacting with their friends. Limit of 48 campers per week.
| Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA 3665 Hollywood Road St. Joseph, MI 49085 |
June 13-August 4 Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM-12:00 PM |
Ages 3-5 | Member: $85/week Non-Member: $110/week |
Registration & Payment Information
- A non-refundable $25 deposit is due at the time of registration for each week of camp.
- Remaining balances are drafted the Thursday before the first day of camp.
- 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.
- 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.
Weekly Themes
Aloha to Summer
Week #1 June 13-16
Join us as we say, “Hello!” to summer and spread some tropical vibes throughout the week.
Royals & Superheroes
Week #2 June 20–23
Bring your little prince, princess, or superhero for a week of fun and adventures. You can come dressed in a costume.
Hip Hip Hooray for the USA
Week #3 June 27-30
Wear your Red, White & Blue as we celebrate the 246th birthday of the United States.
Dr. Seuss, "My Many-Colored Days"
Week #4 July 5-7 *No programming Monday, July 4
We will discover and create with all of the colors of the rainbow.
Splashtacular
Week #5 July 11-14
Be prepared to get wet this week and wear your swimsuit every day. (Don’t forget to pack some dry clothes, too.) We will play with a water slide, sprinklers and water balloons.
Shark Week
Week #6 July 18-21
Coinciding with “Shark Week” on the Discovery Channel, join us as we learn about all the unusual species of sharks and other creatures that live in the deep blue sea.
Pirates & Mermaids
Week #7 July 25-28
Ahoy Mates! You are invited to step aboard and set sail as we go in search of the rare sea mermaids and find a few treasures along the way.
Little Hands, Big Messes
Week #8 August 1-4
End a fun-filled summer of Young Adventures as we make many fun messes. We will be painting outside with fly swatters, making slime and learning with messy science experiments.
Pre & Post Care Care Register Now
Extended hours are 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. Pre-registration is required.
| Pre-Care | 7:45-8:55 AM | Member: $20/week Non-Member: $25/week |
| Post-Care | 12:00-3:00 PM | Member: $50/week Non-Member: $60/week |
| Both | Member: $65/week Non-Member: $75/week |
- Remaining balances are drafted the Thursday before the first day of camp.
- 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.
Parent Handbook
Click here to access handbook
Registered families will receive a "What to Expect" email before the start of each week.
Pool
Campers will swim every Monday & Wednesday.
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.
Young Adventure Camp (Northside)
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Young Adventure Camp
Young Adventure Camp at Northside Child Development Center, 2020 N. 5th St., Niles, provides students with 10 weeks of enriching educational opportunities that strengthen creative, cognitive, social/emotional, fine, and gross motor skills through hands-on activities using a creative curriculum.
| Northside Child Development Center 2020 N. 5th Street Niles, MI 49120 |
June 13-August 19 Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-4:00 PM |
Ages 3-5 |
Registration & Payment Information
| Half-Day | 9:00 AM-12:00 PM | Member: $85/week Non-Member: $95/week |
| Full-Day | 9:00 AM-4:00 PM | Member: $170/week Non-Member: $190/week |
- A non-refundable $25 deposit is due at the time of registration for each week of camp.
- Remaining balances are drafted the Thursday before the first day of camp.
- 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.
- 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.
Weekly Themes
Aloha to Sumer
Week #1 June 13-17
Celebrating the start of summer while getting to know our friends and camp teachers
Let's Go Camping
Week #2 June 20-24
Learning about camping, survival skills & the night sky
Adventure Land
Week #3 June 27-July 1
Disney Day, Wild West Day, Dinosaur Day, Harry Potter Day, & Lego Day
Party in the USA
Week #4 July 5-8
Wear your Red, White & Blue as we celebrate the 246th birthday of the United States.
Down on the Farm
Week #5 July 11–15
Learning about all things farm, meeting farm animals, eating snacks that grow on a farm
Build a Better World
Week #6 July 18–22
Learning about how to be a kind friend and care for our community
Crazy Adventures
Week #7 July 25–29
Learn all about different creatures that live in our world. Ocean Animals, Pets, Zoo Animals, Veterinarian Dramatic Play
Under the Big Top
Week #8 August 1-5
Circus Dramatic Play, Circus themed Snacks and activities, Learning the value of teamwork and kindness
Space Camp
Week #9 August 8-12
Description
Bon Voyage to Summer
Week #10 August 15-29
Travel around the world exploring different cultures while getting ready to say goodbye to our friends for the school year.
Parent Handbook
Download our parent handbook here.
Registered families will receive a "What to Expect" email before the start of each week.
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.
Summer My Way®
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Summer My Way® Day Camp
Join us for six weeks of learning and physical activity! This fun, academic-based camp focuses on nurturing academic success, engaging students in physical activity, and increasing social responsibility in the youth in our community. Breakfast and lunch included. Choose 1, 2, or 3 two-week sessions.
| K-3rd Grade | Northside Child Development Center 2020 N. Fifth Street Niles, MI 49120 |
Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-3:00 PM |
$40/student per two-week session |
| 4th& 5th Grade | Niles-Buchanan YMCA 905 N. Front Street Niles, MI 49120 |
Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-3:00 PM |
$40/student per two-week session |
Pre & Post Care
| Pre-Care | Northside Child Development Center | 6:45-9:00 AM | $25/week per child |
| Post-Care | Northside Child Development Center | 3:00-5:30 PM | $25/week per child |
When
June 27–August 5, 2022
Register for 1, 2, or 3 two-week sessions
Enrollment
When registering for camp, you will be prompted to select which tracks & specials your child participates in.
Payment Options
Those registering can:
- Pay in full
- Schedule payments
- Apply for scholarship (financial aid)
Meals
Breakfast & Lunch provided for all campers
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 Summer My Way®, 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.
Parent Handbook
