WELCOME TO DAY CAMP
at cameron family ymca
Your family can count on Cameron Family YMCA to ensure your child is having fun in a safe, nurturing environment. The Y offers single day, weekly and specialty camps to meet the needs of parents and match the interests of our campers.
Since 1882, our camps have inspired kids with countless opportunities to laugh, lead and make lasting friendships.
FIND YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE!
SUMMER 2025 REGISTRATION DATES
- Member Registration Opens: February 19, 2025
- Non-Member Registration Opens: February 21, 2025
- First Week of Camp: June 2-6, 2025
- Last Week of Camp: August 11-15, 2025
REGISTER TODAY
- Register Online — We have invested in new technology, and signing up online is the best way to secure your top picks. Make sure your new account is ready to register.
- Register in Person — Directions Here
- Register by Phone — (619) 449-9622
MEMBERS SAVE
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 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.
Y COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP
- Up to 10% off day and overnight camps.
TIPS FOR A SMOOTH SIGN-UP
Please note that you must create a My Y account in order to register. If you are new to the Y, you can set up your account now. If you already have an account, please log in prior to registering to make sure your profile is complete with payment method, valid email address, child’s birth date and full name, etc
SPRING DAY CAMP SESSIONS
- March 31–April 4, 2025
- April 7–11, 2025
- April 14–18, 2025
SPRING DAY CAMP
YMCA day camps are fun-filled, spirited experiences where kids build skills, make friends and create lasting memories. Each week features engaging themes and activities that foster a sense of community and adventure. Whether your child loves sports, STEM, or just exploring new interests, there’s a camp for them! Ready to register? Use this shortcut to view all camps at Cameron Family YMCA, or visit the program finder and enter a search code for the camp of your interest (e.g., CPTRADEX23).
SPRING DAY CAMP DESCRIPTIONS (CLICK TO EXPAND)
BIG MESSY ART
Ages 6-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPBMA23 FIND SESSIONS
Allow your campers to fully engage in art projects that involve unique painting techniques, creative creations and hands-on messy fun. They will also gain insights into the artists behind these techniques — some of whom are even scientists!
SLIME FACTORY
Ages 6-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPWTRP23 FIND SESSIONS
Slime factory is the scientific study of all that’s NOT allowed at the dinner table. Campers will spend part of their day getting their hands dirty by using different ingredients such as glue, glitter, starch and paint to make the thickest, ooey-gooiest slime around! You won’t want to miss this one - it’s slime time!
TRADITIONAL EXTREME
Age 5-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPTRADEX23 FIND SESSIONS
Our camps are an exciting way to spend a school break! We include lots of action-packed activities that keep your children engaged and happy, like arts & crafts, sports and games. Set in the YMCA style of different crazy activities each and every day, your camper will have a great time while parents have peace of mind knowing their camper is safe.
TWO WAYS TO VIEW OUR CAMP OFFERINGS
Check out our summer 2025 day camp offerings by viewing our online camp guide or the descriptions below!
SAVE TIME WITH SEARCH CODES
VIEW OUR DIGITAL CAMP GUIDE
When you’re ready to fill your cart, open a tab to our program finder, and log in to your My Y account. Find your camp selections quickly by typing in (or copying/pasting) the SEARCH CODE (e.g. CPTRADEX23).
CAMP INFORMATION
SEARCH CODE
CHALLENGERS | AGES 10-13
DATES: AVAILABLE ALL CAMP SESSIONS (JUNE 2-August 15)
Join our Y day camp for a week of fun! Campers build confidence, make friends and enjoy activities like sports, arts, crafts, science and more, all tied to weekly themes. Campers are grouped by age for activities that match their interests and needs.
FEES: NONMEMBER $338 | Y COMMUNITY $304 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $287
CLUB 6/7 | AGES 6-7
DATES: AVAILABLE ALL CAMP SESSIONS (JUNE 2-August 15)
Join our Y day camp for a week of fun! Campers build confidence, make friends and enjoy activities like sports, arts, crafts, science and more, all tied to weekly themes. Campers are grouped by age for activities that match their interests and needs.
FEES: NONMEMBER $354 | Y COMMUNITY $318 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $304
DISCOVERY | AGES 8-9
DATES: AVAILABLE ALL CAMP SESSIONS (JUNE 2-August 15)
Join our Y day camp for a week of fun! Campers build confidence, make friends and enjoy activities like sports, arts, crafts, science and more, all tied to weekly themes. Campers are grouped by age for activities that match their interests and needs.
FEES: NONMEMBER $338 | Y COMMUNITY $304 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $287
HIGH FIVES | AGE 5
DATES: AVAILABLE ALL CAMP SESSIONS (JUNE 2-August 15)
High Fives Camp is the perfect introduction to the world of camp for our youngest campers! Exclusively for 5-year-olds, this camp is designed with your child’s first camp experience in mind. With a small 1:6 staff-to-camper ratio, your little one will receive personalized attention and care throughout the day. Campers will enjoy a variety of activities that encourage friendship-building, teamwork, and creativity. From fun group games to arts and crafts, each day is filled with opportunities for exploration, laughter, and learning. Whether it’s their first time away from home or just their first camp adventure, High Fives is the ideal place for 5-year-olds to grow, make new friends, and have a blast!
FEES: NONMEMBER $371 | Y COMMUNITY $343 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $315
LIT FIELDWORK | AGES 13-15
DATES: JUNE 16-20 | June 23-27 | june 30-July 3 | july 7-11 | july 14-18 | july 21-25 | july 28-aug 1 | aug 4-8 | aug 11-15
LIT Fieldwork offers teens who’ve completed our LIT training course a chance to apply their leadership skills in real camp settings. Participants assist with daily operations, engage in various camp programs and gain hands-on experience to build a foundation for careers in recreation or childcare. Teens are placed in age-appropriate camps before the fieldwork begins. Join us this summer to make a difference in young campers’ lives while earning school or volunteer service hours!
Completion of one week of LIT/CIT Training in Summer 2025 is required to register.
FEES: NONMEMBER $122 | Y COMMUNITY $109 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $104
LIT TRAINING | AGES 13-15
DATES: JUNE 9-13 | June 23-27
CIT/LIT Training equips teens with the skills to become camp leaders. Participants develop communication, management and confidence while gaining real-world experience. The program includes CPR and First Aid training and is required annually for all regardless of prior participation in the program.
FEES: NONMEMBER $354 | Y COMMUNITY $318 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $301
BIG MESSY ART | AGES 7-12
DATES: aug 4-8
Campers, get ready to unleash your creativity and dive into a world of color, texture, and fun. From splatter painting and clay sculpting to hands-on, larger-than-life art projects, this camp is all about getting messy and making masterpieces. Join us for a week of laughter, creativity, and the most wonderfully messy art experiences ever!
FEES: NONMEMBER $399 | Y COMMUNITY $359 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $339
BMX PRO | AGES 7-15
DATES: June 30-july 3
Grip the handlebars and explore the world of BMX with the Y! This camp, in partnership with Dale Holmes Racing, offers instruction from BMX world champions and Olympians. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll gain new biking skills and tricks to showcase at the family show on Friday.
Please Note: Dale Holmes Racing provides all bikes and equipment, and campers must know how to ride a bike. Long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and closed-toe shoes are required for riding, but campers can bring shorts for after-ride activities. No prior BMX skills are needed—just a love for biking and learning!
FEES: NONMEMBER $470 | Y COMMUNITY $420 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $400
COOKING AROUND THE WORLD | AGES 7-12
DATES: July 21-25
Campers will jump into the thrilling world of cooking, mastering techniques like chopping, boiling and pan frying while creating mouthwatering dishes from around the globe! With hands-on experience in a fun and safe environment, your child will cook like a pro, learning exciting new skills and discovering new flavors!
FEES: NONMEMBER $457 | Y COMMUNITY $411 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $389
EQUESTRIAN | AGES 7-12
DATES: July 14-18
Equestrian camp offers a hands-on introduction to horsemanship! Campers will learn to safely approach, lead, groom and bathe horses, identify horse anatomy and riding equipment and practice daily riding with one-on-one instruction. Safety skills, including how to fall properly, are also covered. Activities include exploring horse breeds, first aid, shoeing and types of feed, as well as learning about horse sports like polo, barrel racing, dressage, jumping and more. Campers will also gain experience in horse care and stable maintenance, making it a comprehensive equestrian adventure!
FEES: NONMEMBER $743 | Y COMMUNITY $668 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $631
FISHING | AGES 7-12
DATES: June 16-12
Fishing camp takes campers around to some of the best fishing spots in the county to try their hand at reeling in the big catch! We teach the fundamentals of fishing, such as how to put together the best line for the location and desired catch. How to safely handle a rod to prevent harm to yourself and those around you, and the little behaviors that will better your chances of catching a fish. Throughout the week we will take them pier fishing at various locations, and out on a half-day boat to go out onto the open water after the biggest catch possible. Don’t have your own rod? No problem! While we encourage campers to bring their own rods, we do have loaner rods for those who don’t have their own that will still do the trick.
FEES: NONMEMBER $549 | Y COMMUNITY $494 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $467
FUNSTER ART | AGES 5-6
DATES: JULY 28-AUG 1
Let your imagination run wild with Funster Art! Perfect for budding artists, this camp introduces campers to painting, watercolors, clay and more. It’s all about creativity, exploration, and discovering the joy of making something unique.
FEES: NONMEMBER $399 | Y COMMUNITY $359 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $339
FUNSTER CHEFS | AGES 5-6
DATES: JUNE 30-JULY 3
Campers will experience the perfect introduction to cooking and will learn how to mix, spread and will create fun snacks and starters! They will participate in taste testing and can create their own kid-friendly snack book.
FEES: NONMEMBER $335 | Y COMMUNITY $301 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $285
FUNSTER DINOSAURS | AGES 5-6
DATES: AUG 4-8
Get ready to travel back in time to the age of dinosaurs! Perfect for young paleontologists and dinosaur enthusiasts, this camp takes campers on a prehistoric journey through the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods to discover the incredible creatures that once roamed the Earth. Campers will enjoy hands-on dinosaur crafts, exciting games and thrilling fossil-digging activities. From unearthing “fossils” to creating dino-themed art, each day is packed with adventure and opportunities to learn about these fascinating creatures of the past.
FEES: NONMEMBER $399 | Y COMMUNITY $359 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $339
FUNSTER DISNEY | AGES 5-6
DATES: JUNE 16-20
Welcome to the most magical place at camp! This camp is perfect for all Disney, Marvel and Star Wars enthusiasts. Campers will spend the week playing games, making art and more! With plenty of Disney-themed games and activities, campers will also learn about storytelling, teamwork, and self-expression, all while experiencing the joy and magic that only Disney can bring. Get ready for a week of fun, imagination, and surprises straight out of the Disney universe!
FEES: NONMEMBER $399 | Y COMMUNITY $359 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $339
FUNSTER GYMNASTICS | AGES 5-6
DATES: JUNE 23-27
Campers will learn new skills and explore the world of gymnastics for two-and-a-half hours of ability specific instruction by expert Y gymnastics coaches every day. The remainder of the day will consist of practice, open gym and fun camp activities. At the end of the week, campers will show off their new skills to parents, family and friends!
FEES: NONMEMBER $399 | Y COMMUNITY $359 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $339
FUNSTER MINECRAFT | AGES 5-6
DATES: JULY 14-18
Hop off your game console and bring the world of Minecraft outdoors. Work in teams to build forts, box mazes, LEGO models and more. Design your own characters, create your own (totally safe) version of Minecraft favorites such as pickaxes, swords, shields and armor, and use your new tools to conquer challenges just like in the game!
FEES: NONMEMBER $399 | Y COMMUNITY $359 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $339
FUNSTER POKÉMON | AGES 5-6
DATES: JUNE 9-13
Campers, we choose you! Discover the wonderful world of Pokémon, full of mysterious creatures and plenty of adventures. In this camp we will be focusing on everything Pokémon. We will be battling with Pokémon cards, making cool Pokémon crafts from accessories to statuettes to our very own cards (not for official use of course) and many, things in between; playing Pokémon-related games to test your physical abilities as a Pokémon trainer, as well as trivia to test your Poké-knowledge; among other things! Please note that trading cards are permitted at camp; however, we encourage you to keep super special cards at home.
FEES: NONMEMBER $399 | Y COMMUNITY $359 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $339
GYM & SWIM | AGES 6-12
DATES: AVAILABLE ALL CAMP SESSIONS (JUNE 2-August 15)
Get the best of both worlds! Campers will spend their week getting gymnastics instruction and spending time in the pool. Gymnastics instruction will include basic tumbling, equipment stations and low beams. Campers will also get the chance to spend time in the pool swimming, splashing and playing with their friends. Be sure to pack gym-appropriate clothes (no buttons or zippers), swimwear, sunscreen, a hat for sun protection, a hearty lunch, and morning and afternoon snacks to keep their energy up. Weekly schedules will be emailed and posted at the sign-in tent.
FEES: NONMEMBER $399 | Y COMMUNITY $359 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $339
ICE SKATING | AGES 7-12
DATES: JUly 28-aug 1
Campers will travel to the San Diego Ice Arena and receive instruction from an ice-skating coach, as well as enjoy free skate time. This camp will culminate in a performance for family and friends on Friday at the San Diego Ice Arena. By the end of the week your camper will have gained new skating skills, made lasting friendships and developed self-confidence in their amazing abilities! Skates are provided, but campers should bring or wear socks every day, as well as knee/elbow pads.
FEES: NONMEMBER $549 | Y COMMUNITY $494 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $467
jr. lifeguard | ages 9-12
DATES: JUNE 30-july 3
In this interactive camp, campers will have the opportunity to learn from professional lifeguards. Students will gain a wide variety of skills and knowledge including water-recue techniques, the importance of physical fitness and other topics related to lifeguarding. This camp creates a valuable experience that builds self-confidence and skills for life.
FEES: NONMEMBER $322 | Y COMMUNITY $289 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $274
jr. planet protectors | Ages 5-6
DATES: JUly 7-11
Partnering with I Love A Clean San Diego, campers will develop a love for the outdoors through hands-on exploration, roll up their sleeves to uncover the magic of composting and dive into team-based games that emphasize the importance of protecting our clean water resources. Through engaging activities and interactive play, they’ll learn about environmental challenges, explore creative solutions and discover practical ways to make a positive impact right here in San Diego. It’s the perfect mix of fun, discovery and planet-saving action!
FEES: NONMEMBER $457 | Y COMMUNITY $411 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $389
LEGO Mindstorm Robotics | AGES 8-12
DATES: JULY 21-25
Kids will learn to design, build and program their very own robotics using LEGO Mindstorm kits. With guidance from our experienced instructors, they’ll tackle fun challenges that promote critical thinking and problem-solving. Campers will work in teams, fostering collaboration and communication skills as they brainstorm ideas, share tasks and celebrate their success together.
FEES: NONMEMBER $434 | Y COMMUNITY $390 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $369
LEGO WeDo Robotics | AGES 6-12
DATES: JUNE 23-27
Campers will use LEGO WeDo kits to construct their own unique models, learning the basics of design and engineering. Each creation becomes a springboard for exploration and creativity! Kids will learn to program their models using simple and intuitive software. With easy-to-follow instructions, they will discover how to bring their robots to life through coding. Campers will work in pairs or small groups, fostering teamwork and communication skills as they collaborate on projects and share ideas.
FEES: NONMEMBER $434 | Y COMMUNITY $390 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $369
RADICAL REPTILES & FRIENDS
DATES: JUly 28-aug 1
This camp is a perfect fit for our younger campers! Meet the cold-blooded creatures of the animal world as we are visited by snakes, frogs, tortoises, turtles, lizards, bugs and other creepy crawlies. Campers’ hands-on experience will be enhanced by art projects, games and activities that investigate the lives of reptiles. If you like reptiles and other creepy crawlies, this is certainly the camp for you!
FEES: NONMEMBER $457 | Y COMMUNITY $411 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $389
PAINTBALL | AGES 7-12
DATES: JUNE 21-25
Campers will travel to Velocity Paintball during the week for an ultimate paintball play experience. When paintballing, all campers should wear pants and shoes with excellent traction. Gloves are recommended and are not provided. Coveralls, face masks and all paintball equipment will be provided. Safety conscious referees will be present during all paintballing. Please note that extra clothing is advised to provide additional padding.
Note: This paintball camp is low-impact.
FEES: NONMEMBER $549 | Y COMMUNITY $494 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $467
SEAWORLD | AGES 7-12
DATES: JULY 7-11
Visit SeaWorld free for the rest of the calendar year if you sign up for one of our most popular camps! Animal enthusiasts have a chance to see virtually all of the aquatic wildlife and exciting shows that SeaWorld has to offer, including dolphins, walruses, sharks and sting rays. Find out how these animals survive in their watery habitats and how humans impact those habitats. If you love to learn about marine life, this camp is sure to make a splash!
PLEASE NOTE: SeaWorld Fun Card included at the end of the camp week.
FEES: NONMEMBER $549 | Y COMMUNITY $494 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $467
SLIME FACTORY | AGES 6-12
DATES: JULY 7-11
Slime factory is the scientific study of all that’s NOT allowed at the dinner table. Campers will spend part of their day getting their hands dirty by using different ingredients such as glue, glitter, starch and paint to make the thickest, ooey-gooiest slime around! You won’t want to miss this one — it’s slime time! Campers will also have the opportunity to participate in traditional camp activities throughout the week.
FEES: NONMEMBER $376 | Y COMMUNITY $338 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $320
splash | ages 6-10
DATES: JUNE 16-20 | JUNE 23-27 | JULY 7-11 | JULY 14-18 | July 21-25
Campers will learn new skills and explore the world of gymnastics for two-and-a-half hours of ability specific instruction by expert Y gymnastics coaches every day. The remainder of the day will consist of practice, open gym and fun camp activities. At the end of the week, campers will show off their new skills to parents, family and friends!
FEES: NONMEMBER $399 | Y COMMUNITY $359 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $339
SWIFTIE CAMP | AGES 7-12
DATES: JULY 14-18
Calling all Swifties; You belong with [us]! Come celebrate all things Taylor Swift! Make your way through the Eras as we dance, sing and craft our way through the week. Get ready to make the friendship bracelets and wear your best Taylor inspired looks because we all know they never go out of style. Let’s make it a Swiftie Summer you won’t forget!
FEES: NONMEMBER $376 | Y COMMUNITY $338 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $320
WOODWORKING | AGES 7-12
DATES: JUNE 16-20
Bring your imagination to life with wood! In this hands-on camp, campers will design and build their own woodworking project, such as a small table, an Adirondack chair, or even a dollhouse. Guided by expert instructors and using real tools like saws, drills, and sanders, participants will learn the basics of woodworking while creating a masterpiece to take home. This camp offers a fun and safe environment to foster creativity, develop practical skills, and unleash your inner builder.
FEES: NONMEMBER $457 | Y COMMUNITY $411 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $389
WATERPALOOZA | AGES 6-12
DATES: JULY 28-AUG 1 | AUG 4-8
This wet and wild camp will be a great way to escape the summer heat. Our campers will keep cool with water balloons, pool time, splash pad time, water games galore, science experiments and so much more!
FEES: NONMEMBER $399 | Y COMMUNITY $359 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $339
About Us
Our Branch
CAMERON FAMILY YMCA
Address: 10123 Riverwalk Drive, Santee, CA 92071
Phone: (619) 449-9622
Camp Locations and Hours of Operation
Cameron Family YMCA
Address: 10123 Riverwalk Drive, Santee, CA 92071
SCHOOL BREAK CAMPS
Camp Hours:
- Full-day: 8:00am-5:00pm
- Drop-off: 8:00–9:00am
- Pick-up: 4:00–5:00pm
SUMMER DAY CAMPS
Camp Hours:
- Full-day: 8:00am-5:00pm
- Drop-off: 8:00–9:00am
- Pick-up: 4:00–5:00pm
Directors and Supervisors
CAMP COORDINATOR
Amber Cutting
Email: acutting@ymcasd.org
Phone: (619) 449-9622
About Our Staff
Cameron Family YMCA takes 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. Staff training includes CPR and First Aid certification, transportation safety, behavior management and bully prevention, child protection and abuse prevention, field trip and off-site safety procedures, risk management/prevention and more.
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, balances will be due three weeks prior to the first day of camp.
- 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 immediately applied as a deposit for another camp if space is available or applied to an already existing camp balance within the same season. 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
Some specialty camps, particularly those that travel to an off-site location, require an additional vendor waiver. Camps that require a waiver to be completed will be contacted and provided the waiver before the start of camp.
ADAPTIVE CAMP
Our Adaptive Camp Program is a designed to support youth with behavioral and developmental needs as it adapts the camp experience to your child’s needs and abilities, allowing opportunities for all campers to learn new skills, form new friendships and create lifetime memories. Campers will participate in activities with our traditional and specialty camps based on their interests at a pace that works for them. Our smaller camper-to-staff ratio for Adaptive Camp supports positive inclusion and/or one-on-one support as needed. Space is limited.
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 Camp Director, Melanie Navarro at mnavarro@ymcasd.org, with any questions, comments or concerns!
