Day Camp at YMCA Camp Surf
SURF'S UP AT THE Y!
Your family can count on YMCA Camp Surf to ensure your child is having fun in a safe, nurturing environment. Located on 45 acres right on the Pacific Ocean in San Diego, YMCA Camp Surf is one of a kind. Activities include archery, climbing tower, arts & crafts, team building and, of course, surfing and boogie boarding.
At YMCA Camp Surf, we focus on helping every camper make new friendships, experience meaningful achievements and feel a true sense of belonging-what we call our “F.A.B.” goals. Whether your camper is trying something new, perfecting a skill or simply enjoying time outdoors with friends, every day at YMCA Camp Surf is designed to be fun, enriching and full of discovery.
FIND YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE!
SUMMER 2025 REGISTRATION DATES
- First Week of Camp: June 9-13, 2025
- Last Week of Camp: August 4-8, 2025
SUMMER DAY CAMP REGISTRATION
NEW! CampinTouch
NEW REGISTRATION PROCESS FOR SUMMER 2025
We’re thrilled to introduce CampInTouch, our new registration platform for YMCA Camp Surf. If you’re new to summer day camps, welcome! If you are a regular at YMCA Camp Surf, we think you’ll love the new process and communication tools. Please note: This is a completely different system than your My Y account. Here’s what’s new for the 2025 summer camping season:
- A new, simplified registration process
- Interactive communication for parents
- Digital forms
- Enhanced photo viewer
QUESTIONS?
We know you may have questions about the new platform. View our FAQ page for more information.
Members save on camp!
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 MEMBERSHIP
- Up to 10% off day and overnight camps.
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.
SUMMER 2025 DAY CAMPS
Check out our summer 2025 day camp offerings by viewing our online camp guide!
NEW FOR 2025!
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. Campers will have the opportunity to try kayaking, standup paddleboarding, surfing, bodyboarding and more! All equipment, lunch and snacks included!
GRADES: 3-9
DATES: WEEKLY SESSIONS JUNE 9-AUGUST 1
HOURS: MONDAY-THURSDAY 9AM-2PM | FRIDAY 9AM-12PM
FEES: NONMEMBER $300 | Y COMMUNITY $270 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $255
CAMP INFORMATION
Voyagers | GRADES 1-3 & 4-7
DATES: AVAILABLE ALL CAMP SESSIONS (JUNE 9-August 8)
Ready for a summer filled with adventure, fun and friendships? 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 at Camp Surf!
FEES: NONMEMBER $409 | Y COMMUNITY $369 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $348
Cooking |GRADES 4-7
DATES: June 30-July 4, August 4-8
Join a member of our amazing food service team as they introduce campers to the joy of cooking! In addition to traditional day camp activities, campers will make different foods using a wide variety of tools and cooking methods. They will also learn basic kitchen skills such as proper cutting, measuring and general food safety in a safe environment under the watchful eyes of our experienced team. We cater to different dietary restrictions and needs, so if your child has any allergies or other dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, lactose intolerant, etc.) please let us know when signing your child up so we can adjust our material appropriately.
FEES: NONMEMBER $409 | Y COMMUNITY $369 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $348
MARINE SCIENCE | GRADES 3-7
DATES: June 9-13, July 7-11
Does your child love exploring tide pools, discovering marine creatures and learning about the ocean? Our Marine Science camp is perfect for curious minds eager to dive into the wonders of the sea. Campers will enjoy hands-on exploration of marine life and ecosystems while building meaningful connections to the ocean and the life it supports, including ours. In addition to traditional day camp activities, campers will participate in engaging lessons and interactive experiences designed to inspire environmental stewardship. From searching tide pools to learning about ocean conservation, this camp offers a sea of discovery and fun!
FEES: NONMEMBER $409 | Y COMMUNITY $369| Y COMMUNITY PLUS $348
OUTDOOR EXPLORERS | GRADES 3-7
DATES: June 23-27, July 28-August 1
Does your child have a passion for adventure and the great outdoors? This camp introduces campers to the exciting world of outdoor recreation, skills and nature discovery, all while including many traditional day camp activities. Campers will have fun learning outdoor skills and developing a deeper connection to nature through hands-on environmental education and awareness. The adventure doesn’t stop there! This camp includes an optional overnight camping trip right here at YMCA Camp Surf. Campers will enjoy a campfire, outdoor cooking and spending the night with friends under the stars. It’s the perfect mix of fun, discovery and outdoor adventure!
FEES: NONMEMBER $409 | Y COMMUNITY $369 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $348
SURF, SKATE & SCOOTER | GRADES 3-7
DATES: June 16-20, July 21-25
What’s more SoCal than surfing and skating? They go together like macaroni and cheese! And as a bonus, we’re adding scooters into the mix. Along with traditional camp activities and catching ocean waves, your child will spend extra time shredding on skateboards or scooters at our on-site skate park. We’ll provide all the gear needed to ensure your child is safe while learning basic surfing and skating skills. It’s the ultimate camp experience for kids who love the thrill of riding waves and ramps!
FEES: NONMEMBER $409 | Y COMMUNITY $369 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $348
WOOD WORKING | GRADES 4-7
DATES: July 14-18
Does your child love building and creating with their hands? Join our talented Facilities team as they guide campers through the craft of woodworking! Along with enjoying traditional day camp activities, campers will dive into hands-on projects using basic hand tools and skills. They’ll learn fundamental techniques like accurate measuring, careful assembly, and safe tool handling, all in a supportive environment under the guidance of our experienced team. By the end of the week, campers will proudly take home two completed projects, showcasing their creativity and craftsmanship.
FEES: NONMEMBER $409 | Y COMMUNITY $369 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $348
About Us
Our Branch
YMCA CAMP SURF
Address: 560 Silver Strand Blvd, Imperial Beach, CA 91932
Phone: (619) 423-5850
Camp Locations and Hours of Operation
YMCA Camp Surf
Address: 560 Silver Strand Blvd, Imperial Beach, CA 91932
- Camp Hours:
- Full day: 9:00am–5:00pm
- Drop off: 8:00–9:00am
- Early Bird: 7:30–8:30am
- Pick up: 4:30–5:00pm
- Night Owl: 5:00–5:30pm
Directors and Supervisors
CAMP DIRECTOR
Payton Schoonmaker
pschoonmaker@ymcasd.org | (619) 423-5850 ext. 1884
About Our Staff
WHAT IS CAMP SURF?
YMCA Camp Surf, located right on the coast with direct access to the beach, is like no other day camp experience around. Your child will enjoy an amazing week filled with adventurous games, crafts, and fun engaging camp activities which promote friendship, achievement and a sense of belonging. Camp Surf has an on-site archery range, climbing tower, skate park, and beach access for surfing, body boarding, or lounging in the sun. Kids will explore and learn about the outdoors searching through tidal life during jetty exploration and learn about ocean safety. Additionally a hot lunch and salad bar is included daily. Please let us know before the session if your camper has any dietary needs. We group campers by age and offer all ages tons of time to play, explore and build responsibility in the outdoors. Our staff are passionate about providing a fun, safe and supportive experience. Each day will be spent building lifelong memories. Register your child now for YMCA Camp Surf Voyagers day camp or check out one of our specialty day camps.
*Subject to permitting and logistic needs.
OCEAN AND BEACH PROGRAMS
For over 50 years, Camp Surf has facilitated meaningful experiences connecting tens of thousands of youth with the ocean. We remain committed to this mission and the power the ocean has as a backdrop where youth can face and overcome challenges, gain ocean safety and recreation skills, learn social skills, support improved mental health and spend quality time outdoors away from the current pressures of technology and busy schedules. All of our day and overnight campers will continue to have regular safe, convenient and impactful access throughout the camp week to the beach and the Pacific Ocean, whether at Camp Surf or on other local San Diego beaches!
While the ocean is certainly a big draw and what makes Camp Surf special, we are not simply 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 and mental health benefits.
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, full camp balances are due by May 15. Please note: this is to align with our overnight camp balance due date and is different from other YMCA branch day camps.
- 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.
- Financial assistance is available through the Y’s ACCESS scholarship program or through third party payment support.
Deposits are non-refundable but can be applied to another YMCA Overnight Camps session at Camp Marston, Camp Surf, Raintree Ranch or another session at Camp Surf Day Camp if space is available available. 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
ADAPTIVE CAMP
PLEASE NOTE: Contact the Camp Director and/or Coordinator to initiate an enrollment request and help us prepare a great experience for your camper. We begin accepting enrollment requests on March 4, 2024 and strive to provide at least one week of camp to all interested families.
Camp Scholarships
Financial assistance is available to families who qualify. Applications are available at the service desk and online. Assistance is based on verified income and completed applications.
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 our Camp Director Payton Schoonmaker at pschoonmaker@ymcasd.org, with any questions, comments or concerns!
