WELCOME TO DAY CAMP AT RANCHO FAMILY YMCA
Your family can count on Rancho 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!
SUMMER 2023 DAY CAMP SIGN-UPS
- Weekly sessions: June 12 - August 11
REGISTER TODAY
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!
TIPS FOR A SMOOTH SIGN-UP
YOUR GUIDE TO SUMMER DAY CAMP
Learn more about our Summer 2023 day camps! View the digital version of Rancho 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. CPSPEC29).
TRADITIONAL CAMPS
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 Rancho Family YMCA, or go straight to the program finder and type or copy/paste a search code (e.g., CPTRAD29) into the search bar to zero in on your camps.
CHALLENGERS
Ages 10-13 | SEARCH CODE: CPCHL29 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.
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CLUB 6/7
Ages 6-7 | SEARCH CODE: CPCL29 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.
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DISCOVERY
Ages 8-9 | SEARCH CODE: CPDSC29 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.
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HIGH FIVES
Age 5 | SEARCH CODE: CPHF29 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.
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LIT FIELDWORK
Ages 13-15 | SEARCH CODE: CPLITF29 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!
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CIT FIELDWORK
Ages 16-17 | SEARCH CODE: CPCIT29 FIND SESSIONS
CIT Fieldwork is geared toward teens who are beginning the transition to becoming camp counselors. They will have additional responsibilities and expectations that are more aligned with those of our staff. Teens will earn school required volunteer service hours by participating in this program. This is the perfect opportunity to complete this requirement and make a difference in our camp community!
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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 Rancho Family YMCA, or go straight to the program finder and type or copy/paste a search code (e.g., CPSPEC29) into the search bar to zero in on your camps.
All Things Crafts
Ages 8-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPATC29 FIND SESSIONS
Come let your creativity flow in this DIY and craft-filled camp! Campers will spend the week exploring various crafty projects from scrapbooking and jewelry making to knitting and more! Campers will take home all their wonderful creations and amaze people with their DIY skills.
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Cooking: Around the World
Ages 5-7 | SEARCH CODE: CPCKAAW29 FIND SESSIONS
This camp teaches children how to make a wide variety of different foods using different cooking methods. Campers will learn how to properly cut, boil and pan fry in as safe an environment as possible, under the watchful eyes of some of our most experienced teachers. Your camper will learn how to make dishes from a variety of different cultures, including but not limited to: Latin American, Asian, American, Italian, Indian and others. If your child has any allergies or other dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, lactose intolerant, etc.) please let us know when signing your child up.
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Cooking: Tasty Eats
Ages 8-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPCKTE29 FIND SESSSIONS
Our young culinary artists will be loaded with helpful tips and tricks after spending a week with our talented chefs. Each day, your sous chef will learn to create delicious, tasty treats combining traditional favorites with out-of-the-box creative concoctions. Campers will create their own recipe books and have multiple takeaway projects and treats that they can enjoy at home.
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Extreme
Ages 8-13 | SEARCH CODE: CPEXT29 FIND SESSIONS
What can be more extreme than paintball, rock climbing, hiking, boogie boarding and more? Join us as we go to the extreme and participate in these awesome games and activities.
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Gym & Swim
Ages 5-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPGS29 FIND SESSIONS
Get the best of both worlds! Campers will spend their week getting gymnastics instruction and spending time in the pool. Gymnastics instruction will include basic tumbling, equipment stations and low beams. Campers will also get the chance to spend time in the pool swimming, splashing and playing with their friends. Please Note: Campers will need to be dropped off at the Canyonside Recreation Center for two days for gymnastics instruction and at Rancho Family YMCA the other days.
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Gymnastics - Palomar
Ages 5-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPGYM29 FIND SESSIONS
Introduce your gymnast to new skills on gymnastics equipment including trampoline, bars, beam and floor. Obstacle courses, parachutes and other tools are used to develop balance, coordination, flexibility and strength through various skill-focused rotations in a safe, fun and supportive environment. Please Note: Gymnastics will take place at the Palomar Family YMCA Escondido.
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Harry Potter
Ages 8-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPHP29 FIND SESSIONS
Welcome to Hogwarts! Campers will be sorted into their magical houses where they will work together to compete in themed crafts, games and projects. Explore the world of Harry Potter by creating a wand, playing Quidditch and becoming a potion master.
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Hike & Climb
Ages 8-13 | SEARCH CODE: CPHC29 FIND SESSIONS
Join us for a week of reaching new heights! Campers will spend three days hiking some of San Diego’s most beautiful hiking trails and spend two days rock climbing at a local climbing gym. When not hiking and climbing, campers will have fun participating in traditional camp activities.
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Ice Skating
Ages 8-13 | SEARCH CODE: CPIS29 FIND SESSIONS
Campers will travel to the San Diego Ice Arena and receive instruction from an ice-skating coach, as well as enjoy free skate time. This camp will culminate in a performance for family and friends on Friday at the San Diego Ice Arena. By the end of the week your camper will have gained new skating skills, made lasting friendships and developed self-confidence in their amazing abilities! Skates are provided, but campers should bring or wear socks every day.
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LEGO Builders
Ages 5-7 | SEARCH CODE: CPLGB29 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 have the opportunity to use their imagination to create their own structures and masterpieces.
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LEGO MINDSTORM Robotics
Ages 8-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPLGMR29 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.
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LEGO WeDo Robotics
Ages 6-9 | SEARCH CODE: CPLGMR29 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!
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Magic
Ages 8-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPMG29 FIND SESSIONS
Abra kadabra! One of our longest running and most popular camps, magic camp offers campers the ability to get a plethora of different magic tricks and learn how to use each and every one to put on a spectacular show! In addition to these many tricks, we will also be building their magical wardrobe with a variety of magical crafts and participating in magical games to test their knowledge and skill as magicians-to-be and as campers who just want to have a lot of fun!
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Ooey Gooey Science
Ages 5-7 & 8-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPOGS29 FIND SESSIONS
Unleash your inner scientist as we get exponentially messy. Campers will experiment with foamy explosions, gooey experiments and other fun projects! Campers will also have fun as they participate in camp games, songs and crafts. Please send your camper to camp in clothes that can get messy.
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Outrageous Art
Ages 5-7 | SEARCH CODE: CPOART29 FIND SESSIONS
Get ready to take art to the extreme! In this camp our artists will use different mediums to express themselves using clay, watercolors, pastels and more. Campers will get their hands messy and create art with their bodies using unconventional methods to make masterpieces. Be prepared, this camp is sure to be a little messy and a lot of fun!
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Paintball Lite
Ages 8-13 | SEARCH CODE: CPPNTBL29 FIND SESSIONS
Join the hottest new tactical game and travel with us to Velocity Park every day in this camp geared specifically towards younger campers. Similar to regular paintball, Paintball Lite is a great intro to this fun and active game. The style of games will be similar, but equipment (tanks, guns and paintballs) will be smaller and lighter. This game makes campers work together and form strategies. It is like paintball, but with a softer impact and slightly slower pace. All equipment is provided. The Y requires all equipment brought from home to be packed away until we arrive at the facility.
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Pokémon
Ages 8-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPPKM29 FIND SESSIONS
Gotta catch ‘em all! Chances are you’ve heard of Pokémon: the global phenomenon that began with catching 151 Pokémon and has since grown to 8 generations of Pokémon, with 893 or more in total, depending on who you ask! In this camp, we will be focusing on everything Pokémon! Campers will have the opportunity to battle with Pokémon cards, make cool Pokémon crafts from accessories to statuettes to our very own cards (not for official use of course) and many, many things in between. Campers will also be able to play Pokémon-related games to test their physical abilities as a Pokémon trainer, as well as trivia to test your Poké-knowledge. Come join the adventure at Pokémon camp!
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Radical Reptiles and Friends
Ages 5-7 | SEARCH CODE: CPRRF29 FIND SESSIONS
Campers will be introduced to a menagerie of live animals including snakes, frogs, tortoises, turtles, lizards, bugs and other creepy crawlies. As the children explore the animal kingdom, they will have a unique, hands-on experience enhanced by art, games and exciting projects related to these animals.
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Rookie Sports
Ages 5-7 | SEARCH CODE: CPRSP29 FIND SESSIONS
Sportsmanship and teamwork become the foundation for an incredible week playing a variety of active games and sports. This camp teaches the understanding of multiple sports, primarily focusing on soccer, basketball, dodgeball, and agility including fun drills, skill lessons and scrimmages.
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SD BMX
Ages 8-13 | SEARCH CODE: CPBMX29 FIND SESSIONS
Learn from BMX world champions and Olympians at Dale Holmes Racing as they supply all the bikes, equipment and instruction for your budding BMX racing pro! This high-demand camp is for beginners and experts alike. All campers will depart with goodie bags stuffed with a t-shirt, hat, stickers and copy of Extreme Cycling. Please note: Long pants and shirt, as well as closed-toe shoes are required for riding, but campers may bring shorts for after riding time at camp.
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SPLASH
Ages 6-8 | SEARCH CODE: CPSPLSH29 FIND SESSIONS
This wet, wild and fun camp is sure to keep your little fishes busy. Campers will enjoy a fun-filled, 30-minute jam-packed swimming lesson with outstanding YMCA-certified lifeguards, followed by an extended swim time full of splishing, splashing and sploshing! Campers will also participate in fun water activities on-site at the Y. When the children are not in the pool, they are having a blast participating in other camp activities such as arts and crafts, games, songs, sports and more.
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SPORTS GALORE
Ages 8-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPSG29 FIND SESSIONS
Why pick one sport when you can play them all? Each day will focus on a different sport such as soccer, basketball, football, dodgeball and more. Sports galore camp is designed to teach campers recreational sports and the value of exercise. Focus will be placed on team play and skill development.
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SUPERHERO
Ages 5-7 | SEARCH CODE: CPSPRH29 FIND SESSIONS
Young superheroes unite! Explore the lives of famous superheroes and supervillains, invent your own character and save the day! We’ll design costumes, create superhero powers and follow our own code of superhero behavior. Dive into fun and games, art projects, story adventures, obstacle courses and more.
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WATER & SAND
Ages 8-13 | SEARCH CODE: CPWS29 FIND SESSIONS
Catch some waves and build sand sculptures in this camp! Campers will spend their week at the beach mastering the art of sand sculptures and learning the basics of bodysurfing. It’ll be a week of fun in the sun! Campers may bring boogie boards from home if they would like - don’t forget a towel and sunscreen.
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WATERPALOOZA
Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPWTRP29 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 and games galore!
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ZOOLOGY
Ages 8-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPZLG29 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. safe learning environment for two hours a day. Campers gain confidence, personal discipline and self-respect through appropriate drills, stretches and games.
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REGISTER
About Us
Our Branch
RANCHO FAMILY YMCA
Address: 9410 Fairgrove Lane, San Diego, CA 92129
Phone: (858) 484-8788
Camp Locations and Hours of Operation
Rancho Family YMCA
Address: 9410 Fairgrove Lane, San Diego, CA 92129
Camp Hours: Drop-off: 8:00am – 9:00am | Pick-up: 3:30pm – 4:00pm
Extended Care (included in camp cost): 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Palomar Family YMCA and Gymnastics Center
Address: 1050 N. Broadway, Escondido, CA 92026
Hours: Drop-off: 8:00am – 9:00am | Pick-up: 3:30pm – 4:00pm
Extended Care (included in camp cost): 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Gymnastics Camps
Directors and Supervisors
CAMP DIRECTOR
Mia Kelliher
[email protected] | (858) 484-8788 ext. 1946
About Our Staff
The Rancho 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.
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
Sylvan Learning
We’re excited to continue our partnership with Sylvan Learning to offer Rancho YMCA families free summer camp and/or membership, based upon select Sylvan enrollment. The specific needs of your child will be thoroughly assessed to facilitate convenient onsite tutoring during our summer camps, and they’re currently offering special pricing, so you won’t have to wait until summer to begin moving your child forward.
Please contact Sylvan directly to arrange a time for your child’s assessment! Call or Text: 858-413-9090
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 our Camp Director, Mia Kelliher at [email protected], with any questions, comments or concerns!
