Summer Day Camp
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®).
Gla-Da-Wen-Ta Day Camp
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Gla-Da-Wen-Ta Day Camp - All weeks are full except for Week #4
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 12-August 18 Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-4:30 PM |
Ages 5-12 Must have completed a full year of Kindergarten |
Member: $165/week Community: $180/week |
Registration & Payment Information
- A non-refundable $50 deposit is due 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
Around the World
Week #1 June 12–116
Get your passports together! We are going to travel around the world as we play games, and learn about other cultures.
Field Trip: Mini Golf-Hidden Point
Safari
Week #2 June 19–23
Become one with nature this week as we learn all about navigating the wilderness and identifying everything around us. From bugs to trees to natural formations, learn about what makes being outside the best!
Field Trip: Potawatomi Zoo
Engineering and Space
Week #3 June 26–June 30
Explore your architectural and engineering potential along with your creativity through a variety of introductory STEAM based challenges. We have the blueprint for summer camp success!
Field Trip: Air Zoo (Kalamazoo)
Art & Color
Week #4 July 5-7 *No programming Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4
*Price change for this week only* $99 for members, $108 for the community
Red, Blue, Indigo, and Violet. Every day a different color. Be prepared for color wars and lots of bright fun happening this week.
No Field Trip
Game Show
Week #5 July 10-14
Campers and counselors will face off in a variety of challenges like “Friendly Feud” and “Minute to Win It.” The ultimate test will come when the campers play “Are you Smarter than your Camp Counselor?” Campers will also create their very own games, as well as obstacle courses, and maybe even some messy surprises.
Field Trip: Rambo’s Blueberry
Under the Sea
Week #6 July 17-21
It’s time to get soaked! Splish and splash through an awesome, fun-filled week. Summer is hot, but you’ll stay cool with activities like water sponge games, water relays, slip ‘n slides and more!
Field Trip: Lincoln Township Splashpad
Game On (Sports Week)
Week #7 July 24-28
Dress up in your favorite team jersey, shirt or hat and get ready for a week of July Madness. Campers will participate in Dribble/Goal/Free Throw contests, sports-themed arts and crafts projects, and a variety of other physical activities.
Field Trip: Notre Dame Athletic Tour (older groups), Bowling (younger groups)
Camp Mystery
Week #8 July 31-August 4
Put on your detective hat and go on an exciting adventure around Gla-Da-Wen-Ta Camp. Learn to write messages with invisible ink, examine and explore your surroundings solve who-done-it mysteries, and more.
Field Trip: Love Creek Park
Broadway
Week #9 August 7-11
Let your inner performer shine at the YMCA’s very own Talent Week. Find your moment in the spotlight with activities like a lip sync challenge, dance off, improv skits, and a talent show.
Field Trip: Kalamazoo Valley Museum
Messy Kids
Week #10 August 14-18
Bust out your old T-shirts for the messiest week ever! Each day brings a new project as we explore the messiest of the mess activities.
No Field Trip
Pre & Post Care Register Today!
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: $45/week Non-Member: $55/week |
| Post-Care | 4:30-6:00 PM | Member: $35/week Non-Member: $45/week |
| Both | Member: $70/week Non-Member: $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 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.
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 |
| 6:45-9:00 AM | Pre-Care: Community Room |
| 9:00-9:15 AM | Arrival/Check In |
| 9:15-9:30 AM | Welcome/Counselor Time (Each Groups needs to be at a rotation) |
| 9:30-10:00 AM | Team-building Activity |
| 10:00-11:30 AM | Activity 10:45 (Rotate Activity) |
| 11:30 AM-12:30 PM | Lunch & Songs |
| 12:30-1:00 PM | Camp Cleanup |
| 1:00-2:00 PM | Swim Time: Older Kids/Groups |
| 2:00-3:00 PM | SWIM: Younger Kids/Groups |
| 3:00-4:00 PM | Small Group Activity |
| 4:00-4:30 PM | Clean Up/Dismissal |
| 4:30-6:00 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.
Day Camp at YMCA O'Brien Center
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Day Camp at YMCA O'Brien Center Register Today!
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.
| YMCA O'Brien Center 321 E. Walter Street South Bend, IN 46614 |
June 5-August 11 Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM |
For children ages Pre-K (4 years)-8th Grade | Member: $170/week Community: $200/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.
- 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 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.
- Families will receive a "What to Expect" email before the start of each week.
Weekly Themes
Aloha, Summer!
Week #1 June 5–9
Say Aloha to summer! Everyday at camp is a vacation for our campers. Surf into a week of fun and sun filled activities. Campers will be filled with welcoming and positive vibes.
Dress-Up Theme: Luau (grass skirts, Hawaiian shirts)
A Galaxy, Far, Far, Away
Week #2 June 12–16
Future astronauts, engineers, and scientists unite this week as we take to the stars for an out of this world adventure. Campers will look to the sky as we discover constellations, follow the moon, and explore the milky way.
Dress-Up Theme: Pajama Day
Ready, Set, Match
Week #3 June 19–23
Game On! Join us for a week of Sports fun! Campers will learn teamwork as we shoot, kick, and move in some physical activity. Basketball, Soccer, traditional camp games, and more.
Dress-Up Theme: Jerseys
Camp-A-Con
Week #4 June 26–June 30
Superheros united to protect camp from the villains of summer. Join forces to create and lead strategies to protect the entire camp. Lear what it takes to become a superhero, using the core values of caring, respect, responsibility, and honesty in your adventures!
Dress-Up Theme: Superheros
Stars and Stripes
Week #5 July 3-7
We are excited to have some July 4th inspired fun! Campers will enjoy a week of patriotic themed activities. No camp on July 4.
Price Change: $136 for members, $160 for community
Dress-Up Theme: Red, White & Blue
SplashTACULAR
Week #6 July 10-14
The heat of the summer wont stop our campers from having a water filled fun week. Campers will splash, swim, and cool off with H2O inspired fun. Get ready for a week of soaking wet fun.
Dress-Up Theme: Tie-dye
DINO-mite
Week #7 July 17-21
ROAR your way into a week of Dinosaur inspired activities. Unearth your inner archaeologist and dig for fossils. Lets travel back in time and spend a week with the Dinos.
Dress-Up Theme: Camo Day
Pirates & Mermaids
Week #8 July 24-28
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.
Dress-Up Theme: Pirates & Mermaids
Mad Scientist
Week #9 July 31-August 4
Bring the scientist in you alive and put on your lab coat as we explore the world of STEAM. Campers will have activities based around Science, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.
Dress-Up Theme: Favorite Color
Y Got Talent
Week #10 August 7-11
Join us for a showcase of our very own YMCA talent. Campers will work together to use those talents to impact the community around us. Take center stage and let your inner star shine!
Dress-Up Theme: Formal Dress Up Day
Pre and Post Care Register Today!
| Pre-Care | 7:00-8:30 AM | $40/week |
| Post-Care | 4:30-6:00 PM | $40/week |
| Both | $75/week |
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.
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.
Young Adventure Camp (BHSJ)
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Young Adventure Camp 2023 Register Today!
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 12-August 4 Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM-12:00 PM |
Ages 3-5 | Member: $100/week Community: $125/week |
Registration & Payment Information
- A non-refundable $25 deposit is due at the time of registration for each week of camp. Deposit goes towards 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.
- 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
Blast into Summer
Week #1 June 12-16
The countdown has begun, the crew is suited up and ready for some extraterrestrial adventures as they explore space and learn about the solar system.
Princesses & Superheroes
Week #2 June 19–23
Let’s take a walk and let our imaginations take us to a land of make-believe, where we can be anyone we want to be. Dress up as your favorite princess or superhero every day at camp. Create magical art and use your superpowers to create expressive creations of art.
Celebrations around the World
Week #3 June 26-30
In America we celebrate our independence, but did you know in Russia they celebrate the sun shining all the time, even at night. We will explore the world around us and how all our celebrations are fun and exciting.
No camp for the week of 4th of July
Unicorns and Dinosaurs
Week #4 July 10-14
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.
Safari Week
Week #5 July 17-21
Lions and tigers (no bears), elephants, and more. We will take a trip to the Serengeti and explore all the wild animals that roam this region of Africa.
Pirates & Mermaids
Week #6 July 24-28
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.
It's a Very Messy Week
Week #7 July 31-August 3
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.
Pre & Post Care Care Register Today!
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: $25/week Non-Member: $30/week |
| Post-Care | 12:00-3:00 PM | Member: $55/week Non-Member: $65/week |
| Both | Member: $70/week Non-Member: $80/week |
- Parent/Guardian is required to provide a lunch.
- 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.
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.
Young Adventure Camp (Northside)
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Young Adventure Camp Register Today!
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 26-September 1 Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-4:00 PM |
Ages 3-5 |
Registration & Payment Information
| Half-Day | 9:00 AM-12:00 PM | Member: $100/week Community: $120/week |
| Full-Day | 9:00 AM-4:00 PM | Member: $185/week Community: $205/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 Summer
Week #1 June 26-30
Party in the USA
Week #2 July 3-7
A Day at the Beach
Week #3 July 10-14
Under the Sea
Week #4 July 17-21
Ahoy Matties, Treasure Hunt
Week #5 July 24-28
Rain Forest Safari
Week #6 July 31-August 4
Adventure Land
Week #7 August 7-11
Super Hero Week
Week #8 August 14-18
Let's Glow (Glow in the dark theme)
Week #9 August 21-25
Bon Voyage to Summer
Week #10 August 28- September 1
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 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 |
Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-3:00 PM |
$50/student per week session |
| 4th& 5th Grade | Niles-Buchanan YMCA 905 N. Front Street Niles, MI 49120 |
Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-3:00 PM |
$50/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 | 6:45-9:00 AM | $30/week per child |
| Post-Care | Northside Child Development Center | 3:00-5:30 PM | $30/week per child |
When
June 26–August 4, 2023
Enrollment
When registering for camp, you will be prompted to select which tracks & specials your child participates in.
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.
Parent Handbook
