WELCOME TO DAY CAMP AT MAGDALENA ECKE FAMILY YMCA

Your family can count on Magdalena Ecke 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

  • Registration is now open!
  • Weekly sessions: June 12 - August 18

REGISTER TODAY

SPRING BREAK 2023

When school is out, the fun is happening at the Y! Our 2023 season:

spring break camps

  • March 27-31
  • April 3-7

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

Summer Day Camp Guide

Learn more about our Summer 2023 day camps! View the digital version of Magdalena Ecke 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 CODESpro tip in a sun graphic

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. CPSPEC25).

 

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 Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA, or go straight to the program finder and type or copy/paste a search code (e.g., CPTRAD25) into the search bar to zero in on your camps.

❯ ❯ TRADITIONAL CAMP DESCRIPTIONS (CLICK TO EXPAND)

CLUB 6/7

Ages 6-7 | SEARCH CODE: CPCL25 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: CPDSC25 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: CPHF25 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 TRAINING

Ages 13-16 | SEARCH CODE: CPLITT25 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. The LIT program is required each year for all participants regardless of past experience in the program.

LIT FIELDWORK

Ages 13-16 | SEARCH CODE: CPLITF25 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 Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA, or go straight to the program finder and type or copy/paste a search code (e.g., CPSPEC25) into the search bar to zero in on your camps.

❯ ❯ SPECIALTY CAMP DESCRIPTIONS (CLICK TO EXPAND)

Adventure

Ages 7-13 | SEARCH CODE: CPADV25 FIND SESSIONS
Join the ultimate adventure for a full week of exploring fun and exciting attractions in the San Diego area! Each day is something new with the YMCA’s Adventure Camp. Come explore the county with trusted Y staff.

American Girl - El Camino Creek

Ages 6-11 | SEARCH CODE: CPAG25 FIND SESSIONS
Campers can take an adventure with the American Girl doll stories! Using the different dolls as our guide, we will walk through history learning all about our favorite American Girls. Become a journalist like Kit and learn to sew like Addy. Campers are welcome to bring their dolls, but they are not required.

Anime - El Camino Creek

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPANM25 FIND SESSIONS
Calling all anime and manga fans! Anime camp offers campers a place to watch some of their favorite anime and talk about anime with like-minded individuals. This is a great opportunity for young anime fans to discuss their interests, make new friends and have a great time at a camp based around what they love.

Archery

Ages 8-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPARCH25 FIND SESSIONS
Bullseye! 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.

Art

Ages 6-9 | SEARCH CODE: CPART25 FIND SESSIONS
Campers will get a chance to explore the wonderful world of art by adventuring through different forms of art. Your artist will learn about famous artists and create masterpieces using their techniques. Campers will learn about color design, line texture and balance in this awesome camp!

Babysitting

Ages 11-16 | SEARCH CODE: CPBBY25 FIND SESSIONS
Campers learn the skills to be confident when they're babysitting and equipped in the event of an emergency. Camp covers infant/ child and adult CPR, basic first aid, game playing, how to make meals and hints on how to find a job. After they learn about behavior management and safety focused supervision, they will create their own business cards, and walk away from camp as the best babysitter on the block!

Balloon Twisting

Ages 8-13 | SEARCH CODE: CPBLT25 FIND SESSIONS
From the classic 3 fold dog to complicated Disney characters this camp will give you all the basics of balloon twisting and so much more! Campers will take home their very own balloon pump to show everything they have learned.

Baseball

Ages 6-11 | SEARCH CODE: CPBBL25 FIND SESSIONS
Your camper could be the next big baseball star with this fundamental sports week. Daily activities include instruction in hitting, catching, throwing and positioning. With the YMCA, baseball camp is for young athletes looking for a strong summer building fundamental skills. Baseball gloves are required and all skill levels are welcome.

Basketball

Ages 6-11 | SEARCH CODE: CPBSK25 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.

Bubbles & Balloons

Ages 6-9 | SEARCH CODE: CPBAB25 FIND SESSIONS
Does your child love bubbles and balloons? If so, how about a week-long camp dedicated to both?! Campers will enjoy a wide variety of bubble and balloon activities, including but not limited to: balloon animals and other balloon art, rocket balloons, balloon musical instruments, bubbles of all sizes, touchable bubbles, bubble balloons, water balloons, making their own bubble wands and much more!

Cheer

Ages 6-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPCH25 FIND SESSIONS
Join this camp to learn choreographed routines, chants and cheers from our qualified Y staff. Campers will have a fun while learning new skills and working on their technique, rhythm and form.

Claymation

Ages 8-13 | SEARCH CODE: CPCLAY25 FIND SESSIONS
Campers will work as a team to create a claymation movie which will be uploaded to a secure site for friends and family to enjoy. Develop all the aspects of your movie from the script to characters made out of clay. Special movie premier on Friday.

Comic Book

Ages 7-11 | SEARCH CODE: CPCMC25 FIND SESSIONS
Does your camper love comic books? Get ready for an amazing week! We will have all week to create, discover and write your own comic book to take home. This is the perfect camp for a camper who is very interested in comic books, or just starting to dive into the comic book world.

Cooking 123

Ages 6-9 | SEARCH CODE: CPCK12325 FIND SESSIONS
Order up! As one of our most popular choices, this camp will continue to bring you all-day cooking! Campers will work with experienced chefs from Arimaw Productions to create everything from appetizers to main courses and desserts! Join us as we turn your camper into a culinary expert. Join your campers at the end of the week for a showcase of their culinary skills!

Cooking 456

Ages 9-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPCK45625 FIND SESSIONS
Order up! As one of our most popular choices, this camp will continue to bring you all-day cooking! Campers will work with experienced chefs from Arimaw Productions to create everything from appetizers to main courses and desserts!

Dance

Ages 6-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPDNC25 FIND SESSIONS
Campers will have daily dance lessons to learn several styles of dance and perfect their technique and coordination. Throughout the week, campers will work together with our qualified staff to create a routine to be performed at the end of the week for parents, family and friends.

Dance Sampler

Ages 6-11 | SEARCH CODE: CPDNCS25 FIND SESSIONS
Do you want to take dance class, but don't know what style you would like best? Come to our Dance Sampler Camp and try out a multitude of styles: tap, ballet, jazz and hip hop!

Dave & Busters

Ages 7-13 | SEARCH CODE: CPDB25 FIND SESSIONS
Get into the fun at Dave and Buster's! Campers will travel to Dave and Buster's and have access to play for two hours a day! The remainder of the day will be spent at local park and on-site where campers will participate in other exciting challenges and traditional camp activities.

Dessert Island

Ages 6-9 | SEARCH CODE: CBDI25 FIND SESSIONS
Campers will focus on creating magnificent desserts of all kinds and create their own recipe books. From cakes and cookies to homemade ice cream and puddings, this camp will surely satisfy! Although some healthy options will be explored, sugar and spice and all things nice will make up this week of camp.

Edible Science

Ages 6-11 | SEARCH CODE: CPES25 FIND SESSIONS
Discover the kitchen chemistry that leads to some of your campers favorite treats. Campers will learn as we enjoy consuming our science experiments. This hands-on adventure will engage the minds while wetting their appetites.

Electronics

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPELECT25 FIND SESSIONS
Campers will work with our experts to build extensive circuit boards, create moving machines and all types of inventions. Learning the basics of electricity will round out this completely hands-on experience!

Farm to Table

Ages 6-11 | SEARCH CODE: CPFRMT25 FIND SESSIONS
A cooking camp that is guaranteed vegetarian and organic! We will be working with fresh and wholesome ingredients to make food that is tasty, healthy, and has a minimal impact on our environment. We teach campers how to make delicious food while being mindful of health and our environment!

Farm with Coastal Roots

Ages 6-11 | SEARCH CODE: CPFRMC25 FIND SESSIONS
Farming with Coastal Roots gives campers a chance to play, plant, create and explore the farm! A typical day includes learning about a part of the farm and how it functions, the critters that help our soil be its healthiest, the different parts of the plant, harvesting, washing and eating vegetables, learning songs about farms and gardens, and appreciating the beauty of nature. Campers should wear closed toe shoes and bring a water bottle, hat and sunscreen.

Flag Football

Ages 6-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPFLGF25 FIND SESSIONS
Join the experienced sports camp staff as they lead daily recreational scrimmages and teach campers basic flag football skills. Whether your camper is new to flag football or a future Patrick Mahomes, they will have a blast in this camp. There will be an emphasis placed on teamwork and sportsmanship.

Gardening

Ages 9-14 | SEARCH CODE: CPGRD25 FIND SESSIONS
Gardening is a relaxing and productive hobby with positive benefits for the planet, and for overall wellness. At Gardening Camp, campers will learn how to build and maintain a healthy and vibrant garden of their very own.

Gymnastics

Ages 6-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPGYM25 FIND SESSIONS
Campers will learn new skills at the Y's Gymnastics Center in Carlsbad for two-and-a-half hours of ability-specific instruction by expert Y gymnastics coaches every day. Campers will be placed into small groups according to skill level by gymnastics instructors to maximize their skill development. 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! Show is on Friday at the Y's Gymnastics Center.

H20

Ages 7-13 | SEARCH CODE: CPH2O25 FIND SESSIONS
Slide down the inflatable structure, bounce on the floating toys, kayak across the lagoon and hunt for crabs! Campers travel to the YMCA's Aquatic Park to swim, kayak, paddle board and play with all of the inflatables in the lagoon. Regardless of ability, all campers will wear life jackets while in the water. Campers must bring sturdy shoes for activities and time on land.

Hip Hop

Ages 6-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPHH25 FIND SESSIONS
Campers of all skill levels are welcome at our high-energy hip hop camp. Your dancer will learn different styles of hip hop dance, including top rock, popping and break dancing. So come rock out and dance until you can't move anymore! All our campers will have a good time moving their feet and dancing to the crazy hip hop beats!

Ice Skating

Ages 7-13 | SEARCH CODE: CPIS25 FIND SESSIONS
Looking to cool off this summer? Travel with Ecke YMCA camp staff to the San Diego Ice Arena! Campers of all skill levels are welcome to join the fun, and will receive some lessons in skating from staff. No skating equipment required.

ltty Bitty Chefs

Ages 5-6 | SEARCH CODE: CPIBC25 FIND SESSIONS
Feed your camper's curiosity in this fun camp that teaches the fundamentals of cooking. Campers will receive hands-on experience working with different foods and recipes throughout the week, preparing everything from appetizers to desserts.

ltty Bitty Dinosaurs

Ages 5-6 | SEARCH CODE: CPIBDNO25 FIND SESSIONS
Become a prehistoric dinosaur in this magical camp. Your young camper will learn prehistoric facts, dig up fossils, create amazing crafts and have a dino-tastic week all while learning the four core values of the YMCA.

ltty Bitty Disney

Ages 5-6 | SEARCH CODE: CPIBD25 FIND SESSIONS
A whole new world for your ltty Bitty camper! Join us for a week of magical plans where your camper will do Disney themed crafts, games and more. This camp is perfect for any young camper who is all about Disney. We only hope that we never lose sight of one thing - that it was all started by a mouse.

ltty Bitty Princesses

Ages 5-6 | SEARCH CODE: CPIBP25 FIND SESSIONS
Live your dream as a princess for a week! Campers will live their fantasy making princess crafts, playing princess games, learning princess etiquette and reenacting princess stories! Arimaw Productions staff will lead campers in this fantasy to create a magical and memorable week.

ltty Bitty Rockets

Ages 5-6 | SEARCH CODE: CPIBR25 FIND SESSIONS
3, 2, 1 BLAST OFF! Gear up for a week fueled with rockets, games, crafts and more! Campers will spend the week building their own mini rockets and learning about how their rockets work.

ltty Bitty Superheroes

Ages 5-6 | SEARCH CODE: CPIBSP25 FIND SESSIONS
Become a superhero and create superpowers of your own, create your very own superhero cape and learn magic tricks while battling the evil villains. In the midst of all the fun, campers will also be able to create their own costumes and become real superheroes.

ltty Bitty Zookeeper

Ages 5-6 | SEARCH CODE: CPIBZK25 FIND SESSIONS
Become Dr. Doolittle with visits from multiple animals throughout the week. Learn how to be a zookeeper on this epic animal adventure.

Jewelry Making

Ages 6-11 | SEARCH CODE: CPJWRL25 FIND SESSIONS
Campers have one week to design and create a complete collection of earrings, rings, necklaces, hair clips and so much more! Designs will be made from a variety of materials. Each camper will walk away with many projects from their new collection!

Junior Restaurant

Ages 8-14 | SEARCH CODE: CPJRRST25 FIND SESSIONS
Campers who enroll in this camp will learn about what it is like to run and operate a restaurant! Campers will interview for positions in their restaurant, develop a menu, and prepare to open their restaurant for parents on Friday!

Karate

Ages 6-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPKRT25 FIND SESSIONS
Your campers will learn beginning karate skills in a fun and safe learning environment for two hours a day. Campers gain confidence, personal discipline and self-respect through appropriate drills, stretches and games.

LEGO-mation

Ages 8-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPLGM25 FIND SESSIONS
Inspired by The LEGO Movie and the other LEGO movies it spawned, this camp is an adaptation of our long-running and popular claymation camp, however the videos in this camp will be made using LEGO bricks and figurines for the scenery, props and characters.

ltty Bitty Star Wars

Ages 5-6 | SEARCH CODE: CPIBSW25 FIND SESSIONS
The Force is strong with this one! For your young camper that loves anything Star Wars! Our activities this week will take campers on a journey through the history of the Star Wars universe.

LEGO-Mindstorm Robotics

Ages 8-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPLGMR25 FIND SESSIONS
Explore the world-class robotics challenge. Students will build a cutting-edge EV3 robot and control its movements with motors and sensors. Get your robot to hit a home run by programming it to run all four bases. Students will gain the 4Cs skills: communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity to become robotic engineers.

LEGO WeDo Robotics

Ages 6-9 | SEARCH CODE: CPLGWDR25 FIND SESSIONS
Explore the world of robotics with the LEGO WeDo system! Learn about physics concepts like friction, and explore gear ratios, energy sources and more! Build a Lunar Rover or a helicopter, all while learning about different sensors. Once you finish building your project, learn block coding to make your robot come to life!

Magic

Ages 7-11 | SEARCH CODE: CPMG25 FIND SESSIONS
A magician never tells, but this week we will have some master magicians who may just share a secret or two with our young magicians-to-be. Campers will learn tricks and illusion that will blow their friends minds, and then they can decide whether or not to share the secrets of the craft!

Multisport

Ages 6-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPMSP25 FIND SESSIONS
Campers will be exposed to recreational skills building and fun games in basketball, baseball, soccer, flag football and more. Counselors will focus on sportsmanship and encourage all campers to try new sports. Become a true athlete!

Musical Theatre 234 & 4567

Ages 7-15 | FOR 234 SEARCH CODE: CPMT25  FIND SESSIONS
& FOR 4567 SEARCH CODE: CPMT456725 FIND SESSIONS
Take the stage in Musical Theatre camp! This camp will take campers through the various aspects of theatre, and through the many steps that go into creating a successful performance at any level of theatre. This year we will be performing Peter Pan!

Paintball

Ages 10-14 | SEARCH CODE: CPPNTB25 FIND SESSIONS
Campers will travel to Velocity Paintball during the week for an ultimate paintball play experience. When paintballing, all campers should wear pants and shoes with excellent traction. Gloves are recommended and are not provided. Coveralls, face masks and all paintball equipment will be provided. Safety conscious referees will be present during all paintballing. Please note that extra clothing is advised to provide additional padding.

Pickelball

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPPKLB25 FIND SESSIONS
Your camper will have tons of fun in this accessible, high-energy and fast-paced paddle sport which was created to allow all ages to enjoy this activity. Campers will play pickleball using special pickleball paddles and hitting a slightly smaller whiffle ball. This camp is perfect for your camper who wants to try out a new sport and test out their paddle sport skills.

Radical Reptiles

Ages 6-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPRR25 FIND SESSIONS
Slither into the world of reptiles! For two hours a day, campers will check out and touch real reptiles! In addition, campers will do many different fun activities that investigate the lives and habitats of these reptiles. This camp is hands-on and enhanced by arts & crafts, games and various projects related to these animals.

Sewing

Ages 7-11 | SEARCH CODE: CPSWNG25 FIND SESSIONS
Learn the basics from sewing on a button to stitching and hemming. Campers will hem clothing, make their own pin cushion and create a plush animal to bring home. They will work on different disciplines of sewing every day while creating a week­ long project. No experience is necessary and all equipment and supplies are provided!

Skate: Beginner

Ages 6-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPSKTB25 FIND SESSIONS
Skate instruction is a part of this camp for all campers. Learn everything from skate park etiquette and how your skateboard works to other technical skills. Each camper will be part of a group skate lesson Monday-Thursday. Groups will be determined based on skill. The afternoons will be dedicated to free skate at the amazing Y skate park. Skate Jam will be held on Friday where families can watch campers show off their rad new skills.

Skate: Intermediate/Advanced

Ages 6-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPSKTIA25 FIND SESSIONS
Skaters will be challenged to attempt new skills and tricks by counselors, but will not receive any group instruction time. This option is for skaters who feel comfortable skateboarding at our park and who would like the freedom of using the entire park all day. Skate Jam will be held on Friday where families can watch campers show off their rad new skills.

Slime Factory

Ages 6-11 | SEARCH CODE: CPSF25 FIND SESSIONS
Slime factory 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!

Soccer

Ages 6-11 | SEARCH CODE: CPSC25 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.

Spa Retreat

Ages 6-11 | SEARCH CODE: CPSPA25 FIND SESSIONS
Sorry, this is for kids only! Get your nails and hair done and learn to make your own perfume and lotions during the week. Campers will come home relaxed and with goodies. Counselors will be focused on cultivating each camper's inner beauty and strength.

Splash

Ages 6-11 | SEARCH CODE: CPSPLSH25 FIND SESSIONS
Splash camp will focus on swim instruction for the beginner to the intermediate swimmer. Campers will be taught how to perform basic strokes and gain confidence in the water. Campers will receive one 45-minute swimming lesson and one 45-minute free swim session each day combined with active games, crafts and other fun camp activities.

Stage Craft

Ages 9-14 | SEARCH CODE: CPSTGC25 FIND SESSIONS
Campers will be paired up with Musical Theatre 4567 to create props and set pieces for "Peter Pan". This camp has been very popular and is limited to 8 children. Don't delay in signing up! Families are invited on Friday to watch the musical and see the hard work their campers have created.

Surf

Ages 7-13 | SEARCH CODE: CPSRF25 FIND SESSIONS
This camp is designed for the first-time or beginner surfer and the camper who loves to be in the water. Activities include surfing, body boarding, body surfing and other water games. Our goal is for each camper to stand up and ride the waves! The Y has a limited supply of instructional surfboards to loan and for campers to share. Campers with their own surfboards are welcome to bring them daily or leave them at the Y for the week. All Surf Camp staff are certified as lifeguards and are experienced around the waterfront. Families are invited to eat lunch with campers and watch our traditional surf competition on Fridays at Swamis.

Track & Field

Ages 6-11 | SEARCH CODE: CPTF25 FIND SESSIONS
Your camper will be introduced to the vast world of track and field including long jump, hurdles and more, as well as many relays and games. Campers will learn rules and set up of events as well as have time to practice and further their skills.

Viral Dance

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPVD25 FIND SESSIONS
Have popular dance trends been living rent-free in your camper's mind? Campers, regardless of skill, are invited to learn and participate in viral choreography trending today. Note: We will not be uploading any of the videos to TikTok. Any videos made by campers will not have any inappropriate language or themes.

Zoo

Ages 7-13 | SEARCH CODE: CPZOO25 FIND SESSIONS
Lions, tigers and bears - oh my! Come travel to the San Diego Zoo with Ecke YMCA camp staff. Spend the week exploring the hundreds of species at the zoo, while building friendships that will last a lifetime.

REGISTER

 


 

About Us

Our Branch

MAGDALENA ECKE FAMIILY YMCA
Address: 200 Saxony Road, Encinitas, CA 92024
Phone: (760) 942-9622
 

Camp Locations and Hours of Operation

Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA
Address: 200 Saxony Road, Encinitas, CA 92024

El Camino Creek Elementary School
Address: 7885 Paseo Aliso, Carlsbad, CA 92009

YMCA Gymnastics Center
Address: 2661 Cosmos Court, Carlsbad, CA 92011

Camp Hours: Full-day: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Drop-off: 8:00-9:00 am | Pick-up: 3:00-4:00pm
Extended hours: 4:00-5:30pm (additional fee and registration required)

Directors and Supervisors

CAMP DIRECTOR
Austin Rowe
[email protected] | (760) 942-9622 ext 1850

CAMP ADMIN
(760) 942-9622

About Our Staff

The Magdalena Ecke 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 us at [email protected], or contact our Camp Director Austin Rowe at [email protected] , with any questions, comments or concerns!