WELCOME TO DAY CAMP AT RYAN FAMILY YMCA
Your family can count on T. Claude and Gladys B. Ryan 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 2023 DAY CAMP SIGN-UPS
- Registration is now open!
- Weekly sessions: June 19 - August 18
REGISTER TODAY
SPRING BREAK 2023
When school is out, the fun is happening at the Y! Our 2023 season:
- March 27-31 - register now
MEMBERS SAVE ON CAMP!
YMCA members save an average of 15% on camp — one whole summer adds up to a whole lot of savings! 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!
YOUR GUIDE TO SUMMER DAY CAMP
Learn more about our Summer 2023 day camps! View the digital version of Ryan Family YMCA's summer camp guide here or check out the camp descriptions below, and view a list of camps by week here (PDF) and view descriptions below.
TIPS FOR A SMOOTH SIGN-UP
For the best experience when registering for camp, get started by logging in to your My Y account. The Y recently invested in new technology to better serve you, and if you have not logged into your account since November 1, 2022, you must create a new account to purchase programming. Setup is easy. Learn more here.
SAVE TIME WITH SEARCH CODES
When you're ready to fill your cart with a summer's worth of camps, 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. CPSPEC35).
TRADITIONAL CAMPS
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 Ryan Family YMCA, or go straight to the program finder and type or copy/paste a search code (e.g., CPTRAD35) into the search bar to zero in on your camps.
CHALLENGERSAges 10-13 | SEARCH CODE: CPCHL35 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. |
CLUB 6/7Ages 6-7 | SEARCH CODE: CPCL35 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. |
DISCOVERYAges 8-9 | SEARCH CODE: CPDSC35 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. |
HIGH FIVESAge 5 | SEARCH CODE: CPHF35 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. |
LIT TrainingAges 13-17 | SEARCH CODE: CPLITT35 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 will also receive CPR and First Aid training. The LIT program is required each year for all participants regardless of past experience in the program. |
LIT FIELDWORKAges 13-15 | SEARCH CODE: CPLITF35 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! |
REGISTER
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 Ryan Family YMCA, or go straight to the program finder and type or copy/paste a search code (e.g., CPSPEC35) into the search bar to zero in on your camps.
ArcheryAges 6-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPARCH35 FIND SESSIONS
Bull's-eye! This summer, take a shot at a fun sport with archery experts. With steady hands, and straight aim, our little archers will be learning about equipment, shooting and technique. Campers will also participate in themed craft activities and games. All equipment needed to participate will be included. |
BasketballAges 5-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPBSK35 FIND SESSIONS
Your camper could be the next big NBA star with this fundamental sports week. Daily activities include instruction in dribbling, passing, shooting and positioning. With the YMCA, basketball camp is for young athletes looking for a strong summer building fundamental skills. |
ChessAges 5-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPCHS35 FIND SESSIONS
Checkmate! Chess experts will spend the week teaching campers the rules, strategies and tactics of the game of chess. Campers will also have the chance to participate in art, science and, of course traditional camp games. |
CookingAges 5-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPCK35 FIND SESSIONS
Your camper will transform into a culinary expert after spending a themed week with our talented YMCA top chefs. Each day your little chef will learn to create different delicious, tasty treats combining traditional favorites with out of the box creative concoctions. Campers will create their own recipe books that they can easily follow to reconstruct their masterpieces for you at home. |
Harry PotterAges 5-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPHP35 FIND SESSIONS
We have a few tricks up our sleve for this camp! This week campers will learn if they are Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Slytherin or Gryffindor during the sorting hat ceremony and show some spirit while creating their Hogwarts House banners. They will get to make Polyjuice Potion, catch the Golden Snitch, and win house points in a variety of magical games. It's time to enter the wizarding world of Harry Potter! |
Jr. RangerAges 5-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPJRR35 FIND SESSIONS
Campers will learn the basics to becoming self sufficient outdoorsmen by learning rope tying, setting traps, codes, identification of plants and animal tracks, basic first aid and more! At the end of the week campers will receive their Jr. Ranger Certificate. |
LEGO BuildersAges 5-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPLG35 FIND SESSIONS
Get ready for all things LEGOs! This intense LEGO building camp is for the extreme LEGO camper. Campers will learn how to craft, build and construct different LEGO structures through exciting games and instruction. Campers will also have the opportunity to use their imagination to create their own structures and masterpieces. |
MagicAges 5-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPMG35 FIND SESSIONS
Abracadabra! Campers will learn incredible tricks with playing cards, coins, ropes and wands. Create a magic kit to take home and use again and again. Campers will prepare all week for a special magic show on Friday where they will astonish you with their newly acquired arsenal of magic tricks. Don’t forget your wand! |
MusicAges 8-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPMSC35 FIND SESSIONS
Explore the world of music this summer. This camp is the perfect way for your child to learn the fundamentals of music and have fun in the process. Make different instruments and play them in our camp band on Friday. |
Outrageous ArtAges 5-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPOART35 FIND SESSIONS
Get ready to take art to the next level! Campers will learn about different artists and their art forms and will be able to create their own masterpieces through the use of a variety of art mediums like painting, pastels, clay, water colors and more. Be prepared, this camp is sure to be a little messy and a lot of fun! |
PokémonAges 5-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPPKM35 FIND SESSIONS
Campers, we choose you! Discover the wonderful world of Pokémon full of mysterious creatures and plenty of adventures. In this camp you’ll learn about new released Pokémon and brush up on facts about the classics, while learning the craft of battling, creating new Pokémon and so much more! |
Radical Reptiles & FriendsAges 5-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPRRF35 COMING SOON
Meet the cold-blooded creatures of the animal world as we are visited by snakes, frogs, tortoises, turtles, lizards, bugs and other creepy crawlies. Campers’ hands-on experience will be enhanced by art projects, games and activities that investigate the lives of reptiles. If you like reptiles and other creepy crawlies, this is certainly the camp for you! |
Science AcademyAges 5-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPSA35 FIND SESSIONS
Become a scientist for the week, as we spend each day discovering new and exciting wonders of our world. Our Y staff will guide our future scientists through activities around anatomy, chemistry, biology, space, and some ooey gooey and surprising science experiments that are sure to be remembered for years to come. |
SoccerAges 5-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPSC35 FIND SESSIONS
Soccer fans will get a kick out of this camp! The YMCA will provide instruction featuring daily clinics, scrimmages, and tournament play. Drills will focus on dribbling, passing, shooting and position techniques. |
SplashAges 5-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPSPLSH35 FIND SESSIONS
Cool off this summer with SPLASH camp! Each day campers will enjoy swim lessons to improve their swimming skills that will build pride, confidence and self-esteem in all aspects of their lives. Enroll your child in multiple weeks and watch them progress through different levels, learning new strokes and skills in the pool. This camp is designed to not only increase swimming skills but to engage campers in learning about water safety in a hands-on environment. |
Sports GaloreAges 5-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPSG35 FIND SESSIONS
Why pick one sport when you can play them all? Each day will focus on a different sport such as soccer, basketball, football, dodgeball and more. Sports galore camp is designed to teach campers recreational sports and the value of exercise. Focus will be placed on team play and skill development. |
Surf CampAges 6-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPSRF35 FIND SESSIONS
Surf’s up!
Come hang ten with us this summer and get your feet wet in the world of surfing in a safe, supervised, fun environment with YMCA surf staff. Start the week off on the beach learning how to pop up on your board and read the ocean. Surfers will learn paddling techniques and ultimately how to drop into the wave, safety and equipment care by our experienced instructors. Daily instruction will be based on the ability levels of our campers, who will average an hour per day in the water. Our young surfers will also participate in beach sports and games.
Limited beginner boards are available — children sharing loaner boards may experience limited time in the water. Any boards brought by surfers must have nose and fin guards to be permitted for use. In the event of inclement weather or ocean conditions (e.g. rip tides, stingrays), campers will participate in beach activities until water entry is safe. Rash guards are required daily.
Please note: Campers must be able to swim 100 yards, tread water for five minutes and pass a swim test on the first day of camp. |
Yoga CampAges 5-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPY35 FIND SESSIONS
Downward dog, sun salutation and warrior pose your way into this fun-filled camp. Campers will explore the many benefits of yoga including flexibility, body awareness, strength, relaxation and more. Get ready to practice mindful movements and learn about healthy living in a playful environment. Namaste! |
Young EngineersAges 5-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPYE35 FIND SESSIONS
Discover what it means to be an engineer through hands on STEM activities that encourage creativity, resourcefulness and innovation. Campers will use the engineering design process as a guide to imagine, design, build and test their creations using materials that include LEGOs, blocks, popsicle sticks, boxes, paper and food. |
REGISTER
About Us
Our Branch
T. CLAUDE AND GLADYS B. RYAN FAMILY YMCA
Address: 4390 Valeta Street, San Diego, CA 92107
Phone: (619) 226-8888
Camp Locations and Hours of Operation
Ryan Family YMCA
Address: 4390 Valeta Street, San Diego, CA 92107
Camp Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm
Drop-off: 8:00-9:00 am
Pick-up: 3:00-5:00pm
Camp drop-off and pick-up takes place at Calvary Chapel Point Loma (4425 Valeta St.) which is directly next to our YMCA. Please follow signs to park or utilize drive-thru drop off. Please note that drive-thru drop off is Tuesday-Friday only. All parents must park to drop off on Mondays.
Directors and Supervisors
Isaiah Bacon
Camp Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (619) 226-8888 ext. 1947
Marisa Henson
Camp Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (619) 226-8888 ext. 13520
About Our Staff
Ryan 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 $50 non-refundable deposit)
- Place a $50 non-refundable deposit at the time of registration. Balances will be due the Monday 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.
Waitlists
When a day camp session is full, you may add your child to a waitlist enrollment — choose "Join Waitlist" during the registration process when signing up online. We’ll provide an update via email that lists all day camps with open availability. Registration is first come, first served. We recommend that families check the website often, as other spaces may become available prior to email communications going out.
Here's what our parents tell us:
"Thanks to YMCA for making this camp possible. My child was lonely at home and I was scared to send him to the camp. I decided to trust your organization. Overall my son had a lot of fun and came home with exciting stories about his camp experiences."
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 this summer.
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 after January 2023. 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.
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, Isaiah Bacon at [email protected], with any questions, comments or concerns!
