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!

camp is calling

SUMMER 2023 DAY CAMP SIGN-UPS

Weekly sessions: June 19 - August 18

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) 449-9622
View the digital version of our branch camp guide here

MEMBERS SAVE ON CAMP!

sun 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!

TIPS FOR A SMOOTH SIGN-UP

Log in to your My Y account. If you haven’t logged in since November 2022, you must create a new My Y account.
Setup is easy. Learn more here

YOUR GUIDE TO SUMMER DAY CAMP

Learn more about our Summer 2023 day camps! View the digital version of Cameron 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.

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. CPSPEC23).

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

Ages 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.

CLUB 6/7

Ages 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.

DISCOVERY

Ages 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.

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.

LIT/CIT TRAINING

Ages 13-17 | SEARCH CODE: CPLCITT23 FIND SESSIONS
The LIT/CIT 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 while gaining real world and life experience through communication skills, management techniques, and building their self-confidence. LIT/CIT’s will also receive CPR and First Aid training. The LIT/CIT program is required each year for all participants regardless of past experience in the program.

LIT FIELDWORK

Ages 13-15 | 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!

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 Grossology

Ages 7-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPANG23 FIND SESSIONS
Do you love animals? Then you will love this camp! Campers will learn cool facts about their favorite animals and the areas in which said animals live, play cool animal games, make cool animal crafts, and even receive the occasional visit from some of our amazing animal friends. We look forward to teaching campers to love and appreciate the diverse ecosystems that comprise our planet and the animal friends that inhabit them.

Archery

Ages 8-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPARCH23 FIND SESSIONS
Spend the week with us and you’re guaranteed to hit a bull's-eye! 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; all necessary equipment is provided.

Architecture

Ages 7-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPARC23 FIND SESSIONS
Campers will spend 3 hours daily using different materials such as LEGOs, blocks, Popsicle sticks, food and more to create different structures each day. They will learn about famous structures and try to design and construct small models with their building materials. Campers will also have the chance to participate in art, science and, of course, traditional camp games.

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!

Big Messy Art

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPBMA23 FIND SESSIONS
Let your campers immerse themselves from head to toe in art projects including pendulum painting, splat painting and art installations. All the while, they will learn about the artists behind these techniques — some of whom are even scientists. We mix in a little circuitry, as well, because art isn’t just about painting!

Broadway Mashup

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPBRDM23 FIND SESSIONS
Curtains up, it’s showtime! Campers will learn a variety of songs from their favorite movies and musicals and turn them into one big mash-up! Mark your calendars for Friday and join us for an unforgettable performance.

Ceramics

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPCER23 FIND SESSIONS
Craft and create beautiful pinch/coil pots, sculptures, bowls and anything you can think of. Campers will be introduced to basic concepts of working and molding clay to make their imagination come alive!

Cheer and Dance

Ages 8-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPCHD23 FIND SESSIONS
Two, four, six, eight! Our Cheer 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!

Cooking Tasty Treats

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPCKTE23 FIND SESSIONS
Let your campers satisfy their sweet tooth with Cooking Tasty Treats Camp! As far as introductions to the tools and techniques go, this camp is, well…pretty sweet! Campers will learn how to perform cooking methods such as proper cutting, boiling and pan frying under the watchful eyes of our talented YMCA chefs.

Cooking: Iron Chef

Ages 8-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPCKIC23 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, campers will learn how to perform cooking methods such as proper cutting, boiling and pan frying.

DIY Camp

Ages 7-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPDIY23 FIND SESSIONS
Pinterest lovers unite! This camp will let campers explore their creative side! Campers will have focused Do-It-Yourself projects daily and fun take-home projects. Campers will also participate in unique DIY challenges that encourage innovation, creativity and imagination.

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 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.

Funster Chefs

Ages 5-6 | SEARCH CODE: CPFC23 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 can create their own kid-friendly snack book.

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 children ages 5 to 6 (grades K-1). This camp is perfect for funsters that loves to get their hands dirty! Funsters will dig and experiment in the slimiest, gooeist, ickiest and stickiest stuff they can get their hands on! This STEM based camp is sure to be slimy, yet satisfying!

Funster Sports

Ages 5-6 | SEARCH CODE: CPFSP23 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). YMCA youth sports coaches will guide your little athletes in a variety of amazing sports clinics ranging from soccer to t-ball that will improve hand-eye coordination, balance and motor skills. Campers will also enjoy traditional camp activities such as swimming, group games, and arts and crafts.

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. Campers will also have the ultimate game bus experience to cap off this week. Challenge your friend or beat your personal best, but whatever you do, play hard!

Gym and Swim

Ages 6-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPGS23 FIND SESSIONS
Fun you’ll flip over! Campers will receive 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 clothing (no buttons or zippers please). Campers will also enjoy other fun games and activities all week long!

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.

LEGO Fury

Ages 6-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPLGF23 FIND SESSIONS
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 get to use their imaginations to create their own structures and masterpieces. Fun awards and small prizes will be given out daily!

Makin' a Wave in STEM

Ages 6-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPMWS23 FIND SESSIONS
It’s time to get geared up and explore the world of marine biology and oceanography. This camp is designed to teach campers all about marine conservation, aquatic animals and their place in the ecosystem. Campers will have the opportunity to create innovative contraptions that help us restore and protect native species and spaces.

Pokémon

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPPKM23 FIND SESSIONS
After a fun-filled week at this camp, your campers will be saying, “Pikachu, I choose you!” Children will learn all there is to know about Pokémon, including the card game. This is the perfect camp for your Pokémon trainers to master their skills. Please note: Card trading will be allowed in this camp; however, we encourage you to keep super special cards at home.

Radical Reptiles and Friends

Ages 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.

San Diego Highlights

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPSDH23 FIND SESSIONS
Campers will get to explore all the amazing things that make San Diego the best city in the world! Each day campers will be transported to one of San Diego’s famous tourist locations from the San Diego Zoo to Cabrillo National Monument. Campers will be learning about the history and culture that makes this city #1.

SD Humane Animal Adventures

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPSDHM23 FIND SESSIONS
For children who enjoy animals from around the world, this camp is for you. The San Diego Humane Society’s trained educational staff will have an assortment of animals for your camper to, hold, play with, and feed. Some of the animals are familiar, such as puppies, kittens and bunnies, but others are more exotic like snakes, lizards and insects.

San Diego Zoo

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPSDZ23 FIND SESSIONS
Spend a day on a bus tour to get an overview of the entire zoo and see some of the phenomenal flora and fauna at one of the world’s largest botanical gardens. If you love monkeying around, this expedition is for you. Don’t forget your walking shoes!

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 of 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.

Soccer

Ages 6-8 | SEACH CODE: CPSC23 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.

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.

Sports Galore

Ages 7-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPSG23 FIND SESSIONS
Learn a variety of exciting sports in this action-packed camp! Campers will learn and play flag-football, soccer, basketball and other sports. Sports galore camp is designed to teach children recreational sports and the value of exercise. Focus will be placed on team play and skill development.

Waterpalooza

Ages 7-12 | 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, extra swim time and water games galore.

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-5:00pmDrop-off: 8:00-9:00am
Pick-up: 4:00-5:00pm expect a delay when dropping off or picking up outside of these hours)

Directors and Supervisors

CAMP DIRECTOR
Melanie Navarro
[email protected] | (619) 449-9622

About Our Staff

McGrath 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.

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 summer. See our Refund/Voucer/Transfer Policies for more information.

Interest Lists

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, Melanie Navarro at [email protected], with any questions, comments or concerns!