Summer Camp

We’ve got the best in the (day camp) biz — and our Summer Camp leaders are here to help you navigate our camp offerings and find the best options for our campers! 

Shannon Payton 
Executive Director of Youth Programming, YMCA Safe ‘n Sound
630-585-2347 | [email protected]

Danielle Boaz 
Youth Development Director, Camp Aurora 
630-585-2207 | [email protected] 

Brian Spychalski  
Youth Development Director, Summer Adventure 
630-585-2207 | [email protected] 

Katelyn James
Youth Development Director, YMCA Safe ‘n Sound 
630-585-2207 | [email protected] 

Campers are expected to meet the program eligibility criteria (regardless of disability status) in order to participate. Eligibility criteria may vary from program to program, but not from person to person. 

• Eligibility criteria can include age restrictions, program capacity limits, residency status, school enrollment status, enrollment fees/charges, minimum competencies or prerequisites, and personal care requirements. 

Campers are expected to understand and follow the program’s general behavior expectations with or without accommodations. 

• The Y’s top priority is to provide a safe and enriching experience for all children.  Participants are expected to adhere to the Y’s participant Expectations. The accommodations provided may assist a youth in meeting those expectations, but do not exempt a youth from following them. 

Campers are expected to be willing and able to participate in a majority of the program’s activities, with or without accommodations. 

• The Y understands that some campers require breaks throughout the day to best meet their needs. The Y defines a break as a short, structured pause in the daily routine to promote a camper’s wellbeing with the expectation to return to the large group environment after a reasonable amount of time. 
• Y staff is not permitted to be alone with a camper at any time. Any breaks from the large group must be provided to a youth within sight and hearing range of other Y employees. 

The Y’s typical Summer Camp schedule includes a welcome activity, opening circle/check-in, experiential learning time, snack time, physical activity, lunch, literacy, intentional choice time, closing circle, and checkout/goal review. Weekly activities may also include swimming and/or offsite field trips — and your Camp Director will have additional information on special activities as the summer approaches!

Before care typically runs from 7 to 9 a.m., camp programming from 9 to 4 p.m., and after care from 4 to 6 p.m. Please check with your camp site for specific program times. Before and after care are included with your registration at no additional cost.

• Active, comfortable clothing (anything you don’t mind getting dirty)
• Close-toed shoes
• Water bottle 
• Sunscreen
• Swimsuit & towel/life jacket if required for swim level
• Lunch and snack
• Mask (optional)
• Backpack to carry all belongings throughout the day 
• A positive attitude and desire to have fun!

The YMCA is committed to the health, safety, and wellbeing of all of our campers!

Sign-in and sign-out procedures at pick-up and drop-off will occur curbside, or outside of the building/camp area. 

Handwashing procedures are reinforced and integrated into activities throughout the day. 

Campers should bring a labeled water bottle with them every day. Touchless water filling stations will be made available to campers and staff. 

Enhanced cleaning protocols are in place, including the frequent sterilization on high touch objects, surfaces, and toys.
Staff will go through extensive training to be prepared to carry out all the safety procedures required.

Registration can be completed online, at your local Y, or via phone. If you prefer to contact our team, please call our Enrollment Team at 630-585-2207 or email us at [email protected].

Need help? We have a guide for you! 

• Getting Started: Online Membership & Registration Guide 
• Registering for Summer Camp Guide 

The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago works to create a positive environment for all of its members, including those with disabilities. If your camper requires a modification due to a disability, our Inclusion team is happy to work with you to create a plan for support. Look for and select the modification request on our registration platforms  online, in-person, and on paper enrollment forms. For more information, please visit our Inclusion Services webpage.

All campers participating in Traditional Summer Camp and Specialty Camps are required to put down a $30 non-refundable registration fee per week of camp. If you are using the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and have a copay under $100 or have siblings with $0 copay, no registration fee is needed. 

All campers must be fully paid in full by the Wednesday prior to attending the week of camp. A $15 late fee will be added for payments made after the Wednesday before the week of camp, which is due before the first day of the camp week. Vouchers on the account will be applied to childcare balances. 

• Camp registration fees for all camps are non-refundable. 
• Camp registration fees for all camps are non-transferable. 
• All specialty camps have a registration fee, to be paid like traditional camps. 
• All cancellations must be in writing 14 business days prior to the start of registered camp week and will be issued as a voucher for use toward other Y fees. The registration fee will be forfeited. 
• All cancellations made less than 14 business days prior to the start of registered camp week will be non refundable and non transferable. 
• In the event the YMCA cancels a camp week, all money paid, including the registration fee is refunded. 

All paperwork, including the emergency packet, is due the Wednesday before your child attends camp. Campers will not be permitted into their summer camp without receipt of these documents. Documents are provided to you when you register your child(ren). 

If your camper has a medical need requiring medication during camp (routine or emergency medication), the Permission to Dispense Medication form must be completed and turned into your Camp Director. Additionally, any camper with an allergy requiring emergency medication must have a Severe Allergy & Anaphylaxis form on file as well. 

No! Beginning in 2025, the Y will have one price for Summer Camp. No more member or non-member pricing. However, we still welcome you to join us and explore all the possibilities with a fitness membership! 

Fifteen—YES, FIFTEEN—locations across Chicagoland offer Summer Camp! 

These locations include: 

• Buehler YMCA
• Elmhurst YMCA
• Foglia YMCA
• Fry Family YMCA
• Hastings Lake YMCA
• Indian Boundary YMCA
• Irving Park YMCA
• Kelly Hall YMCA
• Lake View YMCA*
• McCormick YMCA
• Rauner Family YMCA
• Sage YMCA
• South Side YMCA
• YMCA Camp Duncan 
• YMCA Safe ‘n Sound* 

*Summer Camp programming is held at neighboring schools throughout the summer. More information will be available as part of the registration process.