Welcome to the Ultimate Summer Playground: Summer Camp with the Y!
Why Choose Y Camp?
We know that when kids show up with an open mind and a playful spirit, they unlock a world of growth, discovery, and friendships that last a lifetime. YMCA Summer Camp is designed to be a safe, supportive, and super fun environment where your child can thrive all summer long.
What’s the Deal?
At Y Camp, we’ve got a smorgasbord of activities that’ll keep your kiddos learning, creating, and moving. From arts and crafts to sports and games, every day is a new adventure. Plus, we’re all about fostering personal growth and social skills, so your child will leave camp with more than just great memories—they’ll gain confidence and new friends too!
More Than Just a Camp
Camp isn’t just a place; it’s a vibe. It’s where kids can stretch their legs and their imaginations. Whether they’re exploring nature, trying out new activities, or just hanging out with friends, every moment at the Y’s summer camp is a chance to grow and have a blast.
Join the Fun!
Don’t miss out on the summer of a lifetime! Our camps fill up fast, so grab your spot and get ready to jump into a world of fun and creative exploration. We can’t wait to see how your child discovers their favorite ways to play all summer long!
Little Learners, Big Adventures!
Ready to kickstart your little one’s journey to success? Summer is the perfect time to dive in! At the Buehler YMCA, Sage YMCA, and Fry Family YMCA, we offer DCFS-licensed, year-round Early Learning programs for your tiny tots aged 2.5 to 5 years. Our superstar teachers are DCFS-certified and always up-to-date with the latest and greatest in early childhood education.
Partners
All-Inclusive Fun for Everyone at the Y!
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The Y’s typical Summer Camp schedule includes a welcome activity, opening circle/check-in, experiential learning time, snack time, physical activity, lunch, literacy, intentional choice time, closing circle and goal review.
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Whether you want to step into the shoes of a master tinkerer, a robotics engineer, a chef, or a detective, we have Specialty Camps just for the camper in your life! Campers will explore topics in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM), which are sure to delight, challenge, and inspire. Find the right Specialty Summer Camp program and burn off some STEAM!
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Yes! Take a look at our E-Brochures in Spanish for the following locations:
- Kelly Hall YMCA
- McCormick YMCA
- Rauner Family YMCA
- YMCA Safe n’ Sound
- Partner Sites (New Field Elementary School, Peterson Elementary School, and Camps on Chicago’s North Side)
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The YMCA is committed to the health, safety, and wellbeing of all of our campers!
Handwashing procedures are reinforced and integrated into activities throughout the day.
Campers should bring a labeled water bottle with them every day. Touchless water filling stations will be made available to campers and staff.
Enhanced cleaning protocols are in place, including the frequent sterilization on high touch objects, surfaces, and toys.
Staff will go through extensive training to be prepared to carry out all the safety procedures required. -
Summer Camp registration opens at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, for our current 2024-25 YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago before and after school participants. Registration opens for all interested campers at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, February 26.
Registration completed online, at your local Y, or via phone. If you prefer to contact our team, please call 773-905-5115 (Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.).Need help? We have a guide for you!
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Fifteen — YES, FIFTEEN — community Hub locations across Chicagoland, and at several partner sites in our service areas!
These locations include: *Summer Camp programming is held at neighboring schools throughout the summer. More information will be available as part of the registration process. -
All campers participating in Traditional Summer Camp and Specialty Camp are required to put down a non-refundable deposit per week of camp. If you are using the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and have a copay under $100 or have siblings with $0 copay, no deposit is needed.
All campers must be fully paid in full by the Wednesday prior to attending the week of camp. A $15 late fee will be added for payments made after the Wednesday before the week of camp, which is due before the first day of the camp week.
Do you accept Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) funds?
Our program is eligible for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which may cover some of the cost of care. To qualify the applicant must:- Live in Illinois
- Be employed and/or going to an eligible educational activity (high school, trade school, college, etc.)
- Have children younger than 13 that need care while you are working or going to school
- Have income below allowable limits – check at https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=118832
If you would like assistance in applying for CCAP, please contact the Enrollment Coordinator.
Indian Boundary YMCA
Ashley Smith , Enrollment Coordinator
312-978-7743 | [email protected]
Elmhurst YMCA
Ashley Smith, Enrollment & Eligibility Coordinator
312-978-7743 | [email protected]
Hastings Lake YMCA, Buehler YMCA and Sage YMCA
Lamya Cristillo, Enrollment Coordinator
312-545-1730 | [email protected]
South Side YMCA
Ari Osuna, Enrollment & Eligibility Coordinator
312-975-2680 | [email protected]
Rauner Family YMCA
Laura Morales, Enrollment & Eligibility Coordinator
[email protected]
Peterson YMCA and New Field YMCA
Enrique Balderas, Enrollment & Eligibility Coordinator
[email protected]
Lake View YMCA and Kelly Hall YMCA
LaVerne Mayomi
312-890-8567 | [email protected]
Irving Park YMCA and McCormick YMCA
Karen Figueroa
312-285-9135| [email protected]
Community Schools Initiative Schools
Yareliz Carrero, Enrollment & Eligibility Coordinator
[email protected]
All camp CCAP applications need to be submitted by April 15 to be considered for the 2025 camp season. -
The YMCA provides financial aid for families in need. Applications for Financial Assistance are available at the Member Experience Desk during regular business hours, or you can find the application at this link.
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All paperwork, including the emergency packet, is due the Wednesday before your child attends camp. Campers will not be permitted into their summer camp without receipt of these documents. Documents are provided to you when you register your child(ren).
If your camper has a medical need requiring medication during camp (routine or emergency medication), the Permission to Dispense Medication form must be completed and turned into your Camp Director. Additionally, any camper with an allergy requiring emergency medication must have a Severe Allergy & Anaphylaxis form on file as well.
All camp CCAP and financial aid applications need to be submitted by April 14 to be considered for the 2025 camp season. -
- Camp deposits for all camps are non-refundable.
- Camp deposits for all camps are non-transferable.
- All specialty camps have a deposit, to be paid like traditional camps.
- All cancellations must be in writing 14 business days prior to the start of registered camp week and will be issued as a voucher for use toward other Y fees. The deposit will be forfeited.
- All cancellations made less than 14 business days prior to the start of registered camp week will be non refundable and non transferable.
- In the event the YMCA cancels a camp week, all money paid, including the deposit is refunded.Camp deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Refunds required due to third-party approval will be processed two weeks after the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) approval letter arrives at the center.
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No! Beginning in 2025, the Y will have one price for Summer Camp. No more member or non-member pricing. However, we still welcome you to join us and explore all the possibilities with a fitness membership!