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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!

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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

    SAVE TIME WITH SEARCH CODESpro tip in a sun graphic

    When you're ready to fill your cart, 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).

     

    YOUR GUIDE TO DAY CAMP

    Learn more about our day camps! Check out the camp descriptions below.

    SUMMER 2024 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

    Age 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.

    Nonmember: $328 | Y Community Member: $296 | Y Community Plus Member: $279

    CLUB 6/7

    Age 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.

    Nonmember: $333 | Y Community Member: $300 | Y Community Plus Member: $284

    DISCOVERY

    Age 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.

    Nonmember: $328 | Y Community Member: $296 | Y Community Plus Member: $279

    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.

    Nonmember: $360 | Y Community Member: $324 | Y Community Plus Member: $306

    LIT TRAINING

    Ages 13-15 | SEARCH CODE: CPLITT33 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.

    Nonmember: $341 | Y Community Member: $307 | Y Community Plus Member: $290

    LIT FIELDWORK

    Ages 13-16 | SEARCH CODE: CPLITF33 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!

    Nonmember: $146 | Y Community Member: $132 | Y Community Plus Member: $125

    REGISTER

     

    SUMMER 2024 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 EXCURSIONS

    Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPAEX33 FIND SESSIONS
    From ocean, zoo and farm animals to pets, Animal Excursions is sure to make your campers ROAR with excitement. Campers will travel for four days to visit their favorite finned, furry, and feathered friends! Highlighted field trips include the San Diego Zoo, Birch Aquarium, Living Coast Discovery Center and more!

    Nonmember: $587 | Y Community Member: $529 | Y Community Plus Member: $499

    Big Messy Art

    Ages 7-12 |SEARCH CODE: CPBMA33 FIND SESSIONS
    Allow your campers to fully engage in art projects that involve unique painting techniques, creative creations and hands-on messy fun. They will also gain insights into the artists behind these techniques — some of whom are even scientists!

    Nonmember: $384 | Y Community Member: $346 | Y Community Plus Member: $327

    Chocolate Lovers Camp 

    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!

    Nonmember: $443 | Y Community Member: $399 | Y Community Plus Member: $377

    Funster Chefs

    Ages 5-6 | SEARCH CODE: CPFCHF33 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 will create their own kid- friendly snack book.

    Nonmember: $384 | Y Community Member: $346 | Y Community Plus Member: $327

    Funster Dance

    Ages 5-6 | SEARCH CODE: CPFDNC33 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). If your little one loves to dance, then Funster Dance camp is perfect for them! Funster Dance camp is a great way for your young dancer to get an introduction to some of the steps, styles and routines used in the many recognized genres of dance. For all dance-themed camps we are moving around a lot, so we encourage campers to bring plenty of water so they can stay hydrated. Join us on the last day of camp for a fun Parent Showcase so your camper can show off their cool new skills!

    Nonmember: $384 | Y Community Member: $346 | Y Community Plus Member: $327

    Funster Disney

    Ages 5-6 | SEARCH CODE: CPFDSN33 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). Welcome to the most magical place at camp! This camp is perfect for all Disney, Marvel and Star Wars enthusiasts. Campers will spend the week playing games, making art and cooking recipes from all the best Disney movies – classic to current!

    Nonmember: $384 | Y Community Member: $346 | Y Community Plus Member: $327

    Funster Gardening

    Ages 5-6 | SEARCH CODE: CPFGAR33 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). 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.

    Nonmember: $384 | Y Community Member: $346 | Y Community Plus Member: $327

    Funster Ooey Gooey Science

    Ages 5-6 | SEARCH CODE: CPFOGS33 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). This camp is perfect for funsters that love to get their hands dirty! Funsters will dig and experiment in the slimiest, gooiest, ickiest and stickiest stuff they can get their hands on. This STEM based camp is sure to be slimy yet satisfying.

    Nonmember: $384 | Y Community Member: $346 | Y Community Plus Member: $327

    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 campers who are ages 5 to 6 (grades K-1). Campers will learn new skills and explore the world of gymnastics for two-and- a-half hours of ability specific instruction by expert Y gymnastics coaches every day. 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!

    Nonmember: $384 | Y Community Member: $346 | Y Community Plus Member: $327

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

    Nonmember: $587 | Y Community Member: $529 | Y Community Plus Member: $499

    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!

    Nonmember: $405 | Y Community Member: $365 | Y Community Plus Member: $345

    Ice Skating

    Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPIS33 FIND SESSIONS
    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. However, campers may bring their own skates and gloves. Please be sure your camper wears/packs a pair of socks.

    Nonmember: $443 | Y Community Member: $399 | Y Community Plus Member: $377

    Jr. Restaurant 

    Ages 10-16 | SEARCH CODE: CPJRRST33 FIND SESSIONS
    This camp literally pays for itself! Campers who enroll in this program will learn about what it is like to run and operate a restaurant and will profit share accordingly! We will discuss a menu that will be posted online for actual orders. Campers will go through a course and receive their food handler’s permit (which may come in handy for future food-service jobs or a career in cooking/restaurants.) Campers will participate in operating a location-less restaurant that actually prepares and delivers food orders.

    Nonmember: $443 | Y Community Member: $399 | Y Community Plus Member: $377

    Munchin’ on STEM

    Ages 6-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPMOS33 FIND SESSIONS
    This innovative camp will combine cooking and science to create one power-packed experience. Campers will create edible structures, design edible cars and learn about multiple scientific processes. Munchin’ on STEM is a fun and delicious way to introduce your camper to the world of science!

    Nonmember: $443 | Y Community Member: $399 | Y Community Plus Member: $377

    Radical Reptiles & Friends

    Age 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.

    Nonmember: $587 | Y Community Member: $529 | Y Community Plus Member: $499

    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, campers will be transported to one of San Diego’s famous attractions from the San Diego Zoo to Cabrillo National Monument. Campers will be learning about the history and culture that makes this city NUMBER ONE!

    Nonmember: $587 | Y Community Member: $529 | Y Community Plus Member: $499

    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 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.

    Nonmember: $587 | Y Community Member: $529 | Y Community Plus Member: $499

    Slime Factory

    Ages 6-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPSF33 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!

    Nonmember: $384 | Y Community Member: $346 | Y Community Plus Member: $327

    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.

    Nonmember: $385 | Y Community Member: $344 | Y Community Plus Member: $325

    SprocKids Trail Riding

    Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPMBIK33 FIND SESSIONS
    The SprocKids Trail Riding biking camp is a week-long camp filled with games, activities and trail rides. Our week starts off with teaching the basic fundamentals of bike skills such as trail safety and stewardship, trail scanning, bike body positioning, braking, gear shifting, turning and cornering, proper climbing and descending, ratcheting and more! Activities, games and trail riding are incorporated into the program to reinforce skills. It’s all about having a blast riding a bike!

    Nonmember: $443 | Y Community Member: $399 | Y Community Plus Member: $377

    Stop-Motion Movie Makers

    Ages 10-16 | SEARCH CODE: CPSMM33 FIND SESSIONS
    Stop-Motion Movie Makers will take the art of stop-motion animation and allow campers to see the many kinds of materials that can be used for stop-motion animation and explore the myriad ways in which this style of film making can be used and the even larger array of stories it can tell. Campers will be able to express their creativity as they work together to form a story and create props, characters and scenery using one of a mix of clay, LEGO figures, LEGO blocks, origami paper characters, stick figure characters, pipe cleaner characters, or any other material they can think of to make their story. This camp is classic stop-motion animation at its finest!

    Nonmember: $384 | Y Community Member: $346 | Y Community Plus Member: $327

    Summit Seekers

    Ages 8-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPSSKS33 FIND SESSIONS
    Join us for a thrilling week of outdoor exploration at our Summit Seekers camp! This action-packed camp is designed for young adventurers looking to challenge their limits and conquer new heights. With a special focus on rock climbing, our campers will spend extra time scaling our state-of-the-art rock wall while learning essential climbing techniques and safety skills. Campers will then be able to put these skills to the test with a day of climbing at a rock-climbing venue. Sign up and watch your camper reach new heights, both on the rock wall and in life!

    Nonmember: $587 | Y Community Member: $529 | Y Community Plus Member: $499

    TeenFit Fusion

    Ages 10-16 | SEARCH CODE: CPTFF33 FIND SESSIONS
    Welcome to TeenFit Fusion, where fitness meets fun and potential takes center stage! Our camp is a dynamic blend of exciting activities, fitness education and personal growth. Get ready to break a sweat, make lifelong friends and discover the incredible capabilities of your body and mind.

    Nonmember: $384 | Y Community Member: $346 | Y Community Plus Member: $327

    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, pool time, splash pad time and water games galore!

    Nonmember: $382 | Y Community Member: $344 | Y Community Plus Member: $325

    Waterpolo

    Ages 10-16 | SEARCH CODE: CPWPLO33 FIND SESSIONS
    This team water sport combines swimming with soccer, basketball, wrestling and other sports to create water polo. Campers will focus on the fundamentals, such as ball handling, individual and team play, positioning and warm-ups. Campers must be able to swim and tread in seven feet water.

    Nonmember: $382 | Y Community Member: $344 | Y Community Plus Member: $325

    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: 8:00-9:00am
      • Pick-up: 4:00-5:00pm

    Directors and Supervisors

    CAMP DIRECTOR
    Melanie Navarro
    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: (619) 462-9622

    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 $60 non-refundable deposit). 
    • Place a $60 non-refundable deposit at the time of registration. Deposit discounts may apply based on membership type.
    • Balances will be due three weeks 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 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

    In order to register, all campers must have a current medical release form updated and submitted to the YMCA. 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.

    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.

    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!