Summer Day Camp

Gla-Da-Wen-Ta      

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. ​

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.

Registration & Payment Information

• A $50 deposit is due at the time of registration for each week of camp. All remaining balances are drafted two weeks before the first day of camp.

Weekly Themes

Aloha Summer

Week #1 June 14–18
Greet the summer with some island fun! Participate in limbo, tug-of-war, wacky relay games, and enjoy making Hawaiian Leis and Tiki torches while learning Hawaiian history.
Challenge: Honesty
Field Trip: TBD

Engineered for Fun

Week #2 June 21–25
Explore your engineering potential and creativity through various STEM-based challenges. You’ll enjoy paper airplane cargo challenges, LEGO construction creation contests, bridge building, structure designs, and much more!
Challenge: Respect
Field Trip: TBD

Stars and Stripes

Week #3 June 28–July 2
Celebrate America during this red, white, and blue-packed week of fun! Campers will enjoy Olympic-inspired
activities and historical discoveries while learning about the USA. Activities include capture the flag, giant chalk map of the USA, and patriotic-themed crafts!
Challenge: Caring
NO FIELD TRIP
Member: $130 • Non-Member: $160

Around the World

Week #4 July 5-9
Pack your bags as we go on a fantastic journey “around the world.” Travel to different regions by learning games, crafts, recipes, and stories from all over the world. See what the world has to offer!
Challenge: Responsibility
Field Trip: TBD

Sports Week

Week #5 July 12-16
We will spend the week playing some of your favorite sports and displaying your spirit all over camp. Throw on your favorite team colors and create a team flag, learn a new team cheer, and play tons of sports!
Challenge: Respect
Field Trip: Kalamazoo Growlers Baseball Game

Art of Summer

Week #6 July 19-23
Let your imagination flow and discover your inner artist as you explore a variety of art mediums. Draw, paint, collage, and more! We will work with a diverse collection of art and design media to create amazing pieces of art.
Challenge: Responsibility
Field Trip: TBD

Splashtacular

Week #7 July 26-30
Splash and explore this spectacular wet week of camp while learning about the wonders of water and the creatures of the sea. Create your own splash painting, bottle waves, have a water balloon toss, and get ready to be splashed!
Challenge: Caring
Field Trip: TBD

Messy Kids

Week #8 August 2-6
Get ready for a week of icky, sticky, silly stuff that you can create and play with! Slimy slip and slide, messy twister, and sticky crafts are sure to be a great time. Come dressed to get dirty and bring extra clothes!
Challenge: Honesty
Field Trip: TBD

Safari Week

Week #9 August 9-13
Put on your safari hat and grab your binoculars because it’s about to get wild in here! Campers will spend the week exploring and learning about our favorite safari animals—lions, tigers, zebras, and more!
Challenge: Respect
Field Trip: TBD

Great Adventure

Week #10 August 16-20
Become one with nature this week as we learn all about navigating the wilderness and identifying everything that’s around us. From bugs to trees to natural formations, learn about what makes being outside the best!
Challenge: Caring
Field Trip: TBD

Pre & Post Care      

Pre and Post care require separate registration. To register, click the button above or complete registration for camp and then click "Browse More Programs" on the confirmation page. Payment will be drafted two weeks before the first day of care.

Parent Handbook

Coming soon!
Registered families will receive a "What to Expect" email before the start of each week.

What is the Challenge?

We are incorporating our Y-Ties program into Gla-Da-Wen-Ta! Y-Ties focuses on the characteristics of Respect, Responsibility, Caring, and Honesty. Each week will focus on one of those characteristics as a “challenge” supported by activities for kids and examples set by our counselors and staff.

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.
• The Y offers financial assistance to those who qualify. Please fill out our financial assistance application, found here, and email to Zech Hoyt, Executive Director of Youth Programs, at zhoyt@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           

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. ​

Your child will have a blast with 11 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 a lunch and afternoon snack.

Weekly Cost

Registration & Payment Information

1. 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. 
2. Final payment must be paid two weeks prior to the Monday of attendance. If final payment is not made, the available spot will be filled by a child on the waitlist.
3. A registration form must be filled out before a camper's first week of camp. Download form here.

Weekly Themes

LEGO Week

Week #1 June 1–4
Build and create with a week of Lego-inspired activities. Campers will play games, do crafts, and use their imagination to build and create.
Dress-Up Theme: Sunglasses

It’s A Zoo

Week #2 June 7–11
Campers will have fun with all things animals. Let out your inner Zookeeper, marine Biologist, or veterinarian as your camper explores animal-related activities.
Dress-Up Theme: Favorite animal

Grossed Out

Week #3 June 14–18
Get ready for a week of icky, sticky, silly stuff that you can create and play with! Slimy games and sticky crafts are sure to be a great time.
Dress-Up Theme: Wacky tacky

Out of This World

Week #4 June 21–29
Join us for a week of space exploration! Our space explorers will blast off on a grand adventure and learn about our solar system through fun games, crafts, play, and hands-on experiments.
Dress-Up Theme: Red, White, & Blue
Field Trip: YMCA Camp Eberhart

Art Week

Week #5 June 28-July 2
Paint, Sculpt, create, and design your way through a week of art fun. Campers will let lose their inner artist
and explore their creative side.
Dress-Up Theme: Favorite Color
Field Trip: YMCA Camp Eberhart

Water, Water Everywhere

Week #6 July 5-9
It’s time to get soaked! Splish and Splash through an awesome fun-filled week. Summer is hot but your camper will stay cool with activities like water sponge games, water kick-ball, slip n’ slides, and more.
Dress-Up Theme: Tie-dye
Field Trip: YMCA Camp Eberhart

STEM Week

Week #7 July 12-16
Explore your scientist’s potential and creativity through various STEM-based challenges. Put on your lab coat as we explore different theories and myths. Campers will enjoy science activities, technology, engineering, and mathematic fun.
Dress-Up Theme: Pajama Day

Superheroes

Week #8 July 19-23
Grab your favorite superhero costume and join us for a week of adventure. We will explore the exciting world of our favorite superheroes with crafts, songs, and more!
Dress-Up Theme: Superhero

Sports Week

Week #9 July 26-30
We will spend the week playing some of your favorite sports and displaying your spirit all over camp. Throw on your favorite team colors and create a team flag, learn a new team cheer, and play tons of sports!
Dress-Up Theme: Jerseys

Survival & Nature

Week #10 August 2-6
Become one with nature this week as we learn all about navigating the wilderness and identifying everything that’s around us. From bugs to trees to natural formations, learn about what makes being outside the best!
Dress-Up: Crazy Socks

Under the Sea

Week #11 August 9-13
Join us for a week of water and sea creature fun. Campers will surf through the week of crafts and activities inspired by the sea.
Dress-Up: Backwards Day

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 weeks prior to the Monday of attendance. 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. Download form here.

Parent Handbook

• Access our parent handbook here!
• ¡Acceda a nuestro manual para padres aquí!

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.

Summer My Way® Day Camp

Registration opens in May!

Join us for six weeks of learning and physical activity! This fun, academic-based camp focuses on nurturing the
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.

Pre & Post Care

When 

June 28–August 6, 2021
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:

1. Pay in full
2. Schedule payments
3. 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.
• The Y offers financial assistance to those who qualify. Please fill out our financial assistance application, found here, and email to Zech Hoyt, Executive Director of Youth Programs, at zhoyt@ymcagm.org.

In order to qualify for a scholarship from the YMCA, you must first apply to MI Bridges.

Parent Handbook

Click here to download our parent handbook.

Young Adventure 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. ​

Join us this summer for 8 themed weeks of care for preschool students! Children swim every Tuesday & Thursday! Cost is per week. Pick the weeks you want!

Registration & Payment Information

• A $25 deposit is due at the time of registration for each week of camp. The remaining amount will be drafted on the Friday two weeks before care.

Weekly Themes

Royals & Superheroes

Week #1 June 14-17
Grab your favorite prince or princess outfit and your superhero costume and join us for a week of adventure. We will explore the exciting world of our favorite superheroes and our dashing royal friends with crafts, songs, and more!

MI Adventures

Week #2 June 21-24
Take a trip with us as we learn all about the state we live and play in.

Party in the USA

Week #3 June 28-July 1
We will be celebrating the USA’s 245th birthday and we will also learn about the summer Olympics.

Buggin’ Out

Week #4 July 5–8
We will discover how a caterpillar turns into a beautiful butterfly and why some bugs help our flowers grow. Come join us as we dig deep to see the bugs that live under the ground. It is sure to be a fun week learning about all of the creepy, crawlies.

Ooey Gooey Messy Week

Week #5 July 12–15
One of the best ways for kids to learn is through hands-on play and exploration! So leave the clean up to us and join us for a week of “ooey gooey” fun and learning.

Mermaids & Pirates

Week #6 July 19–22
Dive deep into a week of fun and learning as we swim with mermaids and sail the seas with friendly pirates! We will explore why boats float and find out which marine animals can hold their breath for up to 15 minutes!

Seas and Shells

Week #7 July 26–29
We will explore the depths of the oceans and discover all the crazy and not so crazy creatures that live in the sea. Come explore with us and learn what it is like to be an oceanographer.

Penguins and Polar Bears

Week #8 August 2-5
Take a break from the hot summer heat as we see what it’s like to live where the polar bears live as we learn about their habitat and habits.

Pre & Post Care      

Pre and Post care require separate registration. To register, click the button above or complete registration for camp and then click "Browse More Programs" on the confirmation page. Payment will be drafted two weeks before the first day of care.

Parent Handbook

Coming soon!
Registered families will receive a "What to Expect" email before the start of each week.

Potty Training

A parent or guardian must remain in the building if child is not potty trained.

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.

• The Y offers financial assistance to those who qualify. Please fill out our financial assistance application, found here, and email to Zech Hoyt, Executive Director of Youth Programs, at zhoyt@ymcagm.org.

In order to qualify for a scholarship from the YMCA, you must first apply to MI Bridges.

City of St. Joseph Summer Rec       

Summer Recreation is returning to the John & Dede Howard Ice Arena this summer! The City of St Joseph and the YMCA will partner to offer a fun summer experience for your children from June 14 – July 30. Registration is handled by City of St. Joseph Parks and Recreation: (269) 983-6341.

Weekly Themes

Aloha to Summer

Week #1 June 14–18
Greet the summer with some island fun! Participate in limbo, tug-of-war, wacky relay games, and enjoy making Hawaiian Leis and Tiki torches while learning Hawaiian history.

Engineered for Fun

Week #2 June 21-25
Explore your engineering potential and creativity through various STEM-based challenges. You’ll enjoy paper airplane cargo challenges, LEGO construction creation contests, bridge building, structure designs, and much more!

Stars and Stripes

Week #3 June 28-July 2
Celebrate America during this red, white, and blue-packed week of fun! Campers will enjoy Olympic-inspired activities and historical discoveries while learning about the USA. Activities include capture the flag, giant chalk map of the USA, and patriotic-themed crafts!

Messy Kids

Week #4 July 5-9
Get ready for a week of icky, sticky, silly stuff that you can create and play with! Slimy slip and slide, messy twister, and sticky crafts are sure to be a great time. Come dressed to get dirty and bring extra clothes!

Sports Week

Week #5 July 12-16
We will spend the week playing some of your favorite sports and displaying your spirit all over camp. Throw on your favorite team colors and create a team flag, learn a new team cheer, and play tons of sports!
FIELD TRIP: Kalamazoo Growlers Baseball Game ($15)
Register for the field trip through the YMCA.

Splashtacular

Week #6 July 19-23

Splash and explore this spectacular wet week of camp while learning about the wonders of water and the creatures of the sea. Create your own splash painting, bottle waves, have a water balloon toss, and get ready to be splashed!

Art of Summer

Week #7 July 26-30
Let your imagination flow and discover your inner artist as you explore a variety of art mediums. Draw, paint, collage, and more! We will work with a diverse collection of art and design media to create amazing pieces of art.

Registration

Please note due to capacity limitations, campers must register per week this year. The entire summer is not an option.

Payment

Payment, with the exception of the Week 5 field trip, is taken by the City of St. Joseph.

Financial Assistance

Please contact the City of St. Joseph for financial assistance options.