Summer Camp Frequently Asked Questions
Updated January 31, 2025
Registration and Fees
How do I register my child for summer camp?
You can register online for all of our summer camps and locations! To register online, use the buttons next to the camp of your choice throughout the website. If you need assistance, please contact or visit the home branch or camp location.
Please note, in 2025, priority registration for Y Members will take place January 31 - February 6. Registration will open to the public on February 7, 2025.
Are spaces in summer camp at the Y limited? Do you have a waiting list?
In order to best serve our campers, we have a set number of spaces available for summer camp. If the specific week of camp you are registering for is full, we will add you to the waiting list. You will be notified if a space becomes available.
Is there a discount if I pay in full for all of summer camp?
No. There is not a discount if you pay for all of summer camp in full. However, YMCA members do receive a discount for camp at select YMCA locations. Member pricing will be noted where offered.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Yes. The YMCA offers financial assistance to those who qualify. Please contact your home branch or camp location to verify eligibility.
Is there a sibling discount available?
No. The registration fee is $30 per child.
Do you accept Child Care Government Discounts (ELC)?
ELC can only be accepted at our Summer Bridge locations. Please inquire when registering.
Do you work with the state for children who are in foster care?
Yes. Please inquire at the camp location when registering for summer camp.
Do you accept a check from a third party, like the State of Florida for children who are in foster care?
Yes. Please inquire at the camp location when registering for summer camp.
Attendance, arrival and transportation
What time does my child need to be dropped off/picked up? What if I’m late?
Summer Camp hours are 7:00AM - 6:00PM.
Summer Bridge hours are 6:30AM - 6:00PM.
Drop-off: Campers can be dropped off at the beginning of camp hours listed above. It is STRONGLY suggested that your child is dropped off by 9AM each day for opening ceremonies and rotations, which ensures a smoother transition for all participants.
Please inquire at your camp location for required drop-off times for field trips and Specialty Camps. On field trip days, children must be dropped off 30 minutes prior to the scheduled field trip departure time. If your child is not on-site in time for the field trip and the bus has already left, they cannot participate in camp that day. It is very important to have your child at camp on time for field trip days.
Pick-up: Campers must be picked up before the end of camp hours listed above. If you are late picking up your child, you will be charged a late pickup fee of $25 for the first 10 minutes, plus $1 per minute for each additional minute.
Who can pick up my child?
To ensure the safety of your child, the YMCA will follow the Florida statutes regulating child care centers. Each child must be checked in and out by an authorized individual with a valid photo ID. Authorized individuals are indicated by the guardian on a pick up authorization form. For your protection, children will not be released to any person other than the individuals authorized on the pick up authorization form. As a precaution, the staff will request photo identification at the time of pick up until they are familiar with you and the people on your pick up list. Changes to the pick up list must be made utilizing your secure online account. Phone calls, faxes or emails are not accepted.
For your child's safety, should any person who appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol arrive to pick up your child, our staff will be required to contact another person on your pick up authorization list. If no one is available, we will be required to call law enforcement.
Is transportation provided for field trips?
Yes - if an activity or field trip occurs at a location off-site from your camp's home base location, transportation is included. For all camps (Day, Teen and Speciality) you must drop off and pick up your child daily at the home base location for each camp, specified at the time of registration.
What if I need to cancel my camp registration?
If for any reason you need to cancel your registration, you will receive a full refund for any fees you have paid, less deposits, if you cancel at least two weeks prior to the first day of the session for which you are registered. Please contact your camp director if you need to cancel your camp registration.
What to bring to summer camp
What do I send with my child to summer camp?
Please pack a water bottle, closed-toe shoes and sunscreen. On swimming days, please also pack a towel, swimsuit and change of clothes. Please see the section on meals, below, for specific requirements for each camp type and home base location.
Will my child be swimming? Do they need to pack a swimsuit?
Campers will swim at least once a week during Day and Teen Camp. Please contact your camp location for a schedule of swimming days. On swimming days, please pack a towel, swimsuit, change of clothes and sunscreen.
Can my child bring their cell phone, gaming device or other electronics?
We want you and your child to have a positive experience in our YMCA program. Personal items such as cell phones, tablets, toys, games, trading cards and other similar materials are not permitted. Varied activities are provided to keep your child engaged without these items. We also do not want your child's items to be lost, stolen or broken, as the YMCA will not be held responsible. Please have your child leave these items at home unless directed by YMCA staff. If you would like your child to have their cell phone for emergency purposes, they must keep it in their backpack.
What should I do if my child has medicine that needs to be given daily?
In order for the YMCA to dispense medication for your child:
- a medication form must be filled out (ask your director for this form)
- medication must be in the original bottle with the daily dosage indicated (staff will only administer medication according to dosage)
- medication must be prescribed for your child specifically
- the parent or guardian must bring in the medication, give it to the staff member in charge and train the staff on how to properly administer the medication
Meals
Will breakfast, lunch or snacks be provided?
All campers should pack two snacks and a water bottle daily.
Lunches vary by camp type and location, outlined below.
All packed lunches must be non-refrigerated/non-reheated only.
Note that if your child is signed up for a Specialty Camp but is NOT signed up for wrap-around care, they may not be on-site during lunch hours and therefore lunch policies may not apply.
For Day Camp, Teen Camp, Dance Specialty Camps and Sports Specialty Camps:
- at Bardmoor YMCA: Campers must pack a lunch and two snacks.
- at Jim & Heather Gills YMCA: Lunch is provided. Campers must pack two snacks.
- at Speer YMCA: Campers must pack a lunch and two snacks.
For all other Specialty Camps:
- Lunch is not provided. Campers must pack a lunch and two snacks.
For Summer Bridge Sites:
- Breakfast and lunch are provided. We encourage students to arrive by 8:00AM in order to receive breakfast. Packed lunches are allowed.
Field Trips
Is transportation provided for field trips?
For camps that include field trips, all students will be transported by YMCA buses or contracted professional coaches.
Do field trips cost extra?
All field trips are included in the program fees for camp. You do not have to send your child with money to spend during field trips unless you want to. Your child will be responsible for any money you send with them. The Y staff is not responsible for any lost or stolen property.
How will I know if my child is attending a field trip?
Parents/guardians will be given advance notice of any trips leaving the facility. Field trips are subject to change. Parents/guardians will receive at least 24 hour notice of any changes.
Can I pick up my child from the field trip location?
No. Parents/guardians are not permitted to pick children up from field trip locations.
Splash into another page:
Y Members save nearly $400 on Summer Camp!
Join today to save on Summer Camp and enjoy all the benefits of Y Membership. Member versus Non-Member savings are based on 10 weeks of summer Day Camp for one child, where the family has a family membership. In order to receive member pricing, Y Membership must be active at the time of Summer Camp registration.