Summer Day Camp
When kids experience YMCA care, 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.
Gla-Da-Wen-Ta Day Camp
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Gla-Da-Wen-Ta
Registration opens soon!
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.
| Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA | Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-4:30 PM |
Ages 5-12 | Member: $140/week Non-Member: $170/week |
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 1-23
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-Care | 6:45-9:00 AM | $30/week $10/day |
| Post-Care | 4:30-6:00 PM | $30 $10/day |
| Both | $60/week $20/day |
Parent Handbook
Click here to download our parent handbook.
Registered families will receive a "What to Expect" email before the start of each week.
Registration
- 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.
- Registration is available online for those who have visited the YMCA. You must have an email or current billing method on file to access your online account. Please stop by the Member Service Desk if you are new to the Y or need to update your account.
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
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Day Camp at O'Brien Center
Registration opens soon!
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! Please bring a water bottle and lunch.
| O'Brien Fitness Center | Monday-Friday 7:00 AM-6:00 PM |
For children ages 4 years-8th Grade |
Weekly Cost
| No Field Trip Weeks | Member: $125 | Non-Member: $155 |
| Field Trip Weeks (4, 5, & 6) | Member: $145 | Non-Member: $185 |
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 8–12
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 #1 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 Fee
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.
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®
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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.
| Northside Elementary School 2020 N. Fifth Street, Niles, MI |
Students currently enrolled in Grades K-5 |
Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-3:00 PM |
$40/student per two-week session |
Pre & Post Care
| Pre-Care | 6:45-9:00 AM | $25/week per child |
| Post-Care | 3:00-5:30 PM | $25/week per child |
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:
- 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.
- 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
Young Adventure Camp
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Young Adventure Camp
Registration opens soon!
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!
| Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA | Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM-12:00 PM |
Ages 3-5 | Member: $85/week Non-Member: $110/week |
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-Care | 7:45-8:55 AM | $15/week $5/day |
| Post-Care | 12:00-3:00 PM | $25/week $5/day |
| Both | $35/week $10/day |
Registration
- 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.
- Registration is available online for those who have visited the YMCA. You must have an email or current billing method on file to access your online account. Please stop by the Member Service Desk if you are new to the Y or need to update your account.
- 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.
St. Joe Summer Rec
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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. Please be on the lookout for more information and pricing to be released soon! Visit www.sjcityparkrec.com to learn more.
| John & Dede Howard Ice Arena 2411 Willa Drive, St Joseph, MI 49085 |
Monday-Friday 9:00-4:00 PM |
Ages 5-12 | Pricing Coming Soon! |
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.
- Registration will open for City of St Joseph residents in late March and for non-residents (St. Joseph Township, etc.) in mid-April. Visit www.sjcityparkrec.com to learn more.
Payment
Payment, with the exception of the Week 5 field trip, is taken by the City of St. Joseph.
Financial Assistance
MI Bridges can help you to access our state-licensed programs, like Summer Rec, through financial assistance for those who qualify. Learn more on their website or download a PDF.
