Meet Our Day Camp Team: Meghan Watts

Meghan Watts, Youth Development Director at the Elmhurst YMCA, grew up in Naperville, where she attended YMCA activities and camps. She graduated from Southern Illinois University with a degree in Elementary Education. While in college, she worked as a camp counselor at the Fry Family YMCA then became a Unit Leader and then a Site Lead. After graduating, she taught third grade for two years before returning to the Y, where she has worked for a total of two years, as a Youth Development Director. She’s passionate about her two dogs, family, and friends and enjoys working out and swimming.

Q: What is your favorite part of working at the YMCA? 

A: I enjoy working at the Y because it is always exciting, and getting to build relationships with the families that come to our centers and join in our programs is really rewarding. 

Q: What do you like most about the work that the Y does? 

A: I love that the Y offers opportunities to the community to engage with each other, as well as helping those that may be in need of assistance. 

Q: What is your favorite part about Day Camp at the Y? 

A: My favorite parts about Day Camp are getting to know each of our campers, planning activities for them, field trips, and swimming! It is so fun and rewarding to be a camp counselor. I learned so much in the years that I worked as a camp counselor and unit leader that prepared me for other jobs down the road. Being outside a lot is also one of my favorite things about camp. 

Q: What is your favorite memory from Day Camp at the Y?

A: My favorite memory from Day Camp is when I attended it at the Y. I got to go to Centennial Beach on Fridays and played the new and exciting games the counselors had brought. 

Q: What are you most proud of in your career so far? 

A: I am most proud of all of the relationships that I have built so far in my career, with families, kids, staff, coworkers, and more. That is what really makes being a part of the Y community amazing — getting to watch these families and kids grow. [It] is really fun to be a part of that growth and development.

Q: What’s one thing people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to find out? 

A: I really enjoy weight lifting! 

Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be (and why)? 

A: I wish I could transport to places and not have to drive! It would be amazing to think of going to a location, and you are automatically there! Weekend travel around the world would be possible! 

Q: What’s the last song you listened to? 

A: “Easy on Me” by Adele.

Q: What’s one thing on your bucket list? 

A: Travel to Ireland.


The YMCA of Metro Chicago believes in the power of play. We play for fun and for progress. Day Camp at the Y empowers Chicagoland youth to do mighty things — making friends, developing new skills, creating life-shaping experiences, and so much more! 

Our experienced and talented counselors and staff are committed to making sure your camper experiences a full day of play, exploration, learning, and personal growth. Here at the Y, we want to show off our Day Camp team’s amazing talents and contributions to our community — and find even more talented, community-oriented individuals who want to work at the YMCA!