SUMMER CAMP

A Summer of Belonging

Friendships & Connections

Summer camp nurtures a child’s sense of belonging through a structured yet joyful summer experience. Each morning begins with group reflection time, fostering a sense of community and shared intention. This sets the stage for a day where every camper feels seen and heard, their contributions valued within the framework of our daily schedule. It’s about creating an environment for kids to form friendships quickly, with bonds forged through shared experiences like singing silly songs and playing fun new games.

Our ‘Character Counts’ program reinforces the Y’s core values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Further strengthening the sense of unity and shared purpose. Counselors serve as mentors, creating a safe, predictable and supportive space where every camper feels like they belong.

Memorable Daily Activities

Beyond this foundation of community and character, summer camp is about experiencing the joy of camp’s fun daily activities. From gaga ball, dips in the pool, and visits to our gymnastics facility to special camp events like our summer talent show, each activity is carefully planned by our staff to create memorable moments. The anticipation of each day’s activities, coupled with the opportunity to explore interests and express creativity within designated times, makes camp feel special.

Weekly Camp Themes

A Day in the Life of a Summer Camper

What to Pack Each Day

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Happy Camper
"I enjoyed the arts and crafts and making bracelets with my friends."
Happy Camper
"I love summer camp and really like playing 9-square with my counselors and friends!"
Happy Camper
"Summer camp is one of my favorite things about summer break!"
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Happy Parent
"YMCA Summer Camp was the highlight of our daughter’s summer. We loved that she was able to enjoy the outdoors, make new friends from other schools, and go swimming every day. She would get upset on days she couldn’t go!"
Happy Parent
"The staff are kind and caring and make us feel comfortable knowing our daughter is safe while we're at work."
Happy Parent
"Last year was such a hard time for my family but the Y created a community for my son to still have a place to be a kid and not have a care in the world! You guys are more like family than child care!"
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Happy Counselor
"As a first-time counselor at the YMCA summer camp last year, I must say it has been my favorite job ever. Not only is it fun for the kids, but it can be fun for the counselors as well!"
Happy Counselor
"Getting to know the campers and becoming a safe person for some of them is a super fulfilling experience and it has been so great to build those bonds. I am very excited to return for this upcoming summer!"
Happy Counselor
"The joy of watching campers grow in confidence and develop new skills makes being a Kindergarten Lead truly rewarding!"
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Enrichment Programs

Beyond the traditional camp day, we offer specialized programs designed to help your child thrive. Watch them improve their swim skills, develop their gymnastics abilities, discover the joy of a new instrument, or hone their athletic abilities – all in a supportive and engaging environment. Give your camper the extra edge this summer with YMCA enrichment programs!

FAQs

Summer Camp runs Monday – Friday from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm.

Campers should bring a swimsuit, swim shirt, towel, sunscreen, water bottle and change of clothes. A plastic bag for wet clothes and towel is recommended.  All belongings should be labeled.

Campers should NOT bring food made with peanuts, any food that needs to be heated up, all electronics, toys from home, money and anything of personal value.

Morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack are provided. Children can bring a sack lunch if they choose to. Reminder: camp is a peanut free environment.

NEW THIS YEAR – to ensure pick-up and drop-off runs smoothly, we are implementing a new procedure. Moving forward, drop-off must be by 8:30 am and pick-up begins at 3:00 pm. Read carefully below for details.

DROP-OFF

  • Drop-off begins 6:30 am but campers must be dropped off by 8:30 am.
  • Drop-off is at the south side of the parking lot by the basketball hoop where you will meet our drop-off attendant to sign your child in for the day.
  • If your child is not here by the 8:30 am drop-off time, parents/guardians will be responsible for parking, entering and notifying the front desk of a late drop-off.
  • Front desk staff will radio your child’s Unit Head indicating your child has arrived. Because groups are involved in their scheduled daily activities it may take longer than anticipated for staff to reach the front desk to sign-in your camper. Parent/guardians are expected to stay with the child until the Unit Head arrives at the front desk to sign in your child.
  • Do not drop your child off and send them into the building on their own.
  • The YMCA is not responsible for children who have not been signed in by an adult.

PICK-UP

  • Pick-up is also at the same area as drop-off; the south side of the parking lot and will begin at 3:00 pm.
  • Staff will be outside at the pick-up location from 3:00 pm-6:00 pm. Please text 630-962-1409 ten minutes prior to arrival.
  • On days of inclement weather, drop-off and pick-up will be at the double doors just past the main entrance. 
  • If you arrive before 3:00 pm, you will need to park, enter the building, and the desk staff will radio for your child out, which may take longer than expected.
  • You, and anyone picking your child up, must have a driver’s license or photo ID with them. NO EXCEPTIONS.
  • If anyone other than you will be picking your child up from camp, they MUST be listed on the Release Form. Any changes to the pick-up list must be made in advance and made in writing.

Summer Camp is primarily an outdoor camp. Staff is prepared to pivot for inclement weather with alternative plans for rainy days and hot weather days. It should be noted, Summer Camp follows guidelines for inclement weather set forth by ISBE (Illinois State Board of Education).

The Camp Director and coordinators are certified to administer medications.

The Medication Authorization form must be completed prior to camp start. Please submit to the Camp Director. Medications will be administered in accordance with the printed prescription label, which must be attached to the original prescription container. Non-prescription medication must be in its original container, and will be administered in accordance with the physician’s instructions. If there are no manufacturer’s printed instructions for the age of the camper, the program may administer the nonprescription medication in accordance with the written, dated, and signed instructions including a statement that the instructions have been reviewed/approved by the camper’s licensed health practitioner, or with signed, dated, written instructions from camper’s licensed health practitioner. 

Summer Camp payments will be drafted weekly on the Thursday morning prior to the week of registered care from the payment method you provide upon registration (credit card, debit card or banking information). 

To update or change a registration, parents/guardians will be required to email the Director. All registrations and changes must be made by the Friday before care to avoid being charged a $50 late fee.

To help insure proper staffing any cancellations, schedule changes, or new registrations must be completed by Friday at 8:00 p.m. of the week before care with the Director. Emails and voicemails after hours will not ensure registration. Any changes, late registration, or cancellation after Friday will incur a $50.00 fee.

Yes, the Y accepts CCAP (DHS) funding. In addition, they Y offers an in-house financial aid option. For more information, contact the Billing Specialist at 630-552-4100 x227.

Have a question we haven’t covered? Visit our updated handbook for more information.

Registration Opens April 1st