WELCOME TO DAY CAMP AT CAMERON FAMILY YMCA

Your family can count on Cameron Family YMCA to ensure your child is having fun in a safe, nurturing environment. The Y offers single day, weekly and specialty camps to meet the needs of parents and match the interests of our campers. 

Since 1882, our camps have inspired kids with countless opportunities to laugh, lead and make lasting friendships. 


FIND YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE!

SUMMER 2024 REGISTRATION

  • REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

REGISTER TODAY

MEMBERS SAVE

Members save up to 15% on day camp!

Note: To receive a member rate, your membership must remain active for the duration of the camp session. Learn more about the benefits of becoming a Y member, and join us today!

Y COMMUNITY PLUS MEMBERSHIP

  • Rate is up to 15% off the nonmember rate. This rate also applies to active members who have not yet upgraded to one of our new membership plans.

Y COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP

  • Rate is up to 10% off the nonmember rate.
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    TIPS FOR A SMOOTH SIGN-UP

    Please note that you must create a new My Y account in order to register. 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, child's birth date and full name, etc. If you are new to the Y, you can set up your account now.

    SAVE TIME WITH SEARCH CODESpro tip in a sun graphic

    When you're ready to fill your cart, open a tab to our program finder, and log in to your My Y account. Find your camp selections quickly by typing in (or copying/pasting) the SEARCH CODE (e.g. CPSPEC23).

     


    YOUR GUIDE TO DAY CAMP

    Learn more about our day camps! Check out the camp descriptions below.

    2024 DAY CAMP SPRING SESSIONS

    • March 25–29, 2024
    • April 1–5, 2024
      ❯ ❯ SPRING CAMP DESCRIPTIONS (CLICK TO EXPAND)

      TRADITIONAL EXTREME

      Ages 5–12 | SEARCH CODE: CPTRADEX23 FIND SESSIONS
      Our camps are an exciting way to spend a school break! We include lots of action-packed activities that keep your children engaged and happy, like arts & crafts, sports and games. Set in the YMCA style of different crazy activities each and every day, your camper will have a great time while parents have peace of mind knowing their camper is safe.

      SLIME TIME

      Ages 6-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPSF23 FIND SESSIONS
      Slime Time is the scientific study of all that's NOT allowed at the dinner table. Campers will spend part of their day getting their hands dirty by using different ingredients such as glue, glitter, starch and paint to make the thickest, ooey-gooiest slime around! You won't want to miss this one — it's slime time!

      REGISTER

       


      SUMMER 2024 TRADITIONAL CAMPS

      camp girl

      Traditional camps are ultra-spirited, fun-filled camps with weekly themes that guide activities for the week. New experiences, skill building, a sense of community and lasting friendships are all part of traditional day camp experience. When you're ready to register, here's a shortcut to all traditional camps at Cameron Family YMCA, or go straight to the program finder and type or copy/paste a search code (e.g., CPTRAD23) into the search bar to zero in on your camps.

      ❯ ❯ TRADITIONAL CAMP DESCRIPTIONS (CLICK TO EXPAND)

      CHALLENGERS

      Age 10-13 | SEARCH CODE: CPCHL23 FIND SESSIONS
      Join our Y day camp for a week of fun with all the onsite activities our camp has to offer! Campers will build self-confidence, meet new friends, and create lasting memories through different activities like sports and games, arts and crafts, science experiments and more, all based on the weekly theme and interests of the campers. Day campers will be divided into small groups by age and will participate in activities appropriate to the interests and needs of their group.

      Nonmember: $328 | Y Community Member: $296 | Y Community Plus Member: $279

      CLUB 6/7

      Age 6-7 | SEARCH CODE: CPCL23 FIND SESSIONS
      Join our Y day camp for a week of fun with all the onsite activities our camp has to offer! Campers will build self-confidence, meet new friends, and create lasting memories through different activities like sports and games, arts and crafts, science experiments and more, all based on the weekly theme and interests of the campers. Day campers will be divided into small groups by age and will participate in activities appropriate to the interests and needs of their group.

      Nonmember: $333 | Y Community Member: $300 | Y Community Plus Member: $284

      DISCOVERY

      Age 8-9 | SEARCH CODE: CPDSC23 FIND SESSIONS
      Join our Y day camp for a week of fun with all the onsite activities our camp has to offer! Campers will build self-confidence, meet new friends, and create lasting memories through different activities like sports and games, arts and crafts, science experiments and more, all based on the weekly theme and interests of the campers. Day campers will be divided into small groups by age and will participate in activities appropriate to the interests and needs of their group.

      Nonmember: $328 | Y Community Member: $296 | Y Community Plus Member: $279

      HIGH FIVES

      Age 5 | SEARCH CODE: CPHF23 FIND SESSIONS
      High Fives is a perfect fit for our younger campers. With staff supervision at low ratios, campers will spend their action-packed days doing arts and crafts, science projects, playing games and learning new skills.

      Nonmember: $360 | Y Community Member: $324 | Y Community Plus Member: $306

      LIT TRAINING

      Ages 13-15 | SEARCH CODE: CPLITT23 FIND SESSIONS
      The LIT program is designed for older campers to obtain the skills they need to become a camp leader. Teens will learn what it takes to work with campers and gain real world work and life experience through communication skills, management techniques and building their self-confidence. LIT’s will also receive CPR and First aid training.

      Nonmember: $341 | Y Community Member: $307 | Y Community Plus Member: $290

      LIT FIELDWORK

      Ages 13-16 | SEARCH CODE: CPLITF23 FIND SESSIONS
      LIT Fieldwork is an opportunity for teens who have successfully completed our training course to use their leadership skills in the field of camp and enjoy the rewards of working with the YMCA’s incredible staff. Teens will experience various camp programs, assist in the daily operations of camp, and receive valuable on-the-job experience that will help build a strong foundation for either a recreational or child care career. Teens will be placed into age-appropriate camps prior to the start of the fieldwork week. Join our team in making a difference in the lives of many young campers this summer while earning school-required or volunteer service hours!

      Nonmember: $146 | Y Community Member: $132 | Y Community Plus Member: $125

      REGISTER

       

      SUMMER 2024 SPECIALTY CAMPS

      Does your child have a specific interest or hobby? Looking for a camp that specializes in sports or STEM? Browse through the specialty camps section for camps that combine the traditional fun of YMCA day camps with the more specialized skills by providers or YMCA experts. When you're ready to register, here's a shortcut to all specialty camps at Cameron Family YMCA, or go straight to the program finder and type or copy/paste a search code (e.g., CPSPEC23) into the search bar to zero in on your camps.

      ❯ ❯ SPECIALTY CAMP DESCRIPTIONS (CLICK TO EXPAND)

      ANIMAL EXCURSIONS

      Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPAEX33 FIND SESSIONS
      From ocean, zoo and farm animals to pets, Animal Excursions is sure to make your campers ROAR with excitement. Campers will travel for four days to visit their favorite finned, furry, and feathered friends! Highlighted field trips include the San Diego Zoo, Birch Aquarium, Living Coast Discovery Center and more!

      Nonmember: $529 | Y Community Member: $477 | Y Community Plus Member: $450

      Archery

      Ages 8-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPARCH23 FIND SESSIONS
      Spend the week with us and you're guaranteed to hit a bullseye! Campers will spend about 2-hours a day with experienced instructors learning about safety, parts of the bow and how to shoot. All experience levels welcome and all necessary equipment is provided.

      Nonmember: $442 | Y Community Member: $398 | Y Community Plus Member: $376

      Balboa Park Explorers

      Ages 7-12 |SEARCH CODE: CPBPE23 FIND SESSIONS
      Learn about history, art, science and the importance of preservation during a wide variety of fieldtrips during this fun week. Campers will explore the various offerings of Balboa Park, including but not limited to the Fleet Science Center, Air and Space Museum, San Diego Zoo and more!

      Nonmember: $529 | Y Community Member: $477 | Y Community Plus Member: $450

      Big Messy Art

      Ages 7-12 |SEARCH CODE: CPBMA23 FIND SESSIONS
      Allow your campers to fully engage in art projects that involve unique painting techniques, creative creations and hands-on messy fun. They will also gain insights into the artists behind these techniques — some of whom are even scientists!

      Nonmember: $384 | Y Community Member: $345 | Y Community Plus Member: $326

      Cheer/Dance

      Ages 8-12 |SEARCH CODE: CPCHD23 FIND SESSIONS
      Two, four, six, eight! Our Cheer/Dance camp is really GREAT!!! Calling all cheerleaders - come smile, bounce, jump and dance your way through two and a half hours of cheer instruction and a choreographed dance routine. This camp proves to be full of spirit and teamwork for the ultimate dance experience. The squad will end their week with a final performance to showcase their talents!

      Nonmember: $349 | Y Community Member: $315 | Y Community Plus Member: $297

      Cooking Tasty Treats

      Ages 7-12 |SEARCH CODE: CPCKTT23 FIND SESSIONS
      Our young culinary artists will be loaded with helpful tips and tricks after spending a week with our talented YMCA chefs. Each day, your sous chef will learn to create delicious, tasty treats combining traditional favorites with out-of-the-box creative concoctions. Campers will create their own recipe books and have multiple take-away projects and treats that they can enjoy at home. We cater to different dietary restrictions and needs, so if your child has any allergies or other dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, lactose intolerant, etc.) please let us know when signing your child up so we can alter our material appropriately.

      Nonmember: $442 | Y Community Member: $398 | Y Community Plus Member: $376

      Funster Art

      Ages 5-6 | SEARCH CODE: CPFRT23 FIND SESSIONS
      Do you know what we call our youngest campers who have the most fun? FUNSTERS! These specialty camps are designed just for our campers who are ages 5 to 6 (grades K-1). Let your inner artist shine! Campers will use a variety of creative techniques to create multiple projects, masterpieces and memories that will last a lifetime.

      Nonmember: $365 | Y Community Member: $329 | Y Community Plus Member: $311

      Funster Chefs

      Ages 5-6 | SEARCH CODE: CPFCHF23 FIND SESSIONS
      Do you know what we call our youngest campers who have the most fun? FUNSTERS! These specialty camps are designed just for our campers who are ages 5 to 6 (grades K-1). Campers will experience the perfect introduction to cooking. Your little funster will learn how to mix, spread and create fun snacks and starters. They will participate in taste testing and will create their own kid- friendly snack book.

      Nonmember: $219 | Y Community Member: $198 | Y Community Plus Member: $187

      Funster Dance

      Ages 5-6 | SEARCH CODE: CPFDNC23 FIND SESSIONS
      Do you know what we call our youngest campers who have the most fun? FUNSTERS! These specialty camps are designed just for our campers who are ages 5 to 6 (grades K-1). If your little one loves to dance, then Funster Dance camp is perfect for them! Funster Dance camp is a great way for your young dancer to get an introduction to some of the steps, styles and routines used in the many recognized genres of dance. For all dance-themed camps we are moving around a lot, so we encourage campers to bring plenty of water so they can stay hydrated. Join us on the last day of camp for a fun Parent Showcase so your camper can show off their cool new skills!

      Nonmember: $365 | Y Community Member: $329 | Y Community Plus Member: $311

      Funster Disney

      Ages 5-6 | SEARCH CODE: CPFDSN23 FIND SESSIONS
      Do you know what we call our youngest campers who have the most fun? FUNSTERS! These specialty camps are designed just for our campers who are ages 5 to 6 (grades K-1). Welcome to the most magical place at camp! This camp is perfect for all Disney, Marvel and Star Wars enthusiasts. Campers will spend the week playing games, making art and cooking recipes from all the best Disney movies – classic to current!

      Nonmember: $365 | Y Community Member: $329 | Y Community Plus Member: $311

      Funster Ooey Gooey Science

      Ages 5-6 | SEARCH CODE: CPFOGS23 FIND SESSIONS
      Do you know what we call our youngest campers who have the most fun? FUNSTERS! These specialty camps are designed just for our campers who are ages 5 to 6 (grades K-1). This camp is perfect for funsters that love to get their hands dirty! Funsters will dig and experiment in the slimiest, gooiest, ickiest and stickiest stuff they can get their hands on. This STEM based camp is sure to be slimy yet satisfying.

      Nonmember: $365 | Y Community Member: $329 | Y Community Plus Member: $311

      Funster Smash Lab

      Ages 5-6 | SEARCH CODE: CPSL23 FIND SESSIONS
      Do you know what we call our youngest campers who have the most fun? FUNSTERST! hese specialty camps are designed just for our campers who are ages 5 to 6 (grades K-1). Let your camper channel their destructive nature and have a blast in the process with Smash Lab camp! Campers get to build a variety of structures and use a diverse arsenal to tear them down! Campers will also get to take apart electronic devices and look at how they work, then put them back together again!

      Nonmember: $421 | Y Community Member: $379 | Y Community Plus Member: $358

      Funster Tumblers

      Ages 5-6 | SEARCH CODE: CPFTML23 FIND SESSIONS
      Do you know what we call our youngest campers who have the most fun? FUNSTERS! These specialty camps are designed just for our campers who are ages 5 to 6 (grades K-1). Campers will learn new skills and explore the world of gymnastics for two-and- a-half hours of ability specific instruction by expert Y gymnastics coaches every day. The remainder of the day will consist of practice, open gym and fun camp activities. At the end of the week, campers will show off their new skills for parents, family and friends!

      Nonmember: $365 | Y Community Member: $329 | Y Community Plus Member: $311

      Gamers Paradise

      Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPGP23 FIND SESSIONS
      Gamers unite and get geared up for a week of non-stop gaming fun! Campers will travel to local arcades and gaming venues to challenge, compete, play and strategize. They will also have the ultimate gaming bus experience to cap off the week. Challenge your friend or beat your personal best, but whatever you do, play hard!

      Nonmember: $529 | Y Community Member: $477 | Y Community Plus Member: $450

      Gym & Swim

      Ages 6-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPGS23 FIND SESSIONS
      Fun you'll flip over! Campers will receive two hours of gymnastics lessons daily in the gymnastics center and enjoy an afternoon of free swim in the City of Santee Aquatics Center. Please pack sunscreen and a hat for protection from the sun, and gym appropriate closing (no buttons or zippers please). Campers will also enjoy other fun games and activities all week long!

      Nonmember: $387 | Y Community Member: $349 | Y Community Plus Member: $329

      Ice Skating

      Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPIS23 FIND SESSIONS
      This camp is designed to be a fun and educational experience for beginner and intermediate ice skaters. Traveling to San Diego Ice Arena, campers will get 30-minutes of instructional lessons every day. Lessons are followed by a two-hour public session where they will skate to the latest tunes. Parents are invited to a basic skills show on Friday. Only skates are provided. However, campers may bring their own skates and gloves. Please be sure your camper wears/packs a pair of socks.

      Nonmember: $529 | Y Community Member: $477 | Y Community Plus Member: $450

      Jr. Lifeguard

      Ages 9-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPJRL23 FIND SESSIONS
      In this interactive camp, campers will have the opportunity to learn from professional lifeguards. Students will gain a wide variety of skills and knowledge including water-rescue techniques, the importance of physical fitness and other topics related to lifeguarding. This camp creates a valuable experience that builds self-confidence and skills for life.

      Nonmember: $363 | Y Community Member: $327 | Y Community Plus Member: $309

      LEGO Mindstorm Robotics

      Ages 8-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPLGMR23 FIND SESSIONS
      BUILD, CODE, PLAY! Campers are lead through various builds that are designed to challenge and teach them to work together as a team. Once the build is done, they will code their creations and watch them move. Time is allowed to modify and personalize their builds each day.

      Nonmember: $421 | Y Community Member: $379 | Y Community Plus Member: $358

      Munchin’ on STEM

      Ages 6-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPMOS23 FIND SESSIONS
      This innovative camp will combine cooking and science to create one power-packed experience. Campers will create edible structures, design edible cars and learn about multiple scientific processes. Munchin’ on STEM is a fun and delicious way to introduce your camper to the world of science!

      Nonmember: $363 | Y Community Member: $327 | Y Community Plus Member: $309

      Radical Reptiles & Friends

      Age 6-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPRRF23 FIND SESSIONS
      Campers will be introduced to a menagerie of live animals including snakes, frogs, tortoises, turtles, lizards, bugs and other creepy crawlies. As campers explore the smaller critters of the animal kingdom, they will have a unique hands-on experience enhanced by art, games and various projects related to these animals. Nature walks and “bug hunts” are included in this camp.

      Nonmember: $442 | Y Community Member: $398 | Y Community Plus Member: $376

      SeaWorld

      Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPSWLD23 FIND SESSIONS
      Visit SeaWorld free for the rest of the calendar year if you sign up for one of our most popular camps! Animal enthusiasts have a chance to see virtually all the aquatic wildlife and exciting shows that SeaWorld has to offer, including dolphins, walruses, sharks and sting rays. Find out how these animals survive in their watery habitats and how humans impact those habitats. If you love to learn about marine life, then this camp is sure to make a splash!

      Please note: A SeaWorld Fun Card is included with the camp at the end of the week.

      Nonmember: $529 | Y Community Member: $477 | Y Community Plus Member: $450

      Splash

      Ages 6-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPSPLSH23 FIND SESSIONS
      Splash camp will focus on swim instruction for beginner and intermediate swimmers. Campers will be taught how to perform basic strokes and gain confidence in the water. Campers will receive one 35-minute swimming lesson and one-hour of free swim each day combined with active games, crafts and other fun camp activities.

      Nonmember: $385 | Y Community Member: $344 | Y Community Plus Member: $325

      Star Wars

      Ages 6-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPSW23 FIND SESSIONS
      Our campers will have an out-of-this-world experience as they learn how to become a Jedi Master! They will attend Jedi Training every day, where they will use the force to sharpen their agility, strength and wisdom. They will also learn how to control their lightsabers in a fun and safe environment. Do you have what it takes to become a Jedi? Come find out in our amazing force-filled camp!

      Nonmember: $383 | Y Community Member: $345 | Y Community Plus Member: $326

      Timber Tinkerers

      Ages 6-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPTT23 FIND SESSIONS
      This camp is woodworking at its coolest with wooden bobble head robots, string art, LEGO hanging racks, wooden cars that actually roll and wooden boats that float. From using REAL saws and hammers, these campers will build multiple woodworking projects a week that will have them grinning from ear-to-ear!

      Nonmember: $383 | Y Community Member: $345 | Y Community Plus Member: $326

      Waterpalooza

      Ages 8-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPWTRP23 FIND SESSIONS
      This wet and wild camp will be a great way to escape the summer heat. Our campers will keep cool with water balloons, pool time, splash pad time and water games galore!

      Nonmember: $381 | Y Community Member: $343 | Y Community Plus Member: $324

      REGISTER

       


       

      About Us

      Our Branch

      CAMERON FAMILY YMCA
      Address: 10123 Riverwalk Drive, Santee, CA 92071
      Phone: (619) 449-9622

      Camp Locations and Hours of Operation

      Cameron Family YMCA
      Address: 10123 Riverwalk Drive, Santee, CA 92071
      Full-day: 8:00am-5:00pm

      • Drop-off: 8:00–9:00am
      • Pick-up: 4:00–5:00pm

      Directors and Supervisors

      CAMP COORDINATOR
      Amber Cutting
      Email: [email protected]
      Phone: (619) 449-9622

      About Our Staff

      Cameron Family YMCA takes 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. Staff training includes CPR and First Aid certification, transportation safety, behavior management and bully prevention, child protection and abuse prevention, field trip and off-site safety procedures, risk management/prevention and more.


      PAYING FOR CAMP

      At the time of registration, you may choose to:

      • Pay in full (includes a $60 non-refundable deposit). 
      • Place a $60 non-refundable deposit at the time of registration. Deposit discounts may apply based on membership type.
      • Balances will be due three weeks prior to the first day of camp.
      • An active membership is required at the time of the program start date to receive the member pricing discount.
      • Financial assistance is available through the Y's ACCESS scholarship program or through third party payment support.

      Deposits are non-refundable but can be immediately applied as a deposit for another camp if space is available or applied to an already existing camp balance within the same season. See our Refund/Voucer/Transfer Policies for more information.

      Here's what our parents tell us:

      "My child came home so happy and didn’t want to leave at the end of the day. He said it was the best camp EVER and loved all his camp counselors!"


      REQUIRED FORMS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTS

      Day Camp Parent Manual

      Check out our Day Camp Parent Manual for easy reference on what to expect and how to best prepare your camper for day camp.

      UPDATED SAFETY GUIDELINES:

      Your family's safety is our top priority. We have implemented safety protocols that follow state and local guidelines. It's our priority to help your children enjoy a safe and fun program that builds lasting friendships.

      Medical Release Form - Required

      In order to register, all campers must have a current medical release form updated and submitted to the YMCA. Medical release forms can be updated through your My Y account in our Community Portal.

      Vendor Waivers

      Some specialty camps, particularly those that travel to an off-site location, require an additional vendor waiver. Camps that require a waiver to be completed will be contacted and provided the waiver before the start of camp.

      ADAPTIVE CAMP

      Our Adaptive  Camp Program is a designed to support youth with behavioral and developmental needs as it adapts the camp experience to your child's needs and abilities, allowing opportunities for all campers to learn new skills, form new friendships and create lifetime memories. Campers will participate in activities with our traditional and specialty camps based on their interests at a pace that works for them. Our smaller camper-to-staff ratio for Adaptive Camp supports positive inclusion and/or one-on-one support as needed. Space is limited.  

      PLEASE NOTE: Contact the Camp Director and/or Coordinator to initiate an enrollment request and help us prepare a great experience for your camper.  We begin accepting enrollment requests on March 4, 2024 and strive to provide at least one week of camp to all interested families. 

      Camp Scholarships

      Financial assistance is available to families who qualify. Applications are available at the service desk and online. Assistance is based on verified income and completed applications.

      Apply for a Program Scholarship

      More Policies

      For more information about YMCA Day Camp policies, expectations and helpful information, visit our Day Camp Policy page.

      Giving Back

      For every session of camp, the Y provides program scholarships for families seeking financial assistance. This is made possible through the generosity of our community. If you wish to help a child go to camp, please see our Camp Director for information.


      Feedback

      We love to hear from our campers and parents! Camp leadership teams use your feedback to make positive changes to our program. Please feel free to contact Camp Director, Melanie Navarro at [email protected], with any questions, comments or concerns!