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WELCOME TO DAY CAMP AT MCGRATH FAMILY YMCA

Your family can count on McGrath 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

MEMBERS SAVE ON CAMP!

sunYMCA 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

YOUR GUIDE TO SUMMER DAY CAMP

Summer Day Camp Guide

Learn more about our Summer 2023 day camps! View the digital version of McGrath 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 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. CPSPEC33).

 

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 McGrath Family YMCA, or go straight to the program finder and type or copy/paste a search code (e.g., CPTRAD33) into the search bar to zero in on your camps.

❯ ❯ TRADITIONAL CAMP DESCRIPTIONS (CLICK TO EXPAND)

CHALLENGERS

Ages 10-13 | SEARCH CODE: CPCHL33 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: CPCL33 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: CPDSC33 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: CPHF33 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: CPLCITT33 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: CPLIT33 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 McGrath Family YMCA, or go straight to the program finder and type or copy/paste a search code (e.g., CPSPEC33) into the search bar to zero in on your camps.

❯ ❯ SPECIALTY CAMP DESCRIPTIONS (CLICK TO EXPAND)

Animal Grossology

Ages 7-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPANG33 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: CPARCH33 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.

Baseball

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPBBL33 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.

Big Messy Art 

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPBMA33 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!

BMX Pro

Ages 7-14 | SEARCH CODE: CPBMX933 FIND SESSIONS
Learn from BMX world champions at Dale Holmes Racing. They supply all the bikes, equipment and instruction for your budding BMX racing pro! This high-demand camp is for beginners and experts alike. Please note: Long pants and long-sleeved shirt, as well as closed toe shoes are required for riding, but campers may bring shorts for after riding time at camp.

Broadway Mashup

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPBRDM33 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.

Cooking: Chocolate Lovers

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPCKCL33 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, your little chef will learn to create different delicious, tasty treats and dishes, all of which involve chocolate!

Cooking: Tasty Eats 

Ages 8-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPCKTE33 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.

Funster Chefs

Ages 5-6 | SEARCH CODE: CPFC33 FIND SESSIONS
Does your child look on as people do things in the kitchen with the desire to see what it’s all about? Are you thinking that you just can’t wait until you can just tell your child to go make some food for themselves instead of coming to you every time? Do you want to encourage your child’s independence and self-confidence? If you answered yes to any of those, then we have your answer right here: introducing funsters chef camp, where campers will learn how to make a variety of treats that are as delicious as they are easy to make!

Funster Full STEAM Ahead

Ages 5-6 | SEARCH CODE: CPFSTA33 COMING SOON
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). Full STEAM Ahead camp is aimed to give campers an opportunity to learn through hands-on and engaging science, technology, engineering, arts and math-based activities. Perfect for inquisitive minds who have a thirst for knowledge.

Funster Ooey Gooey Science

Ages 5-6 | SEARCH CODE: CPFOGS33 COMING SOON
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 love 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: CPFSP33 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). 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.

Funster Tumblers

Ages 5-6 | SEARCH CODE: CPFTML33 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). 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: CPGP33 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!

Gardening

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPGRD33 FIND SESSIONS
Do you have a green thumb? Now is a great time to find out! In this camp, campers will learn the ins and outs of gardening as well as how to help their gardens grow. Campers will explore the surrounding nature, plants, and animals around camp and create different projects from their finds.

Gymnastics

Ages 6-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPGYM33 FIND SESSIONS
Campers will learn new skills 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!

Ice Skating

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPIS33 COMING SOON
This camp is designed to be a fun and educational experience for beginner and intermediate ice skaters. Traveling to San Diego Ice Arena, campers will get 30 minutes of instructional lessons every day. Lessons are followed by a two-hour public session where they will skate to the latest tunes. Parents are invited to a basic skills show on Friday. Only skates are provided. Campers may bring their own skates and gloves. Please note: Campers must bring socks each day. If you don’t have a helmet, one will be provided.

Jr. Lifeguard

Ages 9-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPJRL33 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.

Jr. Vet

Ages 7-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPJRVET33 FIND SESSIONS
This camp is perfect for animal lovers. Campers will meet, greet and interact with an array of domesticated animals, and have the opportunity to learn and experience basic animal care.

LEGO Fury

Ages 6-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPLGF33 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!

Living Coast Jr. Keeper

Ages 7-11 | SEARCH CODE: CPLCJK33 FIND SESSIONS
Get ready to jump in and make a big splash as we explore our oceans. Campers will get to explore the magic our ocean has to offer, get up close and personal with its inhabitants at Living Coast Discovery Center, explore tide pools and study the science behind tides and currents. We will learn about how important our oceans are to us and how best to be environmentally.

Outrageous Art

Ages 7-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPOART33 FIND SESSIONS
Get ready to take art to the extreme! In this camp our extreme artists will use different mediums to express themselves through the use of clay, watercolors, pastels and more. Campers will get their hands messy, create art with their bodies and use unconventional methods to make masterpieces. Be prepared, this camp is sure to be a little messy and a lot of fun!

Pokémon

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPPKM33 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: CPRRF33 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: CPSDH33 FIND SESSIONS
Campers will get to explore all the amazing things that make San Diego the best city in the world! Each day they 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 number one.

San Diego Zoo

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPSDZ33 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!

SD Humane Animal Adventures

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPSDHM33 COMING SOON
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.

SeaWorld

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPSWLD33 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.

Splash

Ages 6-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPSPLSH33 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.

STEM Out of this World

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPSTMOW33 FIND SESSIONS
Space is the place for this exciting STEM based camp that focuses on planets and the world above. Campers will participate in hands-on activities that allow them to design, build, model, launch and create.

Waterpalooza

Ages 6-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPWTRP33 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.

We’ve Got Chemistry

Ages 7-10| SEARCH CODE: CPWGC33 FIND SESSIONS
Calling all junior chemists! Get your beakers and flasks ready because this camp is all about chemistry! Campers will get the chance to experiment with different chemical reactions for some sensational results.

REGISTER

 

 

About Us

Our Branch

MCGRATH FAMILY YMCA
Address: 12006 Campo Road, Spring Valley, CA 91978
Phone: (619) 462-9622
 

Camp Locations and Hours of Operation

McGrath Family YMCA
Address: 12006 Campo Road, Spring Valley, CA 91978
Full-day: 8:00am-5:00pm Drop-off: 8:00-9:00 am | Pick-up: 4:00-5:00pm 

Directors and Supervisors

CAMP DIRECTOR
Melanie Navarro
[email protected]

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!