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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SUMMER 2026

LOCATION KEYS:
bus = Traveling Camp swim = Camper will swim
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Y COMMUNITY PLUS**
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NON MEMBER
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Age: 7-12 | Dates: June 29-July 3

DEAR FAMILIES,

I just want to say thank you for trusting me and our team at the John A. Davis YMCA with your child this summer. Being part of your family’s summer plans truly means so much to us. We’re looking forward to an exciting summer filled with fun, friendships and meaningful experiences. Our goal is simple: to create a safe, welcoming space where your child feels supported, stays active and makes memories they’ll carry with them long after summer ends. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with your campers and can’t wait to spend the summer learning, playing and growing together. Thank you for being part of our YMCA camp community — I know it’s going to be a great one!

Kaylene Shake, 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

JOHN A. DAVIS FAMILY YMCA

8881 Dallas Street, La Mesa, CA 91942

CAMP HOURS

Our full-day camps will give your camper an unforgettable experience. 

Drop off: 8:00–9:00am 
Full-day camp hours: 9:00am–4:00pm 
Pick up: 4:00–5:00pm

contact information

CAMP DIRECTOR: KAYLENE SHAKE
CAMP COORDINATOR: ADRIENNA CHARLES
JOHN A. DAVIS FAMLY YMCA
For registration and general inquiries:
(619) 464-9622
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: (619) 464-9622

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?

8:00-9:00am

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Daily Drop-Off

9:00-9:30am

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Daily Orientation

9:30-10:35am

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Activity Rotation 1 

10:45-11:50am

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Activity Rotation 2

11:50am-12:30pm 

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Lunch

12:30-1:15pm

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Squad Time

1:15-2:45pm

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Activity Rotation 3 

2:45-4:00pm

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Activity Rotation 4

4:00-5:00pm

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Closing and Camp Pickup 

*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
“The counselor made my daughter feel very comfortable on her first day, her first time at a day camp. The counselors seemed well trained, coordinated and focused on keeping the kids engaged to have a positive experience. We will be back. She told me she is excited for her sister to be with her next year. Thanks!” 
here’s what
parents have to say
“My son attended four camps this year and he was excited to get up and go every time. Thanks for having enthusiastic counselors and phenomenal leaders. Keep up the great work.”
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.

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.

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 $60 deposit is required for each week of camp. Deposits are non- refundable, non-transferable and are not subject to any discounts or promotions. 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.

Youth & Family
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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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The YMCA of San Diego County offers programs to adults of all ages and types.

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