Camps

Day Camp

Get ready for a summer full of fun, friends and adventure. Below, you’ll find camp descriptions, dates, pricing and direct registration links to help you find the perfect camp!

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ABOVE AND BEYOND

At the YMCA of San Diego County, we believe all kids deserve the chance to experience the life-changing power of camp. Since 1882, our camps have inspired kids with countless opportunities to laugh, lead and build lasting friendships. Discover all the fun waiting for YOU!

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AGE
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SUMMER 2026

LOCATION KEYS:
bus = Traveling Camp swim = Camper will swim
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Y COMMUNITY PLUS**
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NON MEMBER
LOCATION
Age: 8-12 | Dates: June 1-5

LOCATION KEY

DMFY: Dan McKinney Family YMCA | SRC: Standley Recreation Center

McKinney Camp Director Hannah Lewis

DEAR FAMILIES,

Welcome to Day Camp here at the Dan McKinney YMCA! I am so excited to see new and familiar faces this coming summer where we’ll have fun in the sun, make new friends and learn something new! I have spent 15 summers at the Dan McKinney Y starting out as a Leader in Training and have been coming back summer after summer to continue being part of camp in any and all capacities. I now have the privilege of being the camp director, for which I am so proud to be a part of. Please use this camp guide as a tool for navigating all the fun and exciting camps we have planned this summer. You’ll find returning camp favorites that families know and love, along with new offerings to explore. I look forward to another summer camp here at McKinney and I’m excited to meet you all soon!

Hannah Lewis, Camp Director

Photo of kids playing by water.

JOIN US FOR OVERNIGHT CAMPS

Camp Marston | Camp Surf | Raintree Ranch

There’s something truly special about the YMCA of San Diego’s three overnight camps. At camp, kids unplug from screens, connect with nature and find joy in discovering how just how capable they are.

INTEREST LIST INFO

KEEP HIDDEN UNTIL INTEREST LIST GOES LIVE IN MAY

Important Camp Information

CAMP LOCATIONS and hours

DAN MCKINNEY FAMILY YMCA

8355 Cliffridge Ave
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 453-3483 

Camp Hours of Operation: 7:30am – 5:30pm
Drop off: 7:30am – 9:00am
Pick up: 3:30pm – 4:00pm
PM Extended Camp Hours: 4:00 – 5:30pm

STANDLEY RECREATION CENTER

3585 Governor Dr
San Diego, CA 92122

Camp Hours of Operation:  8:00am – 5:00pm
Drop off: 8:00am – 9:00am
Pick up: 4:00pm – 5:00pm

contact information

CAMP DIRECTOR: HANNAH LEWIS
DAN MCKINNEY FAMILY YMCA

For registration and general inquiries: 
(858) 453-3483 

ymca access scholarship program
Apply online here 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
OUR CAMP STAFF

We take 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.

OUR TRAINING PROGRAM INCLUDES:
  • CPR and First Aid certification
  • Behavior guidance and trauma informed care
  • Child protection and abuse prevention
  • General risk management and prevention
  • Support campers with special needs
  • Pool safety
  • Heat and sun protection safety

HOW TO REGISTER

REGISTER ONLINE

Signing up online is the best way to secure your top picks. Make sure your My Y account is ready for action! Learn about how to get set up here.

REGISTER IN-PERSON

Walk in to the Welcome Center at your branch.

REGISTER BY PHONE

Call our branch: (858) 453-3483 

YMCA members save on camp pricing! Y Community Plus members receive up to 15% off, and Y Community members save up to 10% off the nonmember rate.

Update your MY Y ACCOUNT

Prior to registration day, please log in to your My Y Account to make sure your profile is complete with payment method, valid email address, etc. If you are new to the Y, you can set up your account now.

What does a 
TYPICAL CAMP DAY 
LOOK LIKE?

7:30 - 9:00am

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Morning Activities & Camper Drop Off

9:00-9:30am

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Opening Circle

9:30am-12:00pm

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Camp Rotations

12:00-1:00pm

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Lunch

1:00-3:30pm

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Camp Rotations

3:30-4:00pm 

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Closing Circle & Camper Pick Up

4:00-5:30pm

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PM Extended & Camper Pick Up

Times are subject to change 

Most camps will spend two rotations focusing on their specialty activity. The additional two rotations that occur throughout the day are spent at our Activity Stations which include activities like arts and crafts, STEAM, songs, games and more! 

A significant portion of the day is spent playing outside.

Please make sure you apply sunscreen to your kids before dropping them off. 

Our Camps are ACA Accredited

The American Camp Association is the only nationwide organization that accredits children’s camps.  The ACA Accreditation process is a commitment by camps to the highest standards of health, safety and program quality. Accreditation requirements include a focus on staff qualifications, training, supervision ratios and procedures, as well as operational management including safety regulations and emergency procedures and communications. 

here’s what
parents have to say
“My daughter loved seeing friends and making new ones. This past summer was our first Y camp of the year and I thought it was well organized, kid focused and the staff were very friendly and respectful.”
here’s what
parents have to say
“It is very clear that everyone truly enjoys working with children and has created an environment that is super fun and welcoming. There are also so many different options for different camps”
Important Camp Information
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you offer financial assistance? 

We offer financial assistance through our Access Scholarship Program to qualified applicants, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. 

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. 

We will supply the atmosphere for a great camp experience and ask that you send your camper with a lunch, at least two snacks, a water bottle, sunscreen, hat and closed-toe shoes.

Campers will spend a significant amount of time outdoors. We recommend applying sunscreen before you get to camp and our camp staff will supply sunscreen to campers regularly throughout the day.

If a camp is full, you may add your child to the waitlist. As spots open, families will be contacted in waitlist order until May 15, 2026. After May 15, the waitlist will be cleared, and families will receive an email inviting them to join the interest list, which will register on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note: families previously on the waitlist must add themselves to the interest list using the link provided in that email. Once the waitlist option closes, you can visit our website blog to view camp updates and alternative camp suggestions, families will also be emailed when new information is posted.

A nonrefundable deposit of up to $60 is required for each week of camp. Deposits are applied to the camp fee. Camp fees are the published rates in this brochure and are good up to the Monday before camp begins. To discuss payment options, please contact the branch.

General pre-camp emails will be sent out on the Tuesday prior to the start of camp.

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.

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.

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We have family membership options that include either one or two adults with children 17 and under.

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