WELCOME TO DAY CAMP
AT South Bay FAMILY YMCA
Your family can count on South Bay 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
- September 21-25, 2026
- September 28 – October 2, 2026
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 — (619) 421-9622
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
STAY TUNED FOR THE LATEST CAMP OFFERINGS!
2026 School Break DAY CAMPS
CAMP INFORMATION
Adventure | AGES 8-13
DATES: September 21-25 | September 28-October 2
A week of non-stop action, creativity and hands-on fun! Adventure Camp is the ultimate all-in-one experience for curious, active and creative kids. Each day brings a new adventure as campers dive into a dynamic mix of activities — from mastering archery and playing team sports to experimenting in the kitchen and creating awesome art projects. This camp is perfect for kids who love to try new things, make friends and stay on the move. Whether they’re hitting a bullseye, whipping up a tasty snack or designing a craft masterpiece, there’s something for every kind of adventurer!
CIT Fieldwork | AGES 16-17
DATES: September 21-25 | September 28-October 2
CIT (Counselor in Training) Fieldwork is geared toward teens beginning the transition to becoming camp counselors. They will take on additional responsibilities and meet expectations aligned with those of our staff. Teens will earn school-required volunteer service hours by participating in this program. It’s the perfect opportunity to complete this requirement and make a difference in our camp community!
Club 6/7 | AGES 6-7
DATES: September 21-25 | September 28-October 2
Join our Y day camp for a week of fun with all the onsite activities we have to offer. Campers build self-confidence, make new friends and create lasting memories through sports and games, arts and crafts, science experiments and more. Activities are based on the weekly theme and camper interests.
Dance | AGES 6-12
DATES: September 21-25
Get ready to dance and have fun at our Dance Camp! Campers will explore various dance styles while perfecting their technique and coordination. Each day, campers will learn new routines and work together to create a unique choreography. At the end of the week, they’ll showcase their hard work in an exciting performance for family and friends. Join us for a week of movement, creativity and fun!
Fabulous Four | AGE 4
DATES: September 21-25 | September 28-October 2
Fab Fours is a perfect fit for our youngest 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. With their own dedicated space and scheduled break times, this is the perfect space to introduce kids to a camp environment.
Please note: Your child must have already started school to register for this camp.
Flag Football | AGES 6-12
DATES: September 28-October 2
Down, set… HIKE! Join the YMCA’s experienced staff for a fun-filled Flag Football Camp where campers will learn basic skills like passing, catching, blocking and kicking. Whether your camper is new to the game or a future football star, they will have a blast during daily scrimmages and skill-building activities. Emphasis will be placed on teamwork, sportsmanship and football strategy.
Funster Dinosaurs | AGES 5-8
DATES: September 21-25
Get ready to travel back in time to the age of dinosaurs! Perfect for young paleontologists and dinosaur enthusiasts, this camp takes campers on a prehistoric journey through the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods to discover the incredible creatures that once roamed the Earth. Campers will enjoy hands-on dinosaur crafts, exciting games and thrilling fossil-digging activities. From unearthing “fossils” to creating dino-themed art, each day is packed with adventure and opportunities to learn about these fascinating creatures of the past.
High Fives | AGE 5
DATES: September 21-25 | September 28-October 2
High Fives is the perfect introduction to the world of camp for our youngest campers! Exclusively for 5-year-olds, this camp is designed with your child’s first camp experience in mind. With a small 1:6 staff-to-camper ratio, your little one will receive personalized attention and care throughout the day. Campers will enjoy a variety of activities that encourage friendship-building, teamwork and creativity. From fun group games to arts and crafts, each day is filled with opportunities for exploration, laughter and learning. Whether it’s their first time away from home or just their first camp adventure, High Fives is the ideal place for 5-year-olds to grow, make new friends and have a blast!
Itty Bitty Aquatics | AGES 5-8
DATES: September 21-25 | September 28-October 2
Campers will have a 30-minute swim lesson each day with Y swim instructors, get comfortable in the water, learn how to float and tread water. Campers will end the day with a 45-minute free swim to play and have fun with the entire camp. Campers will also participate in traditional camp activities like arts & crafts, songs and games. Swimmers may be required to wear life jackets during free swim.
K-pop Heroes | AGES 6-12
DATES: September 21-25
Get ready to shine like a K-Pop star! Campers will channel their inner heroes as they train to become K-Pop Demon Hunters, learning fun dance routines, teamwork challenges and creative mission-based games inspired by K-Pop storylines. Each day also features music-themed crafts, group performances and high-energy activities celebrating the vibrant world of K-Pop.
LEGO builders | AGES 7-12
DATES: September 21-25
Get ready for all things LEGO! 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.
LIT Fieldwork | AGES 13-15
DATES: September 21-25 | September 28-October 2
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.
Little Artists | AGES 5-8
DATES: September 28-October 2
In this camp, our little artists will be able to express themselves through creating different projects daily. Each day they will learn about a different style of art and practice what they learn. Campers will get to be creative and design their own masterpieces to share and show off. This camp may get a little messy, but it will be tons of fun!
Little Astronauts | AGES 5-8
DATES: September 28-October 2
Blast off into a week of fun and discovery at Little Astronauts Camp! This camp is an out-of-this-world adventure filled with space-themed activities. Campers will explore planets, build their own rocket ships and learn about the stars through creative crafts, games and hands-on experiments. It’s the perfect opportunity for young space enthusiasts to spark their curiosity and imagination while having a stellar time!
Little Chefs | AGES 8-13
DATES: September 21-25
In this camp children learn cooking can be creative, full of discovery and lots of fun. Little chefs will learn age-appropriate culinary skills, basic nutrition and how to create some delicious recipes. Each child will receive a homemade apron and camp cookbook.
Little messy art | AGES 5-8
DATES: September 21-25
This fun-filled day camp is perfect for kids who love to explore, create and make a little mess along the way. Each day, campers will dive into hands-on art projects like painting, sculpting and crafting, using a variety of materials to bring their imaginations to life. It’s all about having fun, trying new things and embracing the joy of messy creativity. By the end of the week, your little artist will have a collection of masterpieces to proudly share.
Pixar Pals | AGES 6-12
DATES: September 28-October 2
Jump into the colorful worlds of Pixar in Pixar Pals Camp! Young campers will explore friendship, imagination and storytelling through games, crafts, movement and creative play inspired by favorite Pixar characters and themes. Each day brings new adventures as kids create art, act out stories and work together celebrating kindness, teamwork and big imaginations in a fun, age-appropriate setting.
Slime Factory | AGES 6-12
DATES: September 28-October 2
Welcome to Snack Lab, where campers become food scientists and snack inventors! Kids will experiment with flavors, textures and ingredients to create tasty, creative snacks while learning kitchen safety and basic food science. From sweet to savory, campers will test ideas, refine recipes and discover what makes the perfect snack — mixing curiosity, creativity and delicious fun.
Splash | AGES 8-13
DATES: September 21-25 | September 28-October 2
This wet, wild and fun camp is sure to keep your little fishies busy! Campers will enjoy a fun-filled, jam-packed swimming lesson with outstanding YMCA-certified lifeguards, followed by an extended swim time full of splishing, splashing and sploshing! Campers will also participate in fun water activities on-site at the Y. When the children are not in the pool, they are having a blast participating in other camp activities such as arts & crafts, games, songs, sports and more.
Super Mario Adventure | AGES 5-8
DATES: September 28-October 2
Jump into the Mushroom Kingdom! Campers race through Mario-inspired obstacle courses, complete coin-collecting challenges and craft their own power-ups and mini karts. This high-energy week brings Super Mario fun to life — no screens needed!
Swiftie | AGES 6-12
DATES: September 28-October 2
Calling all Swifties – you belong with [us]! Come celebrate all things Taylor Swift! Campers will make their way through the Eras as we dance, sing and craft our way through the week. Get ready to make friendship bracelets and wear your best Taylor-inspired looks because we all know they never go out of style. Let’s make it a Swiftie Fall you won’t forget!
Volleyball | AGES 6-12
DATES: September 21-25
Come elevate your game in our Volleyball Camp! This program will help campers improve their skills and technique in a fun and safe environment. This camp provides kids with top-notch instruction and the opportunity to unleash their potential! Let’s get ready to bump, set and spike!
About Us
Our Branch
South Bay Family YMCA
Address: 1201 Paseo Magda, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Phone: (619) 421-9622
Camp Locations and Hours of Operation
Halecrest Elementary School
Address: 475 E J St. Magdalena Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910
South Bay Teen Center
Address: 820 Paseo Ranchero, Chula Vista, CA 91910
School Break Day Camps
Camp Hours:
- Full-day: 7:30am–5:00pm
- Drop-off: 7:30–9:00am
- Pick-up: 3:30–5:00pm
Directors and Supervisors
Kyle Millard | Camp Director
jmillard@ymcasd.org
Erilyn Merino | Camp Coordinator
emerino@ymcasd.org
About Our Staff
South Bay 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.
- 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/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. 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.
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 at SBDayCamp@ymcasd.org with any questions, comments or concerns!
