SCHOOL BREAK CAMPS
When school is out, fun is in at the Y! We’ve got you covered with single-day and week-long day camp sessions at locations around the county. MEMBERS SAVE UP TO 15% ON DAY CAMPS!
WELCOME TO DAY CAMP
AT MAGDALENA ECKE FAMILY YMCA
Your family can count on Magdalena Ecke 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!
School break CAMP SESSIONS
- February 16-17 – Presidents Day
- March 23-27 – Spring Break
- March 30-April 3 – Spring Break
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 — (760) 942-9622
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
2026 School break CAMPS
CAMP INFORMATION
February 16-17 Camps (Presidents Day)
High Fives | AGE 5
DATES: February 16 & 17, 2026
High Fives is a perfect fit for our younger campers. With staff supervision at low ratios, campers will spend their action-packed days doing arts and crafts, science projects, playing outdoor games and learning new skills.
Skate Camp | Ages 6-12
DATES: February 16 & 17, 2026
This camp is designed for beginners and up. On day one, campers will be assessed to determine their group placement. Beginners will receive hands-on instruction to build the skills and confidence needed to skate on their own. Afternoons will be dedicated to free skate, allowing beginners to practice what they’ve learned. Intermediate and advanced campers will be challenged with new skills and tricks by counselors but won’t receive group instruction.
Soccer Camp | Ages 6-11
DATES: February 16 & 17, 2026
Soccer fans will get a kick out of this camp! Our YMCA counselors and sports instructors will provide daily instruction featuring clinics, scrimmages and tournament play. Drills will focus on dribbling, passing, shooting and position techniques. Note: To ensure the best experience for everyone, we have divided our soccer camp into two separate camps that will be based on age and/or skill level.
Skate Camp | AGES 6-12
DATES: February 16 & 17, 2026
Campers will get a chance to explore the wonderful world of art by adventuring through different forms of art. Your young artist will learn about famous artists and create masterpieces using their techniques. Campers will learn about color design, line texture and balance in this awesome camp!
Spring Break CAMp WEEK 1 (MARCH 23-27)
Adventure | AGES 7-13
DATES: March 23-27, 2026
Take camper adventures to the next level this summer! Build self-confidence, meet new friends, and have a blast during this week-long adventure. Campers will explore fun and exciting attractions around the San Diego area. Each day is something new with the YMCA’s Adventure Camp. Come explore the county with trusted Y staff.
Creative Discovery | Ages 6-9
DATES: March 23-27, 2026
Want a summer camp that offers games, crafts, and many other activities that bring out your creative side? This traditional-style camp will provide your young camper with unforgettable experiences like racing through the 65-foot inflatable obstacle course as well as visiting the Y pool for an hour of free swim each week. When not outdoors exploring the Y, this camp will focus on getting your camper’s creative juices flowing!
High 5's | Age 5
DATES: March 23-27, 2026
High Fives is a perfect fit for our younger campers. With staff supervision at low ratios, campers will spend their action-packed days doing arts and crafts, science projects, playing games, and learning new skills.
Multi-Sport | AGES 6-10
DATES: March 23-27, 2026
Campers will be exposed to recreational skills building and fun games in basketball, baseball, soccer, flag football and more. Counselors will focus on sportsmanship and encourage all campers to try new sports. Become a true athlete!
Skate | AGES 7-12
DATES: March 23-27, 2026
This camp is for the beginner skateboard level and up. Camper’s skills will be assessed on day one to determine group placement. The beginner groups will receive hands-on instruction time to gain the skills and confidence to skate on their own. The afternoons will be dedicated to free skate where the beginners are able to practice the skills they worked on in group instruction. The intermediate/advanced groups will be challenged to attempt new skills and tricks by counselors but will not receive group instruction time. A Skate Jam will be held on Friday where families can watch campers show off their rad new skills.
Note: If your child is a first timer, we recommend 1-2 months of skateboard lessons prior to their camp week. The instruction in skate camp is more limited due to the size of the groups.
Spring Break CAMp WEEK 2 (MARCH 30-APRIL 3)
Skate | Ages 7-12
DATES: March 30-April 3, 2026
This camp is for the beginner skateboard level and up. Camper’s skills will be assessed on day one to determine group placement. The beginner groups will receive hands-on instruction time to gain the skills and confidence to skate on their own. The afternoons will be dedicated to free skate where the beginners are able to practice the skills they worked on in group instruction. The intermediate/advanced groups will be challenged to attempt new skills and tricks by counselors but will not receive group instruction time. A Skate Jam will be held on Friday where families can watch campers show off their rad new skills.
Note: If your child is a first timer, we recommend 1-2 months of skateboard lessons prior to their camp week. The instruction in skate camp is more limited due to the size of the groups.
High 5's | Age 5
DATES: March 30-April 3, 2026
High Fives is a perfect fit for our younger campers. With staff supervision at low ratios, campers will spend their action-packed days doing arts and crafts, science projects, playing games, and learning new skills.
Science Discovery | Ages 6-9
DATES: March 30-April 3, 2026
Want a summer camp that offers a wide variety of activities? This traditional-style camp will provide your young camper with unforgettable experiences like racing through the 65-foot inflatable obstacle course and the Y Splash Pad and pool. Your camper will become a scientist this week with this camp’s activities and science-themed crafts!
Ice Skating | AGES 7-13
DATES: March 30-April 3, 2026
Looking to cool off this summer? Travel with Ecke YMCA camp staff to the San Diego Ice Arena! Campers of all skill levels are welcome to join the fun and will receive some lessons in skating from staff. No skating equipment is required. Layered clothing is recommended.
Splash | AGES 6-11
DATES: March 30-April 3, 2026
Splash camp focuses on swim instruction for beginner to intermediate swimmers. Campers will learn and practice basic swim strokes while building confidence in the water. Each day includes one 45-minute swim instruction session and one 45-minute free swim session, along with outdoor games, spirit rallies, and other fun camp activities. Note: Each morning, campers will complete a swim review that includes jumping into the deep end, treading water for 60 seconds, and swimming the length of the pool. Campers who are unable to pass the swim review will be required to wear a life jacket while in the water that day and will have another opportunity to retest the following day. For the safety of all participants, the swim review will be conducted daily
About Us
Our Branch
MAGDALENA ECKE FAMILY YMCA
Address: 200 Saxony Road, Encinitas, CA 92024
Phone: (760) 942-9622
Camp Locations and Hours of Operation
Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA
Address: 200 Saxony Road, Encinitas, CA 92024
YMCA Gymnastics Center
Address: 2661 Cosmos Court, Carlsbad, CA 92011
SCHOOL BREAK DAY CAMP
Camp Hours:
- Full-day: 8:00am–4:00pm
- Drop-off: 8:00am–8:45am
- Pick-up: 3:00pm–4:00pm
No extended hours offered during school break camps.
Directors and Supervisors
CAMP DIRECTOR
Brittney Lingenfelter
bcouglar@ymcasd.org | (760) 942-9622 ext 1850
CAMP COORDINATOR
Morgan Earle
mearle@ymcasd.org
About Our Staff
The Magdalena Ecke 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 us at eckecamps@ymcasd.org, or contact our Camp Director Brittney Couglar at bcouglar@ymcasd.org, with any questions, comments or concerns!
