Your First Day at Summer Day Camp: What to Expect at YMCA Summer Day Camp

Starting summer day camp for the first time is a big (and exciting!) step for kids and families. At YMCA Summer Day Camp, we know that feeling prepared makes the experience even more enjoyable. Whether your camper is a kindergartner or heading into 8th grade, this guide will walk you through what a typical day looks like—and why your child will love it here!

Getting to Camp: Smooth Drop-Offs

Campers can arrive in three different ways:

• Early Bird Power Hour (6:45–7:45 AM): Perfect for early risers. Check in at Door 61E and jump into Morning Centers and a bonus activity.
• Traditional Drop-Off (7:45–8:30 AM): Also at Door 61E. Campers ease into their day with quiet fun before Snack.
• Mid-Day Drop-Offs (after 8:30 AM): No worries! Just come to Door 53S and check in with the office.

If your camper is part of an off-site village, staff will help make sure they get where they need to be safely.

Welcome to Your Village

YMCA Summer Day Camp is divided into four “villages” by grade, each with its own habitat and mascot:

• Pathfinders – Kindergarten (1st Floor)
• Explorers – Grades 1–2 (2nd Floor)
• Trailblazers – Grades 3–5 (3rd Floor)
• Rangers – Grades 6–8 (1st Floor)

Your camper’s “Cabin” is their home base for the week, where they’ll bond with a consistent group of peers and a caring counselor.

A Full Day of Adventure

Every day is packed with a mix of structured fun and free choice, including:

• Creation & Innovation: Cabin teams work together on creative challenges
• Activity Blocks: Campers choose between art, sports, or games
• Park Visits: Morning adventures at North Park
• Swimming & Sports at the Y: Gaga, volleyball, and archery
• Field Trips: Weekly off-site adventures (age-dependent)
• Cabin Time: Low-key bonding with their group
• Bonus Block: Surprise fun like guest visitors or special events
• All-Camp Adventure: Giant themed games with the whole camp (yes, costumes are encouraged!)

Meals, Music & Recharge Time

• Lunch: Bring a packed lunch and enjoy it with music and dancing—maybe even win the Table Tiki for cleanest table!
• Recharge Time: A calmer moment in the day for rest, quiet activities, and recharging those camp batteries.

Camp Traditions & Theme Days

Camp wouldn’t be camp without a few traditions! Your camper can look forward to:

• Opening Ceremonies & Star Trekkin Dance
• Tropical Mondays – Wear your best beachy attire!
• Tie Dye Thursdays – Get groovy in your camp tie dye
• Friday Theme Days – Costumes welcome!
• Cleanest Cabin Challenge – A daily contest for tidiness
• Parting Glass: A heartfelt camp-wide send-off at day’s end

First Day Confidence

At YMCA Summer Day Camp, we’ve created a safe, inclusive, and fun environment where kids can thrive, try new things, and make lifelong memories. Whether your camper is artistic, adventurous, sporty, or all of the above, there’s a place for them here.

Our staff are trained to support first-time campers with patience, positivity, and plenty of encouragement. From drop-off to pick-up, we’re here to make their experience—and yours—a great one.

Have questions before the first day?
We’re happy to help—just reach out to the camp team. We can’t wait to see you at YMCA Summer Day Camp!