Summer Day Camp

Registration is now OPEN!

Ages 5-12*

We offer convenient hours and affordable pricing! Y membership is NOT required to participate. 

Make Summer your adventure! YMCA Summer Day Camps offer an experience that is sure to keep your child having fun all summer long. From fostering creativity, to building a sense of accomplishment and belonging, we help kids flourish by surrounding each child with support, guidance, and fantastic opportunities to discover, learn and try until they succeed. Pack a lunch. Morning and afternoon snacks are provided.

* Children must have completed young fives or kindergarten to register.

Summer Day Camp FAQs

Branch-Based Day Camp registration rates:                                      

$210 member  /  $225 non-member

Available at:

  • David D. Hunting YMCA
  • Mary Free Bed YMCA
  • SpartanNash YMCA
  • Visser Family YMCA
  • Wolverine Worldwide Family YMCA
YMCA School-Based Day Camp weekly registration rates:

Weekly (5 Day) Rates: $210 member & non-member
3 Day Rates: $175 member & non-member

Available at:

  • Cherry Creek Elementary
  • Emmons Lake Elementary
  • Lakeshore Elementary
Financial Assistance

Financial Assistance is available to those who qualify based on the current CACFP scale. Click the button below to complete and submit our online Financial Assistance Application.

Assistance Application

What are your cancellation and payment policies?
For members:
  • Summer Day Camp’s weekly charges will be drafted on Friday mornings, 10 days prior to the start of each camp week. 
  • No cancellation fee until March 1, 2024.
  • Any cancellations received starting on March 1, 2024 will incur a 50% cancellation fee per week, per child. No credits or refunds will be given after the draft date.
  • Membership status must remain active throughout your registered program weeks. If you cancel your membership, your camp registrations may be moved to a wait list. If membership becomes inactive, then the non-member rates and policies for the camp registrations will be applied.  
For non-members:
  • Summer Day Camp’s weekly charges will be drafted on Friday mornings, 10 days prior to the start of each camp week. 
  • Any cancellations received from the time of registration through February 29, 2024 will incur a $50.00 cancellation fee per week, per child.
  • Any cancellations received starting on March 1, 2024 will incur a 50% cancellation fee per week, per child. No credits or refunds will be given after the draft date.
What happens if I’m a member and I cancel my membership ahead of camp?

We want to ensure early access with early flexibility as you make your summer plans. As a member, you have the benefit of early registration for summer camp ahead of non-members. In addition, you have the flexibility to make changes to your registration without cost until March 1st.

In order to ensure fair a consistent delivery of the camp spaces and to have access to the member benefits, your membership must remain active through the duration of the last registered camp date. If your membership is canceled for any reason your day camp registrations will also be cancelled. If cancelled and you still want to enroll in day camp, you will have to re-register at after the time of cancellation. Space will be dependent on what is available and all non-member registration policies would be in effect.

How do I register for day camp?

All campers must be registered for camp prior to attending. You can register online at www.grymca.org/summer-day-camps. Registration ENDS ten days prior to the start of each camp week. 

What are my options to pay for summer day camp?

  • Auto-drafts can be set up with credit card or from your checking or savings account. 
  • Summer Day Camp weekly charges will be drafted in full 10 days prior to the start of each camp week.
  • Cancelation policy is $50 cancellation fee per week, per child goes into effect immediately at time of registration. 50% cancellation fee goes into effect Friday March 1, 2024.
  • No credits/refunds for cancellations made after draft date.
  • YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin has a different payment/cancellation policy. FOR DETAILS, go to grymcacml.org, and see parent resources.

Parent Handbook

What sort of clothes should my camper bring?

All campers are required to wear their camp t-shirts on field trip days. Campers should also wear simple, non-restrictive clothing that you do not mind getting dirty, wet and possibly ruined. Shorts, jeans and tennis shoes are a good choice. You may want to send along an extra change of clothes just in case. Only swimwear is allowed in the pools. Street clothes may not be worn. 

May campers bring toys and similar items from home to camp?

Campers are not permitted to bring possessions from home (i.e. cell phones, iPods, toys, Gameboys, PSP, action figures, dolls, trading cards, etc.). The Y is not responsible for any item that is broken, lost or stolen during camp. 

Does my camper need to bring lunch/snacks to camp.

Each child needs to bring a peanut-free sack lunch. Lunches cannot be stored in a refrigerator or heated up in a microwave, so please pack food that will not spoil easily. Freezing juice boxes the night before and using ice packs for children’s lunch is suggested. Morning and afternoon snacks are provided. 

Do I need to send sunscreen with my camper?

Campers must bring sunscreen every day! Please apply sunscreen to your child before coming to camp each day. Throughout the day, your child will have frequent opportunities to reapply sunscreen.

Is the YMCA licensed?

Yes, our Summer Day Camps are licensed under the State of Michigan. This is our assurance that our day camps are committed to the highest standards established for the child care industry. 

What are the qualifications of your camp counselors?

Our counselors receive extensive training prior to the start of camp. Training includes:

  • Child Protection & Abuse Prevention
  • Behavior Management & Bully Prevention
  • Field Trip & Off-Site Safety & Procedures
  • General Risk Management & Prevention
  • Pool Safety
  • Project Based Learning
  • Character Development
  • Age Appropriate Activity
  • Customer Service
  • Curriculum Development & Design
  • CPR/First Aid & AED
  • STEAM/STEM Training

and our camp project based learning curriculum includes songs and games that incorporate the Y’s core values and education. 

What happens if my camper is sick or gets hurt?

Parents will be notified by camp personnel if their child has not been feeling well for a period of time and does not seem to be getting any better. Moderate injuries will also be communicated to the parent once proper first aid has taken place. Minor injuries will be communicated at Sign Out. In the case of a severe injury needing professional medical attention, the parent or guardian will be contacted immediately. 

What is the procedure for bad weather?

At the first sign of inclement weather, campers will be brought indoors and into safety. Inclement weather includes lightening and extreme heat. 

What is the procedure for when my child needs to take prescribed medication while at camp?

Parents/Guardians must have a signed medication authorization form on file for day camp staff to administer medication. The Authorization to Administer Medication form can be obtained during registration or online. You can also ask any camp director for a copy during the summer. Medication MUST come in the original pharmacy container.  It must list clearly the camper’s name, the doctor’s name, the name of the medication, the correct daily dosage, and the correct time of the date the medication is to be administered. Please indicate whether the medication needs to be taken with our without food and/or water. 

What is the counselor to camper ratio?

The Child Licensing Guidelines for counselors to camper ratios are as follows: 1:10 

Does my camper need to know how to swim?

Campers are tested to determine swim ability and if they will be allowed to utilize the deep end of the pool. They can re-test another day. If they cannot swim, they are required to wear a life jacket that we provide. All lifeguards are certified.

What is the procedure for campers checking in and out for camp?

All campers must be signed in and out of camp daily. Parents/Guardians must have a valid ID every day at the time of pickup in order for us to release your child do you. Please see the parent handbook for more information. 

What should I do if my camper will be absent or late?

Please leave a message for the camp directors at the front desk. Make sure to leave your name and camp you are attending in the message. 

What is a typical day like at camp?

Every week has a weekly theme! Activities, trips and lesson plans are typically tied into that weekly theme. Throughout the day, campers will participate in songs, fellowship, arts and crafts, character development, team building, health and nutrition, sports, fine arts, reading, science and much more! Throughout the day there are breaks scheduled for snack time, bathroom time, and sunscreen time. 

Does the camp offer field trips as an activity?

We are doing field trips at participating locations. 

What if my camper loses an item while at camp?

To minimize the chance of misplaced clothing and other items, please label all clothing and other property clearly. We cannot be responsible for lost or missing items. There will be a lost and found located at every day camp location. 

Are parents allowed to visit our children while they are at camp?

The Y has an open door policy for the parents and guardians of all campers. Please first speak directly with a camp director to let them know you are visiting. Parents are invited and encouraged to visit the program sites at any time. 

What if I need to pick up my child earlier than planned from camp, what do I do? 

Please email the program director and communicate at drop off to camp staff if you plan to pick up your child early.

Is there any screen time at camp? 

No, we do not have any screen time planned during camp. Only during special situations/programs that may require screens are they used.

2024 Theme Weeks

Each week of camp is uniquely themed to add some fun and excitement to the mix. The week will contain additional activities that correspond to the theme.

Sports-O-Rama

June 10 - 14
Football, baseball, basketball, soccer and more. It doesn't matter the sport - we love them all! Let's celebrate a week of sports.

Make-A-Mess

June 17 - 21
Slime, foam parties and experiments! Prepare to make a mess this week by doing some of the wackiest, messiest things.

Mythical Creatures

June 24 - 28
Get excited to celebrate some of your favorite mythical creatures. Ride your dragon to camp for a week of fun!

Party in the USA

July 1 - 3
Let’s wish America a very Happy Birthday! Bring your best red, white and blue attire and gear up to celebrate Independence Day at YMCA Summer Day Camp.

Storm Chasers

July 8 - 12
Tornados, thunderstorms and more! Love learning about the weather? Come to camp and learn all about storms and how they work.

Prehistoric Dig!

July 15 - 19
Put on your lab coat and get ready for a week of ancient fossils, dinosaurs and the world of paleontology.

Galactic Adventures

July 22 - 26
Fly in your spaceship to camp and prepare to have an amazing time. Let's learn about space, planets and galaxies far, far away!

Color Creations

July 29 - August 2
We love color, yes we do, we love color, how about you?! Come join us for a rainbow of colors this week at camp.

Splash-Tacular

August 5 - 9
Ahoy matey! Splash into fun with a week of camp. We will meet you under (and above) the sea and create an ocean of memories.

Mix-and-Match

August 12 - 16
Come to camp to celebrate some of our favorite camp themes from the past. It's going to be a blast (from the past)!

To Register

Please choose a Summer Day Camp location below, and click on the “REGISTER TODAY” button. The button will direct you to the sign up page where you can register for day camps. “CONTACT US” for more information or registration assistance.
  • 3 day options available at our school based locations.
  • Children must have completed young fives or kindergarten to register.
  • Registration ENDS ten days prior to the start of each camp week.
  • Summer Day Camp weekly charges will be drafted in full 10 days prior to the start of each camp week.

Summer Day Camp Locations

Cherry Creek Elementary

12675 Foreman Road
Lowell, MI 49331

3-day option is FULL
Spots AVAILABLE for 5-day option

Camp Hours:

Monday – Friday
7:00am – 6:00pm

Contact Us:

David D. Hunting YMCA

475 Lake Michigan Drive NW
Grand Rapids MI, 49504

Camp location FULL - join the waitlist below

Camp Hours:

Monday – Friday
7:00am – 6:00pm

Contact Us:

Emmons Elementary

8950 Kraft Ave SE
Caledonia, MI 49316

3-day option is FULL
Spots AVAILABLE only for week 4

Camp Hours:

Monday – Friday
7:00am – 6:00pm

Contact Us:

Lakeshore Elementary

3765 N. 168th Avenue
Holland MI, 49424

Camp location FULL - join the waitlist below

Camp Hours:

Monday – Friday
7:00am – 6:00pm

Contact Us:

Mary Free Bed YMCA

5500 Burton Street SE
Grand Rapids MI, 49546

Camp location FULL - join the waitlist below

Camp Hours:

Monday – Friday
7:00am – 6:00pm

Contact Us:

SpartanNash YMCA

5722 Metro Way SW
Wyoming MI, 49519

Spots AVAILABLE only for week 4

Camp Hours:

Monday – Friday
7:00am – 6:00pm

Contact Us:

Visser Family YMCA

3540 Fairlanes SW
Grandville MI, 49418

Spots AVAILABLE for most weeks

Camp Hours:

Monday – Friday
7:00am – 6:00pm

Contact Us:

Wolverine Worldwide Family YMCA

6555 Jupiter Avenue NE
Belmont MI, 49306

Camp location FULL - join the waitlist below

Camp Hours:

Monday – Friday
7:00am – 6:00pm

Contact Us:

YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin

1095 N Briggs Road
Middleville, MI 49333

Spots AVAILABLE for most weeks

Contact Us: