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!
School break CAMP SESSIONS
- October 26-30, 2026
- Veteran’s Day (November 11, 2026)
- Thanksgiving Break (November 23-25, 2026
- Winter Break 1 (December 21-23, 2026)
- Winter Break 2 (December 28-31, 2026)
REGISTER TODAY
- Register Online — We have invested in new technology, and signing up online is the best way to secure your top picks. Make sure your new account is ready to register.
- Register in Person — Directions Here
- Register by Phone — (760) 942-9622
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
stay tuned for the latest camp offerings!
School Break Camps
CAMP INFORMATION
OCTOBER 26-30
Adventure Camp | Ages 7-13
Dates: October 26-30
Join the ultimate adventure as we explore some of San Diego’s most exciting attractions! Campers will travel to a new destination each day aboard the YMCA bus with our trusted Y staff. Adventures include trips to laser tag, bowling, ice skating, trampoline parks and more. Every day brings a new experience and unforgettable memories!
High 5's Camp | Age 5
Dates: October 26-30
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, outdoor activities, playing games, and learning new skills.
(Please note that swim is only offered during week-long camp sessions).
Multisport | Age 6-10
Dates: October 26-30
Campers will stay active and have fun exploring a variety of recreational sports, including basketball, baseball, soccer, flag football and more. Our counselors emphasize teamwork and sportsmanship while encouraging every to try new activities. Each day also includes traditional camp favorites to round out the experience.
Skate | Ages 6-12
Dates: October 26-30
This camp is for the beginner skateboard level and up. Camper’s skills will be assessed on day one to determine group placement. The beginner groups will receive hands-on instruction time to gain the skills and confidence to skate on their own. The afternoons will be dedicated to free skate where the beginners are able to practice the skills they worked on in group instruction. The intermediate/advanced groups will be challenged to attempt new skills and tricks by counselors but will not receive group instruction time. A Skate Jam will be held on Friday where families can watch campers show off their rad new skills.
Note: If your child is a first timer, we recommend 1-2 months of skateboard lessons prior to their camp week. The instruction in skate camp is more limited due to the size of the groups.
Splash | Ages 6-11
Dates: October 26-30
This wet, wild and fun camp is perfect for your little fishies! Campers will start their day with light swim instruction led by our YMCA-certified lifeguards, then enjoy an afternoon of extended pool time willed with splishing, splashing and water play.
They’ll also take part in exciting on-site water activities at the Y. When they’re not in the pool, campers will be busy with classic camp fun such as games, songs sports and more!
(Note: Each morning, all campers will complete a swim review, which includes swimming 15 feet out and back and treading water for 60 seconds.
VETERAN'S DAY (NOVEMBER 11)
Creative Discovery | Ages 6-9
Dates: November 11
Get ready to create, explore, play, and discover! Campers will fill their days with colorful arts and crafts, outdoor adventures, group games, hands-on projects, and even a few fun science experiments along the way. Throughout the day, campers will break into age-appropriate groups for activities designed just for them, giving everyone plenty of opportunities to get creative, try something new, make friends, and have fun!
High 5's Camp | Age 5
Dates: November 11
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, outdoor activities, playing games, and learning new skills.
Skate | Ages 6-12
Dates: November 11
This camp is for the beginner skateboard level and up. Camper’s skills will be assessed on day one to determine group placement. The beginner groups will receive hands-on instruction time to gain the skills and confidence to skate on their own. The afternoons will be dedicated to free skate where the beginners are able to practice the skills they worked on in group instruction. The intermediate/advanced groups will be challenged to attempt new skills and tricks by counselors but will not receive group instruction time. A Skate Jam will be held on Friday where families can watch campers show off their rad new skills.
Note: If your child is a first timer, we recommend 1-2 months of skateboard lessons prior to their camp week. The instruction in skate camp is more limited due to the size of the groups.
THANKSGIVING BREAK (NOVEmBER 23-25)
Cooking | AGES 6-12
DATES: November 23-25, 2026
There’s nothing quite like classic Thanksgiving dishes! This short week of cooking camp will focus on creating popular Thanksgiving dishes and no-bake dessert, while also teaching basic culinary skills and safety. Campers will create their own recipe book so they can practice their new skills at home!
Create & Explore Camp | AGES 6-9
DATES: November 23-25, 2026
Get ready to create, explore, play and discover! Campers will fill their days with colorful arts and crafts, outdoor adventures, group games, hands-on projects and even a few fun science experiments along the way. Throughout the day, campers will break into age-appropriate groups for activities designed just for them, giving everyone plenty of opportunities to get creative, try something new, make friends and have fun!
Skate | AGES 7-12
DATES: Novmeber 23-25, 2026
This camp is for the beginner skateboard level and up. Camper’s skills will be assessed on day one to determine group placement. The beginner groups will receive hands-on instruction time to gain the skills and confidence to skate on their own. The afternoons will be dedicated to free skate where the beginners are able to practice the skills they worked on in group instruction. The intermediate/advanced groups will be challenged to attempt new skills and tricks by counselors but will not receive group instruction time. A Skate Jam will be held on Friday where families can watch campers show off their rad new skills.
Note: If your child is a first timer, we recommend 1-2 months of skateboard lessons prior to their camp week. The instruction in skate camp is more limited due to the size of the groups.
High 5's | Age 5
DATES: Novmeber 23-25, 2026
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, outdoor activities, playing games, and learning new skills.
LIT Fieldwork| AGES 13-17
DATES: November 23-25, 2026
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 team. 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 childcare career. Teens will be placed into age-appropriate camps for the 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!
Note: Your child must have gone through the LIT Training course this past summer in order to register for Fieldwork.
WINTER BREAk WEEK 1 (DECEMBER 21-23)
Create & Explore Camp | Ages 6–9
DATES: December 21-23, 2026
Get ready to create, explore, play, and discover! Campers will fill their days with colorful arts and crafts, outdoor adventures, group games, hands-on projects, and even a few fun science experiments along the way. Throughout the day, campers will break into age-appropriate groups for activities designed just for them, giving everyone plenty of opportunities to get creative, try something new, make friends, and have fun!
Dessert Island | Ages 6-9
DATES: December 21-23, 2026
Campers will focus on creating delicious desserts of all kinds and create their own recipe books. From “no-bake” pies & cake pops to homemade ice cream and puddings, this camp will surely satisfy!
Although some healthy options will be explored, sugar and spice and all nice things will make up this week of camp.
Pickleball | Ages 7-12
DATES: December 21-23, 2026
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, as well as participate in other traditional style camp games and activities. This camp is perfect for your camper who wants to try out a new sport and test out their paddle sport skills.
Skate | Ages 6-12
DATES: December 21-23, 2026
This camp is for the beginner skateboard level and up. Camper’s skills will be assessed on day one to determine group placement. The beginner groups will receive hands-on instruction time to gain the skills and confidence to skate on their own. The afternoons will be dedicated to free skate where the beginners are able to practice the skills they worked on in group instruction. The intermediate/advanced groups will be challenged to attempt new skills and tricks by counselors but will not receive group instruction time. A Skate Jam will be held on Friday where families can watch campers show off their rad new skills.
Note: If your child is a first timer, we recommend 1-2 months of skateboard lessons prior to their camp week. The instruction in skate camp is more limited due to the size of the groups.
High 5's | Age 5
DATES: December 21-23, 2026
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, outdoor activities, playing games, and learning new skills.
LIT Fieldwork | Ages 13-17
DATES: December 21-23, 2026
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 team. 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 childcare career. Teens will be placed into age-appropriate camps for the 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!
Note: Your child must have gone through the LIT Training course this past summer in order to register for Fieldwork.
WINTER BREAk WEEK 2 (DECEMBER 28-31)
Basketball | Ages 6-11
DATES: December 28-31, 2026
Your camper could be the next big NBA star with this fundamental sports week. Daily activities include instruction in dribbling, passing, shooting and positioning. Along with daily scrimmages and other traditional camp games and activities, this camp is ideal for young athletes looking for a summer building fundamental skills.
Note: To ensure the best experience for everyone, campers will be divided into two groups that will be based on age and/or skill level.
Create & Explore Camp | Ages 6–9
DATES: December 28-31, 2026
Get ready to create, explore, play, and discover! Campers will fill their days with colorful arts and crafts, outdoor adventures, group games, hands-on projects, and even a few fun science experiments along the way. Throughout the day, campers will break into age-appropriate groups for activities designed just for them, giving everyone plenty of opportunities to get creative, try something new, make friends, and have fun!
Gymnastics Camp (Located at our Gymnastics Center in Carlsbad) | AgeS 6-12
DATES: December 28-31, 2026
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.
High 5's | Age 5
DATES: December 28-31, 2026
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, outdoor activities, playing games, and learning new skills.
Ice Skating Camp | Ages 7-13
DATES: December 28-31, 2026
It’s a winter wonderland! 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 basic lessons in skating from SD Ice staff. No skating equipment is required. Layered clothing and gloves are recommended.
LIT Training | Ages13-17
DATES: December 28-31, 2026
The Leaders Training (LIT) Program is designed for older campers who are interested in developing the skills needed to become future Camp Leaders. Through this program, teens gain real-world work and life experience by learning effective communication, basic leadership and management techniques, and how to build confidence while working with younger campers. LITs also receive CPR and First Aid certification as part of the program. To ensure all participants are up to date on current policies and procedures, LITs are required to complete this training each year in order to begin their fieldwork, regardless of prior participation or experience in the program.
Skate | Ages 6-12
DATES: December 28-31, 2026
This camp is for the beginner skateboard level and up. Camper’s skills will be assessed on day one to determine group placement. The beginner groups will receive hands-on instruction time to gain the skills and confidence to skate on their own. The afternoons will be dedicated to free skate where the beginners are able to practice the skills they worked on in group instruction. The intermediate/advanced groups will be challenged to attempt new skills and tricks by counselors but will not receive group instruction time. A Skate Jam will be held on Friday where families can watch campers show off their rad new skills.
Note: If your child is a first timer, we recommend 1-2 months of skateboard lessons prior to their camp week. The instruction in skate camp is more limited due to the size of the groups.
About Us
Our Branch
MAGDALENA ECKE FAMILY 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
YMCA Gymnastics Center
Address: 2661 Cosmos Court, Carlsbad, CA 92011
SCHOOL BREAK DAY CAMP
Camp Hours:
- Full-day: 8:00am–4:00pm
- Drop-off: 8:00am–8:45am
- Pick-up: 3:00pm–4:00pm
No extended hours offered during school break camps.
Directors and Supervisors
CAMP DIRECTOR
Brittney Lingenfelter
blingenfelter@ymcasd.org | (760) 942-9622 ext 1850
CAMP COORDINATOR
Sarah Lawrence
slawrence@ymcasd.org
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
- 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.
- Note: any day camps less than three days will have no deposit and will require to be paid in full at time of registration.
- For Summer sessions, balances will be due three weeks prior to the first day of camp.
- For school break camps, balance dues will be one week before the camp date.
- An active membership is required at the time of the program start date to receive the member pricing discount.
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
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. Space is limited.
Camp financial assistance
Financial assistance is available through the Y’s ACCESS Financial Assistance program or through third party payment support.
Apply at ymcasd.org/access or pick up a confidential application at our front desk. We also accept third party payments from agencies such as CDA, CRS, KINSHIP and Cal-Works. To learn about or apply for state child care funding assistance, please visit childcaresandiego.com.
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 eckecamps@ymcasd.org, or contact our Camp Director Brittney Couglar at bcouglar@ymcasd.org, with any questions, comments or concerns!
