WELCOME TO

CAMP MARSTON

Camp Marston is San Diego’s oldest and best-known overnight camp, operating year-round on over two hundred acres of pristine mountain land next to Lake Jessop. With extensive activities ranging from archery to arts and crafts, we’re proud to offer the ultimate camping experience – but it’s our friendly and professional staff members that elevate Camp Marston to something truly wonderful.

We’ve been providing a first-rate camping experience for families of all ages since 1921, offering quality lodging, delicious food and fun outdoor activities that allow our campers to engage with San Diego’s beautiful backcountry.

FIND YOUR CAMP!

AGE
DATES

SUMMER 2026

LOCATION KEYS:
bus = Traveling Camp swim = Camper will swim
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Y COMMUNITY PLUS**
Y COMMUNITY
NON MEMBER
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OVERNIGHT CAMPs

Are you ready for positive, life-changing experiences in the outdoors? Look no further than YMCA Overnight Camps. We combine the fun your children want with the growth experiences they need. YMCA Camp Marston has been a San Diego favorite for thousands of children and families. Camp Marston offers you adventure, fun, friendships and great staff – all on a spectacular 236-acre site – with activities including archery, swimming, climbing, crafts, canoeing and more. Our camps add laughter, leadership and lifelong memories to a host of activities.

GROUP RETREATS & FAMILY CAMPS

Experience the perfect getaway at Camp Marston, where groups can relax, recharge, and reconnect in the beauty of the mountains. Ideal for church groups, clubs, scouts, and nonprofit organizations, our Group Retreats offer modern lodging, delicious meals, and fun outdoor activities—all led by our trained YMCA staff. With inclusive weekend packages, spacious meeting areas, and a supportive team to help plan your stay, Camp Marston makes it easy to create a meaningful retreat for your group.

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Welcome to YMCA Camp Marston’s Outdoor Education Program (also known as 6th Grade Camp), dedicated to enriching the lives of young people for over 100 years! At the Y, the safety and well-being of youth is our priority and unwavering commitment. We have an extensive history of creating lifelong cherished memories, strengthening character and teaching new skills, all marked by a positive reputation, a proven record of child safety and American Camp Accreditation.

Important Camp Information

CAMP LOCATIONS

CAMP MARSTON

CAMP HOURS

Our full-day camps will give your camper an unforgettable experience. 

Drop off: 8:00am – 8:45am 
Full-day camp hours: 8:00am – 4:00pm 
Pick up: 3:00pm – 4:00pm 
Extended Camp: 4:00pm – 5:30pm* 
*Additional fee & registration required 

contact information

CAMP DIRECTOR: name
CAMP DISPATCH
CAMP MARSTON

For registration and general inquiries: 
760-942-9622 

ymca access scholarship program

Apply at ymcasd.org/access or pick up a confidential application at our front desk. We also accept third party payments from agencies such as CDA, CRS, KINSHIP and Cal-Works. To learn about or apply for state child care funding assistance, please visit childcaresandiego.com.

OUR CAMP STAFF

We take pride in hiring the best people to fill our camp staff. Each camp leader was hand selected through an extensive hiring process to ensure the safest environment for everyone.

OUR TRAINING PROGRAM INCLUDES:
  • CPR and First Aid certification
  • Behavior guidance and trauma informed care
  • Child protection and abuse prevention
  • General risk management and prevention
  • Support campers with special needs
  • Pool safety
  • Heat and sun protection safety

REGISTER ONLINE

Signing up online is the best way to secure your top picks. Make sure your My Y account is ready for action! Learn about how to get set up here

REGISTER IN-PERSON

Walk in to the Welcome Center at your branch

REGISTER BY PHONE

Call our branch: 760-942-9622 

YMCA members save on camp pricing! Y Community Plus members receive up to 15% off, and Y Community members save up to 10% off the nonmember rate.

Update your MY Y ACCOUNT

Prior to registration day, please log in to your My Y Account to make sure your profile is complete with payment method, valid email address, etc. If you are new to the Y, you can set up your account now.

CAMP DAY SCHEDULE

TYPICAL CAMP DAY

What does a 
TYPICAL CAMP DAY 
LOOK LIKE?

8:00-9:00am

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Drop-Off & Table Activities 

9:00-9:30am

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Overview, Expectations, Ice Breakers

9:30-10:00

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Snack & Outdoor Activity 

10:00-11:00 

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Activity Rotation 1 

11:00-12:00 

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Activity Rotation 2 

12:00-1:00 

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Lunch & Outdoor Games 

1:00-2:30pm

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Activity Rotation 3 

2:30-3:00pm

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Spirit Stick 

3:00-4:00pm

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Clean-up and Camp Pickup 

*Times are subject to change 

Most camps will spend two rotations focusing on their specialty activity. The additional two rotations that occur throughout the day are spent at our Activity Stations which include activities like arts and crafts, STEAM, songs, games and more! 

A significant portion of the day is spent playing outside.

Please make sure you apply sunscreen to your kids before dropping them off. 

Our Camps are ACA Accredited

The American Camp Association is the only nationwide organization that accredits children’s camps.  The ACA Accreditation process is a commitment by camps to the highest standards of health, safety and program quality. Accreditation requirements include a focus on staff qualifications, training, supervision ratios and procedures, as well as operational management including safety regulations and emergency procedures and communications. 

here’s what
parents have to say
“The counselor made my daughter feel very comfortable on her first day, her first time at a day camp. The counselors seemed well trained, coordinated and focused on keeping the kids engaged to have a positive experience. We will be back. She told me she is excited for her sister to be with her next year. Thanks!” 
here’s what
parents have to say
“The counselor made my daughter feel very comfortable on her first day, her first time at a day camp. The counselors seemed well trained, coordinated and focused on keeping the kids engaged to have a positive experience. We will be back. She told me she is excited for her sister to be with her next year. Thanks!” 
Important Camp Information
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you offer financial assistance? 

We offer financial assistance through our Access Scholarship Program to qualified applicants, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. 

Apply at ymcasd.org/access or pick up a confidential application at our front desk. We also accept third party payments from agencies such as CDA, CRS, KINSHIP and Cal-Works. To learn about or apply for state child care funding assistance, please visit childcaresandiego.com. 

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Quisque interdum erat et magna luctus, in vestibulum arcu bibendum. Sed suscipit condimentum diam, nec molestie justo consectetur non. Curabitur scelerisque dictum turpis eget cursus. 

Quisque interdum erat et magna luctus, in vestibulum arcu bibendum. Sed suscipit condimentum diam, nec molestie justo consectetur non. Curabitur scelerisque dictum turpis eget cursus. 

Quisque interdum erat et magna luctus, in vestibulum arcu bibendum. Sed suscipit condimentum diam, nec molestie justo consectetur non. Curabitur scelerisque dictum turpis eget cursus. 

Quisque interdum erat et magna luctus, in vestibulum arcu bibendum. Sed suscipit condimentum diam, nec molestie justo consectetur non. Curabitur scelerisque dictum turpis eget cursus. 

We offer financial assistance through our Access Scholarship Program to qualified applicants, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. 

Apply at ymcasd.org/access or pick up a confidential application at our front desk. We also accept third party payments from agencies such as CDA, CRS, KINSHIP and Cal-Works. To learn about or apply for state child care funding assistance, please visit childcaresandiego.com. 

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