Camps

Why the Y?

Summer at Findlay YMCA Camp is an incredible opportunity for children to grow, explore, and learn new things. The YMCA provides a safe and stimulating environment for kids to play, make friends, and challenge themselves to try new activities. This summer, help your kids lead a fulfilling and adventurous life by giving them the gift of time spent at YMCA camps where they can build new skills, explore their interests, and gain a greater understanding of the world around them. Let's provide children with the chance to be kids this summer and help them become successful and confident individuals as they grow. Learn more about camp opportunities below.

Camp Registration opens in March.

Please note that to receive the YMCA member rates, you must be a YMCA member at the time of your registration.

Click here to see our 2023 Summer Camp Brochure!

Traditional Camp at Riverside

Summer Camp is a time for kids to be kids, to play, to run, and to have fun with friends. Time spent being physically active and social is more important now than ever before. Through fun physical activities, kids learn about themselves and grow in self-confidence as they develop new skills and meet new friends.

Traditional Camp is held at Riverside Park. It is an all-day camp for rising Kindergartners through 6th grade. Camp runs from 9 am-4 pm. Extended care is available in the mornings from 7:30 am-9 am and in the evenings from 4 pm-6 pm at Riverside.

Discovery Camps

The YMCA also offers a variety of Discovery Camps in three categories: STEAM, Art, and Sports! Campers can pursue their interests with new friends and learn new skills in a safe and fun environment. Enjoy a full day of active games, crafts, and fun! These camps are available for children entering grades K-6. Extended care is available in the mornings from 6:15 am-9 am and in the evenings from 4 pm-6 pm at the Child Development Center.

NEW IN 2023! We have partnered with the University of Findlay and Findlay High School to bring a collaborative camp experience for several sports camps! Leave the transportation to and from University of Findlay and Findlay High School sports camps to us, and let us supplement their camp experience with more fun activities at the YMCA!

Preschool Camps

Through a variety of interactive activities, little learners ages 3-5 can learn about the world around them and develop essential skills at Findlay YMCA's Preschool Camps. From art projects to science experiments, there are plenty of opportunities for children to explore and engage in creative activities that can stimulate their imaginations and curiosity. Preschool Camps are held from 9:30-11:30 am at the Central Church of Christ located at 307 East Hardin Street.

Leader In Training (LIT) Program

The Leader-In-Training (LIT) program allows older campers (entering 7th, 8th, or 9th graders) to build leadership skills and assume some counselor responsibilities while still participating in their favorite activities. Through a combination of workshops, supervised opportunities with younger campers, program planning and general camp activities, participants will be exposed to the basic elements of youth development through the lens of a camp counselor. Leadership skills and teamwork are emphasized, along with development of the YMCA character values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith. An application process is required for interested participants.

Read more about LIT in our 2023 Summer Camp Brochure.

School Day Out Camps

School breaks are a great time for kids to get away from the routine of school and try new things, whether that's for one day or several! Our School Day Out Camps offer exciting and educational programs that can keep children engaged and entertained. From games to swimming to themed arts and crafts, every child will enjoy the variety of YMCA School Day Out Camps! Kids can make new friends, learn new skills and gain independence all while having fun. These camps are also a great way to stay active during the time off from school!

One Day Camps
Monday, October 23rd
Friday, December 22nd
Friday, January 12th
Monday, January 15th
Friday, February 16th
Monday, February 19th
Monday, March 18th
Thursday, March 28th
Monday, April 1st

Turkey Time Thanksgiving Camp - Monday, November 20th to Wednesday November 22nd
Snow Much Fun Winter Camp - Tuesday, December 26th to Friday, December 29th

Camp space is limited. Families who participate in YABSS will have first priority for school day out camps.

Three Focus Areas

Achievement

We want to make sure that every child tries something new this summer and leaves with a new skill. This could be trying a new sport, learning how to make friendship bracelets, or even developing their leadership skills by leading a group activity. Every child should have the chance to step outside of their comfort zone to experience new things.

Relationships

We want to make sure every child makes a connection with their fellow participants and the staff. We want to help kids not only make new friends but learn how to be good friends too. We do this through being intentional with team building activities, opportunities to learn about those around us, and using our core values.

Belonging

Every child should feel safe at home and at the YMCA. The Y is a place to be yourself and be welcomed by the people around you! We create this sense of belonging through our traditions and the relationships we build.

Our Core Values

Caring - Being considerate to the needs and feelings of others

Honesty - Being truthful and trustworthy

Respect - Treating others, the environment, and yourself with dignity

Responsibility - Accepting accountability for your actions and your role in the community

Faith - Believing in something bigger than yourself

What will my child do all day?

One of the questions parents ask most is, “What will my child do this summer?” The answer is...ALOT!

As soon as your child arrives, we pack the day with activities based around that week’s theme. The program follows a rotation schedule so that every child gets the opportunity to try new experiences and activities they know and love.

View a Sample Campfire Chronicle

What should my camper bring to camp?

All campers must bring a healthy lunch, and plenty to drink each day. Traditional Camp attendees should also bring two snacks to camp each day. Please send only non-perishable foods because refrigeration is not possible. Campers should also bring their own water bottle to stay hydrated during the day. Send your child to camp with a backpack to keep all of their belongings together. Please have your camper bring a swimsuit, towel, insect repellent, a hat for sun protection, and sunscreen to help prevent sunburn. It is recommended that parents or guardians apply sunscreen to campers’ arms, legs and back prior to arriving at camp.

Campers should NOT bring:

Cell phones
Video Games
Personal CD Players, stereos, iPods, etc.
Expensive Jewelry or Watches
New or expensive clothing
Money
Toys or Card Games
Weapons
Drugs or Alcohol
Personal Sports Equipment (unless otherwise specified)
Vehicles
Animals

The YMCA is not responsible for any items that are lost or stolen, and under no circumstances will the YMCA reimburse lost, stolen, or broken items. The best way to prevent the loss of property is to leave it at home. There will be a designated lost and found at each camp location. Please check for your child's items. Lost and Found items will be kept at the YMCA for two full weeks and then donated to charity.

What should my camper bring to field trips?

Campers must bring a healthy lunch, two snacks, and plenty to drink each day. Campers should not need, nor should they bring any money. Camp fees include all day trip admission fees. Trips are subject to change, so campers should bring a backpack with swimsuit, towel and sunscreen each day, regardless of the schedule. All campers should wear comfortable and appropriate attire, such as T-shirt, shorts, and tennis shoes. Please do not wear sandals or flip flops. Please label all items with name and phone number.

What should campers wear to camp?

Children should wear clothing suitable for an active day at camp. Appropriate items would include shorts, t-shirts, light jackets (for chilly mornings), and athletic shoes (no sandals). Please label all items sent to camp with the child’s first and last name. Our camps use discovery and play as a major part of our camp program, thus we encourage you to dress your child in clothing that you do not mind getting dirty or stained with art materials in the course of your child engaging in a fun activity. Campers should NOT wear sandals, Crocs, nice clothes, or inappropriate clothing with adult themes.

What if my child forgets their lunch?

Every so often, a lunch doesn’t make it from the car to camp. The camp staff will contact you to let you know that they don’t have a lunch. We will make sure that your child gets something to eat, or a lunch will be purchased and parents/guardians will need to reimburse camp at pick-up.

Can my camper buy lunch?

No, campers will not have access to vending machines.

What if my child can't swim?

Parents of non-swimmers should indicate their child’s swimming ability on the registration form. Non-swimmers will be marked and required to remain in the shallow end of the pool. Campers are not required to swim, although encouraged to do so.

The YMCA offers both group and private swim lessons daily throughout the summer as a separate program for ages 6 months – Adult.

In order to keep children safe, campers wanting to swim in the deep end take the swim test weekly before swimming.

Should I pack water for my camper?

YES! Though our staff make regular trips to the restrooms and drinking fountains, parents/guardians are responsible for sending their child with plenty of fluids for the day.

How can I get a camp schedule?

Camp schedules will be passed out to campers on the first day of the session as well as emailed the Friday before the start of the session. The camp schedule provides you with information on what your child will be doing during his/her time at camp. Please note that these schedules are subject to change. We do our best to provide you with information early so you can plan ahead, but summer camp is full of surprises, and we are often forced to make changes. This schedule also gives you information on what to bring.