Day Camp
- YMCA Camp Surf
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!
create your camp account
Register for camp through CampInTouch, our online portal powered by CampMinder! Please note: This is a completely different system than your My Y account. Here you can fill out your camper application, camper forms, view photos and make online payments all in the same place.
Camp surf voyagers
YMCA Camp Surf’s Voyagers program offers campers the chance to experience it all! From the excitement of archery and rock climbing to the creativity of arts and crafts and plenty of water time surfing and bodyboarding, every day is packed with thrilling activities. This program is designed to help kids build self-confidence, develop social skills and form lasting friendships, all while trying new things in a supportive environment. It’s the perfect camp for kids who love variety and want to create unforgettable memories! Daily hot lunch included.
Program Details
Grades: 1-7
Duration: Weekly sessions from June 8-August 7
Staffing: Camp will be run by Camp Surf staff and lifeguards
pricing
Community Plus Member: $327 | Y Member: $378 | Non-member: $420
water sports day camp
We’ve partnered with the Mission Bay Boat and Ski Club to offer an exciting day camp at the north end of Mission Bay! This camp is designed for kids of all skill levels, featuring a variety of water sports, games and activities that promote fun, learning and adventure. All equipment, lunch and snacks are included! Campers will have the opportunity to try kayaking, standup paddleboarding, surfing, bodyboarding and more! Campers will start by learning in a small inlet and then practice their skills on the beautiful waters of Mission Bay.
Program Details
Grades: 3-9
Duration: Weekly sessions from June 8-August 7
Staffing: Camp will be run by Camp Surf staff and lifeguards
pricing
Community Plus Member: $368 | Y Member: $389 | Non-member: $433
DEAR FAMILIES,
Thank you for considering YMCA Camp Surf for your child’s summer adventures! To our returning families, welcome back — we’re so grateful to have you as part of our Y community. At Camp Surf, we help every camper build friendships, achieve meaningful goals, and feel a true sense of belonging — our “F.A.B.” focus. Each day is designed to be fun, enriching, and full of discovery, whether campers are trying something new or enjoying the outdoors with friends. We’re excited to share that beach water quality improved this fall, and we’re hopeful that trend will continue into summer. If closures do occur, we’re fully prepared with offsite water activities to keep the fun going. We’re also thrilled to bring back the optional Sleep Out for grades 5–7, giving older campers a memorable night under the stars. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to call, email, or stop by — we’re here to help! We’re looking forward to a summer filled with adventure, growth, and laughter, and we hope your family will join us in making it the best one yet
Payton Schoonmaker, Camp Director
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.
CAMP LOCATIONS
YMCA Camp Surf
MISSION BAY BOAT & SKI CLUB
CAMP HOURS
Camp Surf Voyagers
MONDAY-FRIDAY
Drop off: 7:30 – 9:00am
Full-day: 9:00am – 2:00pm
Pick up: 4:30 – 5:30pm
water sports day camp
MONDAY-THURSDAY
Drop off: 8:00 – 9:00am
Full-day: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Pick up: 4:00 – 5:00pm
FRIDAY
Drop off: 8:00 – 9:00am
Full-day: 9:00am – 2:00pm
Pick up: 2:00 – 3:00pm
contact information
CAMP DIRECTOR: Payton Schoonmaker
CAMP SUPPORT
YMCA CAMP SURF
For registration and general inquiries:
619-423-5850
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
- Water safety
- Heat and sun protection safety
HOW TO REGISTER
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.
Create your camp account
We’re excited to introduce our new registration system CampInTouch (powered by CampMinder)! Please note: This is a completely different system than your My Y account. Here you can fill out your camper application, camper forms, view photos and make online payments all in the same place.
sample schedules
camp surf voyagers
8:00-9:00am
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Daily Drop-Off
9:00am
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Daily Orientation & Water Time
12:30pm
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Lunch (included) & Siesta
2:00pm
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Land Activities
4:00pm
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Closing & Group Time
4:30-5:00pm
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Camp Pick-Up
water sports day camp
8:00am
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Check In Starts
8:45am
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Group Time
9:00am
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Welcoming
9:15am
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Paddleboarding
10:45am
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Marine Science
12:15pm
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Lunch
1:00pm
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Kayaking
4:00-5:00pm*
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Check Out
*Friday check out 2-3pm
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!
Please bring a hat, water bottle and 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.
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.
What do I need to send with my camper each day?
We will supply the atmosphere for a great camp experience and ask that you send your camper with a swim suit, towel, flip flops or sandals, a water bottle, sunscreen, hat and closed-toe shoes.
Our Camp Programs 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.
What happens if a day camp I want to register for is full?
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.
Can you tell me more about camp fees and deposits?
A nonrefundable deposit of up to $60 is required for each week of camp. Deposits are applied to the camp fee.
The remainder of the balance will be due by May 15. An auto draft reminder email will be sent prior to May 15th and the payment method you approved at the time of registration will be charged on May 15th. Please note: this due date is only for Camp Surf and is different from other YMCA Branch Day Camps
When will information on the camp week be available?
General pre-camp emails will be sent out on the Tuesday prior to the start of camp.
What if my camper has dietary needs?
We will do our best to accommodate the needs of severe allergies. Please contact us ahead of time with questions or concerns. Food Service Director: Joe Breedlove jbreedlove@ymcasd.org
How important is a wetsuit?
A wetsuit is recommended since it will make water time more comfortable for most children, but it is not required. San Diego ocean temperatures can be a “refreshing” 60 – 70 degrees in the summer. Mission bay tends to be about a little warmer than the ocean. You know your child best, for some campers a bathing suit and rash guard are enough to be comfortable.
