Overnight Summer Camp at Surf - YMCA of San Diego County

Summer camp

Are you ready for positive, life-changing experiences in the outdoors? Look no further than YMCA Overnight Camps. We combine the fun your children want with the growth experiences they need. YMCA Camp Surf is a spectacular, ocean-front camp just south of San Diego. This 45 acre treasure offers one-week and two-week sessions. With activities including archery, climbing tower, teambuilding, traditional camp activities, surfing and boogie boarding, our staff are committed to working with children and teens to help them develop the skills and relationships they will need to be confident, healthy and connected as they grow. Our camps add laughter, leadership, and lifelong memories to a host of activities. While the ocean is certainly a big draw and part of camp, we are not strictly a surf camp. The value and benefits of the YMCA Camp Surf experience extends far beyond that. Campers will develop strong friendships, spend great time outdoors, develop social skills, feel a sense of belonging and exhibit increased confidence.

Overnight Camp Informational Sessions

In-Person Open House

You are invited to our 2025 in-person open house on Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 1:00–5:00pm. Come take a tour, meet the staff, try a camp activity and a delicious camp cookie! All YMCA of San Diego overnight camps will be hosting their respective open house on this day at the same time. Please note that registration is not required for this event — just show up and show out! We’ll see you at camp!

Explore what our overnight camp programs have to offer during our virtual open house and camp preparation sessions! See below to register. Get your questions answered and see why our camps are the perfect adventure for your camper.

Camp Surf

Open House
- February 18, 2025 | 7:00pm (PST) — Register Here
- March 25, 2025 | 7:00pm (PST) — Register Here
Preparing for Camp
- April 15, 2025 | 7:00pm (PST) — Register Here
- May 13, 2025 | 7:00pm (PST) — Register Here

Summer 2025 Overnight Registration

WATER QUALITY

The safety and wellbeing of our campers is paramount to everything we do. We automatically receive daily testing results facilitated by San Diego County and will not put campers in the water under any advisory or closure. The day-to-day results depend on several factors including swell, wind, and current direction, and can be quite unpredictable – open one day and closed the next; open in the morning and closed in the evening; open all week long or closed all week long. In the event we have an ocean closure we have plans in place for engaging alternative programming that includes:

When the water is closed, campers will be transported by bus to off-site beaches multiple times throughout the week.* For Summer 2025 have secured access to beaches on the Coronado Navy bases, allowing us to provide the same amazing ocean experiences we are known for! On the rare occasion beaches are closed in Coronado, we also have permits to transport to other San Diego area beaches (ex. Mission Beach). Our staff (including lifeguards) will continue to supervise campers at these beaches.
On-site activities such as our expanded skate park, archery range, climbing tower, sports activities, bicycles, beach and jetty explorations, and more.

*Subject to permitting and logistic needs.

Program Options - Camp Surf

Campers will find friendship and adventure in one of four unique villages – Mariners, Watermen, Beachcombers or SOUL Surfers. Villages are separated by age.

Teens entering the 12th grade have the unique opportunity to apply to be a YMCA Camp Surf Camp Assistant.

Summer Camp at Surf