WELCOME TO DAY CAMP
AT DAN MCKINNEY FAMILY YMCA
Your family can count on Dan McKinney 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!
School Break Camp Sessions
- October 12, 2026
- November 11, 2026 (Veterans Day Camp)
- November 23-25, 2026 (Thanksgiving Day Camps)
REGISTER TODAY
- Register Online — We have invested in new technology, and signing up online is the best way to secure your top picks. Make sure your new account is ready to register.
- Register in Person — Directions Here
- Register by Phone — (858) 453-3483
MEMBERS SAVE
To receive the Y member rate for any program, your membership must be active throughout the duration of the registered program session(s), otherwise the non-member fee will be applied. Learn more about the benefits of becoming a Y member, and join us today!
Y COMMUNITY PLUS MEMBERSHIP
- Up to 15% off day camp and up to 10% off overnight camp. This rate also applies to active members who have not yet upgraded to one of our new membership plans.
Y COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP
- Up to 10% off day and overnight camps.
TIPS FOR A SMOOTH SIGN-UP
Please note that you must create a My Y account in order to register. If you are new to the Y, you can set up your account now. If you already have an account, please log in prior to registering to make sure your profile is complete with payment method, valid email address, child’s birth date and full name, etc.
CAMP INFORMATION
Cooking Around the World | Ages 9-12
DATES: November 23-25 (Single Day options available)
Campers will go on a flavorful journey through global cuisines, exploring traditional dishes and cooking techniques like cutting, boiling and pan-frying. Campers will learn about diverse cultures while creating meals from regions such as Latin America, Asia, Italy, India and beyond!
Disney Jr. | AGES 5-6
DATES: November 23-25 (Single Day options available)
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!
Gymnastics | Ages 5-12
DATES: November 23-25 (Single Day options available)
A camp you’ll flip over! Watch your child grow in confidence as they learn new skills on the floor, bars, beam and vault. Campers will be put in smaller groups of up to 10 kids based on age and ability to practice their gymnastics skills every week.
LIT Fieldwork | Ages 13-15
DATES: November 23-25 (Single Day options available)
LIT (Leaders in Training) 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 team. 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 childcare 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!
Messy Science | Ages 7-8
DATES: November 23-25 (Single Day options available)
Get ready to squish, splash, fizz and fly through unforgettable hands-on discovery! At Messy Science, campers become real scientists — mixing colors that explode, building reactions that erupt, and turning everyday ingredients into wonders they never knew were possible. Every experiment leaves something behind: a swirl of color, a burst of foam, a question they can’t wait to test next. Our trained scientists guide campers through a rotating lineup of chemistry, physics, and engineering adventures designed to spark real “aha!” moments. Come ready to get a little messy — because that’s where the best discoveries happen!
Traditional Extreme | Ages 4-12
DATES: October 12 | November 11
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!
Day campers will be divided into small groups by age and will participate in activities appropriate to the interests and needs of their group.
Ultimate court Sports | Ages 8-12
DATES: November 23-25 (Single Day options available)
Why choose just one sport when you can master the court? At Ultimate Court Sports Camp, campers could hit the courts for an action-packed rotation of basketball, futsal, volleyball and more. Each day focuses on skill-building, teamwork, and friendly competition through drills, games, and challenges. It’s the perfect camp for athletes who love to move, play, and take their game to the next level!
UTK Fun Days | Age 4
DATES: November 23-25 (Single Day options available)
Designed especially for 4-year-olds currently enrolled in UTK, UTK Fun Days offer a playful and nurturing camp experience filled with age-appropriate games, arts and crafts, movement and beginner STEM activities. Campers will build confidence, make new friends and explore through hands-on fun in a safe and supportive environment
About Us
Our Branch
Dan McKinney Family YMCA
Address: 8355 Cliffridge Ave., La Jolla, CA, 92037
Phone: (858) 453-3483
Camp Locations and Hours of Operation
SCHOOL BREAK CAMPS
Dan McKinney Family YMCA
Address: 8355 Cliffridge Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
Camp Hours:
Full day: 8:00am–4:00pm
Drop-off: 8:00–9:00am
Pick-up: 3:15–4:00pm
Extended Care: 4:00–5:30pm
No additional cost(s) or registration required for extended pick-up/drop-off.
Directors and Supervisors
Hannah Lewis
Camp Director
Email: hlewis@ymcasd.org
Phone: (858) 453-3483 ext. 1832
Nicholas Selway
Camp Coordinator
Email: nselway@ymcasd.org
Phone: (858) 453-3483 ext. 5066
About Our Staff
Dan McKinney 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
- 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.
- Note: any day camps less than three days will have no deposit and will require to be paid in full at time of registration.
- For Summer sessions, balances will be due three weeks prior to the first day of camp.
- For school break camps, balance dues will be one week before the camp date.
- An active membership is required at the time of the program start date to receive the member pricing discount.
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/Voucher/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. Additional information can be found on the YMCA of San Diego County Day Camp page.
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
Vendor Waivers
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. Space is limited.
Camp financial assistance
Financial assistance is available through the Y’s ACCESS Financial Assistance program or through third party payment support.
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.
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 Hannah Lewis at hlewis@ymcasd.org, with any questions, comments or concerns.
