BACK

Summer Camp

Welcome to the Ultimate Summer Playground: Summer Camp with the Y! 

Hey there, future campers and parents! Ready to dive into a summer of epic adventures, endless fun, and new besties? At the YMCA of Metro Chicago’s Summer Camp, we believe in the power of play and the magic of making memories. Our camps are designed to ignite imagination, spark creativity, and provide endless fun for kids of all ages!

Why Choose YMCA Summer 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. Y Summer Camp is a safe, supportive, and super fun environment where your child can thrive all summer long. From sports and arts to science and nature, our camps offer a wide range of activities that keep kids engaged and excited. Campers also build lasting friendships and a sense of belonging that extends beyond the summer. 

Have any questions about Y Summer Camp? Check out our FAQ below!

Register for Camp

Dive into Endless CAMPERtunities

At Y Summer 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! 

Check out our 2026 Summer Camp e-brochure using the button below! You can find a Spanish version of our e-brochure here. Registration for Y Summer Camp at YMCA Camp Duncan occurs via a different platform here!

2026 e-brochure

2026 Summer Camp Open Houses

Are you curious about what makes Summer Camp at the Y so special? Come find out! Our open house info nights and meet-the-staff events are the perfect opportunity for parents and campers to ask questions and learn more about the exciting activities that we have planned for this summer. Learn more below!

Open Houses

Be Prepared for an Awesome Summer!

We know that Y Summer Camp can be exciting, new, and unfamiliar for campers and families. You’re bound to have questions, and we want to address each and every one! 
  • Y Summer Camp is offered at more than fifteen YMCA Community Hubs and partner sites across Chicagoland. These locations include: 
    • Buehler YMCA: 1400 W. Northwest Hwy., Palatine, IL 60067 
    • Elmhurst YMCA: 211 W. First St., Elmhurst, IL 60126 
    • Foglia YMCA: 1025 N. Old McHenry Rd., Lake Zurich, IL 60047 
    • Fry Family YMCA: 2120 95th St., Naperville, IL 60564 
    • Hastings Lake YMCA: 1995 Grass Lake Rd., Lindenhurst, IL 60046 
    • Indian Boundary YMCA: 711 59th St., Downers Grove, IL 60516 
    • Irving Park YMCA: 4251 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, IL 60641 
    • Kelly Hall YMCA: 824 N. Hamlin Ave., Chicago, IL 60651 
    • Lake View YMCA: 3333 N. Marshfield Ave., Chicago, IL 60657 
    • McCormick YMCA: 1834 N. Lawndale Ave., Chicago, IL 60647 
    • Rauner Family YMCA: 2700 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60608 
    • Sage YMCA: 701 Manor Rd., Crystal Lake, IL 60014 
    • South Side YMCA: 6330 S. Stony Island Ave. | Chicago, IL 60637 
    • YMCA Camp Duncan: 32405 N. U.S. Highway 12, Ingleside, IL 60041 
    • YMCA Safe ‘N Sound 
      • Summer Adventure Camp @ Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873: 908 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville, IL 60540 
      • Camp Aurora @ Georgetown Elementary School: 995 Long Grove Dr, Aurora, IL 60504
    • New Field Elementary School: 1707 W. Morse Ave., Chicago, IL 60626 
    • Peterson Elementary School: 5510 N. Christiana Ave., Chicago, IL 60625 
    • Goethe Elementary School: 2236 N. Rockwell St., Chicago, IL 60647 

    *Summer Camp programming is held at neighboring schools throughout the summer. More information will be available as part of the registration process.  
  • While schedules vary from location to location, the typical daily schedule includes early drop off time, opening circle or check-in, snack time, physical activity, experiential learning, lunch, choice time, closing circle, and after care time.  

    The week may also include swimming and on-site or off-site field trips. Your Camp Director will have additional information on special activities as the summer approaches! Our Specialty, Sports, and Aquatics Camps follow unique curriculums based on the specific camp that is offered, and they may not participate in swimming or field trips. 
     
    Before Care programming typically runs from 7 to 9 a.m., Summer Camp programming from 9 to 4 p.m., and After Care programming from 4 to 6 p.m. Please check with your camp site for specific program times. Before and after care are included with your registration at no additional cost. 

    Please note that Summer Camp at the Kelly Hall YMCA runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Before and After School Care is not currently offered at the Kelly Hall YMCA or for Half Day Camps.
  • The YMCA is committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of all of our campers. Our camps are ACA accredited which means we are assessed against rigorous standards set by the American Camp Association (ACA), covering areas like health, safety, staff qualifications, and program quality. Each camp has staff trained in CPR, AED, and First Aid procedures.
    • Active, comfortable clothing (anything you don’t mind getting dirty) 
    • Close-toed shoes 
    • Water bottle  
    • Sunscreen 
    • Lunch and snack (nut free) 
    • Swimsuit & towel (depending on camp type)
    • A positive attitude and desire to have fun!

    If required for your child's swim level, please ask your site's Camp Director if lifejackets are available.
  • We strive to break up ages based on developmental abilities and group campers according to ACA ratios given their age. Please see the parent handbook for more information. We understand campers want to be with the friends that they have made in programming. However, due to the age groupings followed by ACA and the overwhelming number of requests, we will not be able to accept group requests for specific groups.
  • 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!
  • We’ve got the best in the (day camp) biz — and our Summer Camp leaders are here to help you navigate our camp offerings and find the best options for our campers!

Registration FAQ

In 2026, families with an active Family Membership through Monday, August 31 will receive priority pricing. To get both early access and the best pricing, consider obtaining or migrating to a Family Membership to claim your spot! Read more below.
  • Early registration for Summer Camp opens via YMCA Community on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 8 a.m. for families: 
    • Who hold a YMCA of Metro Chicago Family Membership. 
    • Or, who participated in 2025 Summer Camp. 
    • Or, who participated in Before & After School Care for the 2025–2026 school year. 

    Y Summer Camp officially launches for all other audiences on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 8 a.m.! Learn more here.

    In 2026, families with an active YMCA of Metro Chicago Family Membership from the beginning of your camp registration process through Monday, August 31, 2026 will receive priority pricing! To get both early access and the best pricing, consider obtaining or migrating to a Family Membership to claim your spot before they’re gone.

    Still have questions about how to register? Check out our how-to guide here!

    View the Spanish version of our e-brochure here!

  • 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 campers are required to put down a $20 non-refundable deposit per week of camp. All campers must be 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.

  • The Y 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. 

  • 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:  
    1. Live in Illinois 
    2. Be employed and/or going to an eligible educational activity (high school, trade school, college, etc.) 
    3. Have children younger than 13 that need care while you are working or going to school 
    4. Have income below allowable limits – check at https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=118832  
  • No, we welcome all families to participate in summer camp programming!

    Interested in joining the Y year-round? Check out our membership options here. 

  • Our cancellation policy is as follows:

    • 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. 

All-Inclusive Fun for Everyone!

At the Y, we believe everyone deserves a chance to join in on the fun, and we’re here to make sure that happens! We’re dedicated to supporting members with disabilities, and we work closely with parents or caregivers to find the best ways to make our programs accessible and enjoyable for all.  

Got a kiddo with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan during the school year? No problem! Connect with our awesome inclusion department to create a game plan tailored to your child’s needs. Have questions or need more info? Reach out to our inclusion department using the button below. This partnership helps us ensure your camper has the best summer ever! 

Learn More

  • Youth can expect arts, crafts, sports, and games; every day is a new adventure! These adventures can be overwhelming at times. Here are some situations that campers need to be prepared for at camp:  

    • Large groups of 20+ children 
    • Loud noises: campers should tolerate loud noises or will wear noise-reducing headphones 
    • Sensory tolerance: campers should prepare for singing songs, laughter and yelling, wet clothes, life jackets, sunscreen, and bug spray 
    • Natural elements: campers should expect outdoor spaces, sun, rain, dirt, heat, and insects 

    Campers are responsible for keeping track and taking care of their personal belongings. In addition to being able to independently manage and navigate their day, our campers are expected to be able to:  

    • Stay with their supervised group for the duration of the program  
    • Adhere to staff instructions  
    • Keep their hands, bodies, and belongings to themselves  
    • Use appropriate language that is inclusive, caring, and developmentally appropriate 
    • Respect program and participants’ equipment and belongings 
    • Transition activities frequently  
    • Follow safety guidelines  
    • Change in and out of a swimsuit  
    • Complete a swim evaluation  
    • Handle disappointment and frustration without harming others  
    • Participate in or tolerate non-preferred activities  
    • Tolerate a variety of sensory input  
    • Use the bathroom independently 
  • School-age campers must be predominantly independent in their personal care needs. Y staff will provide reminders, verbal and visual cues, and minimal assistance with clothing management. Preschool campers may have different criteria.
     
    For more information about a specific program’s eligibility criteria, please contact the Camp Director at your local Y. 

  • The YMCA of Metro Chicago works to create a positive environment for everyone, including those with disabilities. If your camper requires accommodation due to a disability, our Inclusion Team is happy to work with you to create a plan for support. Look for and select the accommodation request on our registration platforms: online, in-person, and on paper enrollment forms. For more information, please visit our Inclusion Services webpage.

  • No. The Y is not required to provide the same accommodations that the school system provides. The Y Inclusion Team will work with you to identify any school accommodations that the Y may be able to replicate and develop a plan for support within the Y’s camp environment.

  • Campers are expected to meet the program eligibility criteria (regardless of disability status) in order to participate. Eligibility criteria may vary from program to program, but not from person to person. 

    • Eligibility criteria can include age restrictions, program capacity limits, residency status, school enrollment status, enrollment fees/charges, minimum competencies or prerequisites, and personal care requirements. 


    Campers are expected to understand and follow the program’s general behavior expectations with or without accommodations. 

    • The Y’s top priority is to provide a safe and enriching experience for all children.  Participants are expected to adhere to the Y’s participant Expectations. The accommodations provided may assist a youth in meeting those expectations, but do not exempt a youth from following them. 


    Campers are expected to be willing and able to participate in a majority of the program’s activities, with or without accommodations. 

    • The Y understands that some campers require breaks throughout the day to best meet their needs. The Y defines a break as a short, structured pause in the daily routine to promote a camper’s wellbeing with the expectation to return to the large group environment after a reasonable amount of time. 

    • Y staff is not permitted to be alone with a camper at any time. Any breaks from the large group must be provided to a youth within sight and hearing range of other Y employees. 

Little Learners, Big Adventures!

Ready to kickstart your little one’s journey to success? Summer is the perfect time to dive in! We offer DCFS-licensed, year-round Early Learning programs for your tiny tots at twelve YMCA of Metro Chicago locations. Our superstar teachers are DCFS-certified and always up-to-date with the latest and greatest in early childhood education. 

Learn More

Partners

Check Out Before and After School Care!

From homework help and social emotional support to recess, our fantastic teams bring a sense of play to every offering. The Y has provided Before and After School Care for more than 30 years and is the largest provider in the Chicagoland area. Interested in continuing your Y journey after summer ends? Our programs are an extension of school that’s as fun and unique as your kid!

Learn More