Summer Day Camp 
- 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
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Day Camp at YMCA O'Brien Center 
Your child will have a blast with 10 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. Click here to check out our camp brochure for more details.
| YMCA O'Brien Center 321 E. Walter Street South Bend, IN 46614 |
June 4-August 8 Monday-Friday 7:30 AM-5:30 PM |
For children ages Pre-K (4 years)-8th Grade | Member: $190/week Community: $250/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 4-6 (3 days)
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.
Price Change: $115 for members, $150 for community
Wednesday Dress-Up Theme: It's a Luau
Jurassic Park
Week #2 June 9-13
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.
Thursday Dress-Up Theme: Camo Day
Superheros
Week #3 June 16-20
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.
Thursday Dress-Up Theme: Superheros
Pirates and Mermaids
Week #4 June 23-27
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.
Thursday Dress-Up Theme: Pirates and Mermaids
Stars and Stripes
Week #5 June 30-July 3 (No camp July 4)
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: $155 for members, $200 for community
Wednesday Dress-Up Theme: Red, White & Blue
Space is a Place
Week #6 July 7-11
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.
Thursday Dress-Up Theme: Tie-dye
Magic Academy
Week #7 July 14-18
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
Thursday Dress-Up Theme: You're a Wizard, Camper!
Creative Campers
Week #8 July 21-25
Get ready to unleash your creativity at Crafty Creators 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!
Thursday Dress-Up Theme: Crazy Hair Day
Under the Sea
Week #9 July 28-August 1
Under the sea! Under the sea! Camps 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!
Thursday Dress-Up Theme: Glitter, Glow and Sparkle
Welcome to the Jungle
Week #10 August 4-8
Step into the wild! Campers will embark on an adventurous journey filled with jungle-themed activities, team challenges, and creative exploration, immersing themselves in a world of fun and discovery while building friendships in the heart of the jungle.
Thursday Dress-Up Theme: Favorite Animal
Cancelation Policy
- A week notice is required to receive a full refund (excluding deposit).
- 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
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Gla-Da-Wen-Ta Day Camp - FULL
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 9-August 15 Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-4:30 PM |
Ages 5-12 Must have completed a full year of Kindergarten |
Member: $200/week Community: $215/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
Safari Adventure Week: Journey Into the Wild!
Week #1 June 9-13
Campers will embark on a week-long “safari,” learning about wildlife, creating jungle-inspired art, and participating in thrilling challenges.
Field Trip: Washington Park Zoo
Hawaiian Adventure Week: Aloha Summer Fun!
Week #2 June 16-20
Campers will bring the spirit of the islands to life with creative activities, games, and crafts inspired by Hawaii’s culture, nature, and traditions.
Field Trip: Warren Dunes/Beach
Space Explorers Week: Blast Off to Adventure!
Week #3 June 23-27
From building rockets to creating constellations, this week is packed with hands-on activities that will ignite curiosity and imagination.
Field Trip: Air Zoo (Kalamazoo)
Stars & Stripes Week: Celebrate the Red, White, and Blue!
Week #4 June 30-July 2 *No programming Thursday, July 3 and Friday, July 4
*Price change for this week only* $120 for members, $129 for the community
From crafting red, white, and blue decorations to playing classic outdoor games, campers will enjoy a week full of spirited fun.
Field Trip: Eden Spring Park
Mystery Week: Solve the Case of the Summer
Week #5 July 7-11
Put on your detective hats and grab your magnifying glasses! Campers will become junior detectives, solving puzzles, cracking codes, and uncovering hidden clues.
Field Trip: Rambo’s Blueberry
Entrepreneurs Week: Lemonade Stand Start-Up!
Week #6 July 14-18
From creating a business plan to designing eye-catching signs, mixing the perfect lemonade recipe, and selling their product, campers will develop important skills while having a blast!
Field Trip: Splash Pad/Base Bowls
Engineering Week: Build, Create, Innovate!
Week #7 July 21-25
Campers will dive into the exciting world of engineering with hands-on projects and challenges that inspire creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking.
Field Trip: Peats Cider Mill
Sports Week: Get in the Game!
Week #8 July 28-August 1
Ready, set, play! Whether your child is a seasoned athlete or just wants to try something new, this week is packed with exciting sports, team games, and fun challenges.
Field Trip: South Bend Cubs (older groups), Sarett Nature Center (younger groups)
Movie Magic Week: Lights, Camera, Action!
Week #9 August 4-8
Lights, Camera, Action! Campers will jump into scenes from many of their favorite stories while also creating their own cinematic stories. We will get an opportunity to draw and write stories making everything come to life!
Field Trip: Kalamazoo Valley Muesum
Messy Kids Week: Let’s Get Creative (and Messy!)
Week #10 August 11-15
From squishy slime experiments to colorful paint explosions, this week is packed with hands-on, sensory-filled activities guaranteed to spark joy and creativity.
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 35 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
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Young Adventure Camp 2024
Young Adventure is an 9-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 36 campers per week.
| Half Day | Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-12:00 PM |
Ages 3-5 | Member: $115/week Community: $130/week |
| Full Day | Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-3:00 PM |
Ages 3-5 | Member: $225/week Community: $240/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
Aloha to Summer
Week #1 June 9-13
Say Hello to summer! We will have a fun week at camp as we bring the spirit of the islands to life with creative activities, games, and crafts inspired by Hawaii’s culture, nature, and traditions.
Space
Week #2 June 16-20
3...2...1! Let the countdown begin with a week of fun that will be out of this world.
Princesses and Superheros
Week #3 June 23-27
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 30-July 2 (No Camp July 3-4)
*Price change for this week only* Half Day: $69 for members, $78 community; Full Day: $135 for members, $144 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.
Unicorns and Dinosaurs
Week #5 July 7-11
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.
Lions and Tigers - Oh My!
Week #6 July 14-18
Get your binoculars ready as we prepare to explore the Serengeti for Zebras, lions, tigers, elephants and more.
Messy Week
Week #7 July 21-25
Plan on getting messy as we explore different ways to use paint, from splatting it with a fly swatter to dipping a weighted balloon in the paint and dropping it to the ground from standing. We may even be taking a messy walk and walk through cooked spaghetti.
Pirates and Mermaids
Week #8 July 28-August 1
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.
Mix it Up
Week #9 August 4-8
Did you know if you take blue and red you make purple? We will be exploring all of the colors of the rainbow, and we will be mixing it up to see what we get.
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 everyday for water slide and other activites.
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 Register Here
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. Pick the weeks you want!
| K-3rd Grade | Northside Child Development Center 2020 N. Fifth Street Niles, MI 49120 |
June 23-August 1 Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
$100/student per week session |
| 4th& 5th Grade | Niles-Buchanan YMCA 905 N. Front Street Niles, MI 49120 |
June 23-August 1 Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
$100/student per week session |
Payments will be drafted the Friday before the first day of each camp week.
Pre & Post Care - All grades
| Pre-Care | Northside Child Development Center | 7:00-9:00 AM | $35/week per child |
| Post-Care | Northside Child Development Center | 3:00-5:00 PM | $35/week per child |
When
June 23-August 1, 2025
Price Change Week of 4th of July
| June 30-July 2 | Monday-Wednesday 9:00 AM-3:00 PM |
$80/student per week session |
Pre Care (7:00 -9:00 AM): $28/week per child | Post Care (3:00 -5:00 AM): $28/week per child |
Meals
Breakfast & Lunch provided for all campers
Transportation
- Transportation is not provided from home to pre-care or from post-care to home.
- Transporation is provided from pre-care to the Niles-Buchganan YMCA and from the Y to post-care.
- Transportation is provided from home to Camp and from Camp to home.
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.
Questions?
Contact Kristin McKay-Parrish at kparrish@ymcagm.org.
Parent Handbook
