Summer Day Camp
- Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA
- Niles-Buchanan YMCA
- Northside Child Development Center
- YMCA O'Brien Center
When kids experience YMCA camp, they experience something new every day. From the confidence that comes from trying new things to the importance of healthy, long-lasting relationships with friends and mentors.
Registration Information
- With all of our summer camps being licensed, we require additional paperwork, outside of registration paperwork, to be on file before we care for your child(ren). All paperwork can be found here.
- Registration is available online for members and non-members. Those who have visted the Y before may access their online account using an email the Y has on file or the phone number of the primary user on the account. If not already in our YMCA system, please join as a Non-Member on our "Join Online" page to register for programs. When registering someone 12 and under, a parent or guardian must register first as the Primary Adult. Please call or stop by the Y if you need assistance. (This excludes Summer My Way®).
Day Camp at YMCA O'Brien Center
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Day Camp at YMCA O'Brien Center
Your child will have a blast with 10 themed weeks of camp! Each day, we will enjoy physical activity, crafts, and opportunities to make new friends. We will be outside as often as possible to enjoy the summer weather! Pick the weeks you want! Campers will be provided breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack. Click here to check out our camp brochure for more details.
YMCA O'Brien Center 321 E. Walter Street South Bend, IN 46614 |
June 3-August 9 Monday-Friday 7:30 AM-6:00 PM |
For children ages Pre-K (3 years)-8th Grade | Member: $175/week Community: $245/week |
Registration & Payment Information
- A $50 non-refundable deposit for each registered week must be paid to retain your child’s place unless you pay in full at the time of sign-up. Deposit goes toward weekly fee. Deposits can not be transfered to other weeks.
- Final payment must be paid two Fridays prior to the start of care. If final payment is not made, the available spot will be filled by a child on the waitlist.
- Camp is a licensed child care program. Please fill out and return the necessary forms after completing online registration. Forms can be found here.
- Families will receive a "What to Expect" email before the start of each week.
Weekly Themes
Crafty Creators
Week #1 June 3-7
Unleash your child's creativity at Crafty Creators, where every day is an artistic adventure! From painting and sculpting to beadwork and paper crafts, our Crafty Creators camp is designed to inspire and nurture your child's artistic talents. Campers will explore a world of colors, textures, and imagination as they create unique masterpieces to take home.
Thursday Dress-Up Theme: Favorite Color
Jurassic Park
Week #2 June 10-14
ROAR your way into a week of Dinosaur-inspired activities. Discover your inner archaeologist and dig for fossils. Let's travel back in time and spend a week with the Dinos.
Thursday Dress-Up Theme: Camo Day - blend in or stand out by wearing your camp outfit
Let's Get Messy
Week #3 June 17-21
Embark on a week of joyful chaos with 'Let's Get Messy Week.' Campers dive into a world of colorful splatters, sensory experiences, and imaginative mess-making, fostering a playful environment that sparks creativity and laughter, creating lasting summer memories.
Thursday Dress-Up Theme: Pajama Day
Pirates and Mermaids
Week #4 June 24-28
Climb aboard and set sail to the high seas and discover your inner pirate or mermaid. Enjoy a week of swash-buckling fun or exploring the reef below the ocean.
Thursday Dress-Up Theme: Pirates and Mermaids
Stars and Stripes
Week #5 July 1-3 (No camp July 4-5)
Campers will immerse themselves in a red, white, and blue wonderland, engaging in games, crafts, and activities inspired by the great American spirit. From flag-making to patriotic parades, join us for a week filled with all things stars and stripes as we honor the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Price Change: $105 for members, $150 for community
Wednesday Dress-Up Theme: Red, White & Blue
A Galaxy, Far, Far, Away
Week #6 July 8-12
Future astronauts, engineers, and scientists unite this week as we take to the stars for an out-of-this-world adventurer. Campers will look to the sky as we discover constellations, follow the moon, and explore the Milky Way.
Thursday Dress-Up Theme: Tie-dye
Magic Academy
Week #7 July 15-19
Dear Camper, We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted into this session of Magic Academy. Campers will be required to report to the sorting opening ceremony on the first day of camp. Come to camp ready to learn about mythical creators, flying 101, and training your owls. Sincerely, Your Headmaster
Thursday Dress-Up Theme: You're a Wizard, Camper!
Welcome to the Jungle
Week #8 July 22-26
Step into the wild! Campers will embark on an adventurous journey filled with jungle-themed activities, team challenges, and creative exploration, immersing themselves in a world of fun and discovery while building friendships in the heart of the jungle.
Thursday Dress-Up Theme: Favorite Animal
Under the Sea
Week #9 July 29-August 2
Under the sea! Under the sea! Camps getting wetter. It will be better. Take it from me! Your grown-ups, they work all day. Out at camp, we play away! This week is hotter, Hop in the water Under the sea!
Thursday Dress-Up Theme: Glitter, Glow and Sparkle
Mad Scientist
Week #10 August 5-9
Young minds will don lab coats, and goggles, and dive into exciting experiments, discovering the wonders of Science, Technology, engineering, and mathematics. Hands-on exploration, explosive fun, and the chance to unleash the mad scientist within!
Thursday Dress-Up Theme: Backwards Day
Cancelation Policy
- A week notice is required to receive a full refund (excluding deposit).
- Less than a week's notice, 50% system credit will be issued (excluding deposit).
- Notices given on or after the first day of programming, no refund will be issued.
Please note that CCDF Vouchers are accepted for care. To obtain a provider form, please contact Maycie Wise at mwise@ymcagm.org
Financial Assistance
We recognize that access and affordability to child care can be challenging. Please see your options below for financial assistance.
- Child Care Assistance is available to help you to access our license-exempt programs, like Y-Club, through financial assistance for those who qualify. Learn more on their website Early Ed Connect (in.gov).
- The Y offers financial assistance to those who qualify. Please fill out our financial assistance application, found here, and email Natalie Cooper, Member Administrator, at ncooper@ymcagm.org.
- In order to qualify for a scholarship from the YMCA, you must first apply to FSSA Child Care Assistance.
Gla-Da-Wen-Ta Day Camp at Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA
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Gla-Da-Wen-Ta Day Camp - FULL
Your child will have a blast with 10 different themed weeks of camp and exciting field trips! Each day, we will enjoy physical activity, games, and opportunities to make new friends. We will be outside as often as possible to enjoy the summer weather! There will also be swimming in the pool and a waterslide throughout the week. Pre and Post-Care are also available for those who may need it. Select the weeks you want! Limited to 85 campers per week.
Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA 3665 Hollywood Road St. Joseph, MI 49085 |
June 10-August 16 Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-4:30 PM |
Ages 5-12 Must have completed a full year of Kindergarten |
Member: $175/week Community: $190/week |
Registration & Payment Information
- A non-refundable deposit of $75 per child is required at the time of registration for each week of camp. Deposit goes toward weekly fee.
- Remaining balances are drafted the Thursday before the first day of camp each week.
- Gla-Da-Wen-Ta is a licensed child care program. Please fill out and return the necessary forms after completing online registration. Forms can be found here.
- Registration is available online for members and non-members. Those who have visted the Y before may access their online account using an email the Y has on file or the phone number of the primary user on the account. If not already in our YMCA system, please join as a Non-Member on our "Join Online" page to register for programs. When registering someone 12 and under, a parent or guardian must register first as the Primary Adult. Please call or stop by the Y if you need assistance.
Weekly Themes
Kickoff to Summer - Tropical Paradise
Week #1 June 10-14
Escape to a tropical paradise at our GAWT Camp's "Kickoff to Summer - Tropical Paradise" week! Get ready for a sun-soaked adventure filled with vibrant colors, exotic flavors, and the laid-back atmosphere of a tropical paradise. Campers will experience the ultimate summer kickoff with a blend of island-inspired activities, beach games, and unforgettable memories.
Field Trip: Potawatomi Zoo
Food Spectacular
Week #2 June 17-21
Experience a melting pot of flavors from around the world! Our food spectacular brings international cuisines to your plate, offering a taste of diverse cultures and culinary traditions.
Field Trip: Shuler Dairy Farm
Engineering Week
Week #3 June 24–28
Gear up for an innovative adventure at our GAWT Camp's "Engineering Week"! You’ll work together with a team of other dedicated camp engineers to problem solve and use your critical thinking skills to design, construct, and create a number of engineering activities and projects using a variety of building sets such as LEGOS, straws, connectors, and more!
Field Trip: Air Zoo (Kalamazoo)
Red, White & Blue - Celebrate USA
Week #4 July 1-3 *No programming Thursday, July 4 and Friday, July 5
*Price change for this week only* $105 for members, $114 for the community
Get ready for a patriotic extravaganza at our GAWT 'Red, White, and Blue - Celebrate the USA' week! Campers will experience the spirit of America through a week filled with patriotic activities, games, and festivities. Join us as we celebrate being together in the land of the free
No Field Trip
Hero Week
Week #5 July 8-12
Campfire Tales of Valor: Gather around the campfire for inspiring tales of real-life heroes and legendary figures. Campers will learn about the qualities that make a hero and how they can make a difference in their communities.
Field Trip: Rambo’s Blueberry
Entrepreneurship Week
Week #6 July 15-19
Unleash your entrepreneurial spirit at our Youth Camp's dynamic 'Entrepreneurship Week'! This exciting week is designed to ignite creativity, cultivate business skills, and inspire the next generation of young innovators. Campers will learn how to construct a lemonade stand and sell to our community. We will celebrate our successes at the end of the week with a summer party.
Field Trip: South Bend Chocolate Factory
Shark Week
Week #7 July 22-26
Dive into the depths of excitement at our GAWT's thrilling "Shark Week"! Get ready for a fintastic adventure filled with marine marvels, ocean exploration, and the awe-inspiring world of sharks. Campers will embark on a journey to discover the mysteries of the deep sea and the incredible creatures that call it home.
Field Trip: Coast Guard/Jean Klock Park (older groups), Coast Guard/Lincoln Township Splash Pad (younger groups)
Got Game?
Week #8 July 29-August 2
Gear up for an action-packed adventure at our GAWT Camp's thrilling "Got Game" theme! Get ready to unleash your competitive spirit, enhance your skills, and experience the thrill of victory in a week dedicated to all things games and sports. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a casual gamer, this week is designed to bring out the champion in every camper
Field Trip: Notre Dame Field Trip (TBD) (older groups), Peats Cider Mill (younger groups)
Color Craze
Week #9 August 5-9
Dive into a world of vibrant hues and creative expression at our Youth Camp's Color Craze Week! Join us for a week-long celebration of all things colorful and imaginative. Campers will immerse themselves in a kaleidoscope of activities designed to spark creativity, foster artistic exploration, and make every moment a burst of color.
Field Trip: Slackers
Summer Rewind
Week #10 August 12-16
Summer is almost over, BUMMER!! Let’s celebrate the final week of camp with games, fun, and an end-of-the-year summer party. We will make sure to include all the summer favorites again this week.
Field Trip: Smiley's - Mishawaka
Pre & Post Care
Pre and Post Care is an option for families who need care for their children before and after the camp day. Extended hours provide a supervised activity time for children of working parents. Available for specific YMCA camps. Preregistration is required. Limited to 35 kids, it's only available for those who are already registered for camp.
Pre-Care | 7:00-9:00 AM | Member: $45/week Community: $55/week |
Post-Care | 4:30-5:30 PM | Member: $35/week Community: $45/week |
Both | Member: $70/week Community: $90/week |
- Pre & Post Care balances are drafted the Thursday before the first day of camp.
- Registration is available online for members and non-members. Those who have visited the Y before may access their online account using an email the Y has on file or the phone number of the primary user on the account. If not already in our YMCA system, please join as a Non-Member on our "Join Online" page to register for programs. When registering someone 12 and under, a parent or guardian must register first as the Primary Adult. Please call or stop by the Y if you need assistance.
Parent Handbook
Click here to access the handbook
Registered families will receive a "What to Expect" email before the start of each week.
What is the challenge?
We will be using our Y TIES Program to develop our children’s social responsibility. This program allows the opportunity for students and staff to make living the Y character values tangible and collective. Children will be able to make individual pledges or goals, demonstrate their pledge, recognize their efforts and success, and reflect on their pledges and goals.
Field Trips
Weekly field trips will be divided into two age groups. Ages 8-12 will go on Tuesday and ages 5-7 will go on Thursdays.
Daily Schedule
Time | Activity |
7:00-9:00 AM | Pre-Care: Community Room |
9:00-9:15 AM | Arrival/Check-In (at Tent behind the Y) |
9:15-9:30 AM | Daily Debrief/Counselor Time |
9:30-10:15 AM | Rotation 1 |
10:15-11:00 AM | Rotation 2 |
11:00 AM-11:30 PM | Clean Up/Prepare for Lunch |
11:30 AM-12:15 PM | Lunch |
12:15-12:45 PM | Counselor Led Activity |
12:45-1:00 PM | Head inside for Reading/Swim Time |
1:00-2:00 PM | Groups 1,3,5,7: Swim Groups 2,4,6,8: Reading/Educational Activity |
2:00-3:00 PM | Groups 1,3,5,7: Reading/Educational Activity Groups 2,4,6,8: Swim |
3:00-4:00 PM | Large Group Activity/Rotation 3 |
4:00-4:30 PM | Clean Up/Dismissal |
4:30-5:30 PM | Post-Care: Community Room |
Financial Assistance
We recognize that access and affordability to child care can be challenging. Please see your options below for financial assistance.
- MI Bridges can help you to access our state-licensed programs, like Gla-Da-Wen-Ta, through financial assistance for those who qualify. Learn more on their website or download a PDF. Program will be listed under "Building Blocks Preschool."
- Check the Eligibility Calculator.
- The Y offers financial assistance to those who qualify. Please fill out our financial assistance application, found here, and email Natalie Cooper, Member Administrator, at ncooper@ymcagm.org.
In order to qualify for a scholarship from the YMCA, you must first apply to MI Bridges.
Young Adventure Camp at Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA
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Young Adventure Camp 2024
Young Adventure is an 9-week camp held at our Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA. Each week has an assigned theme to it where campers will have the opportunity to do many fun and exciting activities while interacting with their friends. Limit of 36 campers per week.
Half Day | Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-12:00 PM |
Ages 3-5 | Member: $105/week Community: $115/week |
Full Day | Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-3:00 PM |
Ages 3-5 | Member: $210/week Community: $225/week |
Registration & Payment Information
- A non-refundable deposit of $50 per child is required at the time of registration for each week of camp. Deposit goes toward weekly fee.
- Remaining balances are drafted the Thursday before the first day of camp each week.
- Young Adventure Camp is a licensed child care program. Please fill out and return the necessary forms after completing online registration. Forms can be found here.
- Registration is available online for members and non-members. Those who have visited the Y before may access their online account using an email the Y has on file or the phone number of the primary user on the account. If not already in our YMCA system, please join as a Non-Member on our "Join Online" page to register for programs. When registering someone 12 and under, a parent or guardian must register first as the Primary Adult. Please call or stop by the Y if you need assistance.
Weekly Themes
Princesses and Superheroes
Week #1 June 10-14
Let’s take a walk and let our imaginations take us to a land of make-believe, where we can be anyone we want to be. Dress up as your favorite princess or superhero every day at camp. Create magical art and use your superpowers to create expressive creations of art.
Bugs, Bees, and Butterflies
Week #2 June 17–21
Summer is a busy time for our insect friends. Our pollinators are especially busy this time of year. We will explore their world and learn their importance and have fun while we are doing it.
A World of Colors
Week #3 June 24-28
Discover the magic of color! This week you will experience hands-on creative activities and fun using all the rainbow colors. During the colorful adventures the kids will explore art, express their creativity and experience color in a whole new way. Get ready to make colorful memories.
Hip, Hip, Hooray for the USA
Week #4 July 1, 2 and 3 (No Camp July 4-5)
*Price change for this week only* Half Day: $63 for members, $69 community; Full Day: $126 for members, $135 for community
Wear your red, white, and blue as we celebrate the birthday of the land that we live in and what makes it beautiful.
Unicorns and Dinosaurs
Week #5 July 8-12
You read that right, Unicorns and Dinosaurs, why not! We will explore these mystical creatures as we step back in time to study these prehistoric creatures with very long names that roamed the earth a long time ago.
Splashtacular
Week #6 July 15-19
Be prepared to get wet this week and be sure to wear your swimsuit every day and don’t forget to bring your dry clothes as well. We will be doing all things that involve water.
Shark Week
Week #7 July 22-26
Coincides with Shark week on the Discovery Channel! Join us as we discover all the many species of sharks and other creatures that live in the deep blue sea.
Messy Week
Week #8 July 29-August 2
Plan on getting messy as we explore different ways to use paint, from splatting it with a fly swatter to dipping a weighted balloon in the paint and dropping it to the ground from standing. We may even be taking a messy walk and walk through cooked spaghetti.
Pirates and Mermaids
Week #9 August 5-9
It’s a pirate’s life for me and while we are out sailing the seas, we may be lucky enough to spot a mermaid, she may even lead us to the sunken treasure full of gold.
Pre-Care
Extended hours are an option for families who need care for their children before the camp day. Extended hours provide a supervised activity time for children of working parents. Pre-registration is required.
Pre-Care | 7:45-8:55 AM | Member: $25/week Community: $30/week |
- Parent/Guardian is required to provide a lunch. We are nut free, please label your child's lunch box and all containers.
- Balances are drafted the Thursday before the first day of camp each week.
- Registration is available online for those who have visited the YMCA. You may access your online account using an email the Y has on file or the phone number of the primary user on your account. Please call or stop by if you are new to the Y or need assistance.
Daily Schedule
Half Day Camp | Full Day Camp |
8:50-9:10 AM: Drop Off/Free Play | 8:50-9:10 AM: Drop Off/Free Play |
9:10- 9:15 AM: Clean-Up | 9:10- 9:15 AM: Clean-Up |
9:15-9:30 AM: Circle Time | 9:15-9:30 AM: Circle Time |
9:30-10:15 AM: Centers | 9:30-10:00 AM: Centers |
10:15-10:30 AM: Clean-Up | 10:00-10:15 AM: Clean-Up |
10:30-10:45 AM: Snack | 10:15-10:30 AM: Snack |
10:45-11:00 AM: Songs/Music Dance | 10:30-11:00 AM: Outside |
11:00-11:30 AM: Outside Time | 11:00-11:15 AM: Songs, Music, Dance |
11:30 AM-12:00 PM: Story/Get Ready for Dismissal | 11:15-11:45 AM: Free Play |
12:00 PM: Dismissal | 11:45 AM-12:00 PM: Clean-Up |
Swim Days and Water Slide days and times to be determined. | 12:00-12:30 PM: Lunch |
12:30-12:45 PM: Clean-Up | |
12:45-1:15 PM: Outside Time | |
1:15-2:00 PM: Rest | |
2:00-2:45 PM: Wake-Up/Table Activities | |
2:45-3:00 PM: Get Ready for Dismissal | |
3:00 PM: Dismissal/Post Care to Childwatch |
Parent Handbook
Click here to access handbook
Registered families will receive a "What to Expect" email before the start of each week.
Pool
We are in the pool twice a week. Please bring your swimsuit everyday for water slide and other activites.
Financial Assistance
We recognize that access and affordability to child care can be challenging. Please see your options below for financial assistance.
- MI Bridges can help you to access our state-licensed programs, like Young Adventure/Preschool Care, through financial assistance for those who qualify. Learn more on their website or download a PDF.
- Check the Eligibility Calculator.
- The Y offers financial assistance to those who qualify. Please fill out our financial assistance application, found here, and email Natalie Cooper, Member Administrator, at ncooper@ymcagm.org.
In order to qualify for a scholarship from the YMCA, you must first apply to MI Bridges.
Summer My Way®
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Summer My Way® Day Camp
Join us for seven weeks of learning and physical activity! This fun, academic-based camp focuses on nurturing academic success, engaging students in physical activity, and increasing social responsibility in the youth in our community. Breakfast and lunch included. Pick the weeks you want!
K-3rd Grade | Northside Child Development Center 2020 N. Fifth Street Niles, MI 49120 |
Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-3:00 PM |
$75/student per week session |
4th& 5th Grade | Niles-Buchanan YMCA 905 N. Front Street Niles, MI 49120 |
Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-3:00 PM |
$75/student per week session |
Payments will be drafted the Friday before the first day of each camp week.
Pre & Post Care - All grades
Pre-Care | Northside Child Development Center | 7:00-9:00 AM | $30/week per child |
Post-Care | Northside Child Development Center | 3:00-5:30 PM | $30/week per child |
When
June 24–August 9, 2024
Price Change Week of 4th of July
July 1-3 | Monday-Wednesday 9:00 AM-3:00 PM |
$45/student per week session |
Pre Care (7:00 -9:00 AM): $18/week per child | Post Care (3:00 -5:30 AM): $18/week per child |
Enrollment
When registering for camp, you will be prompted to select which tracks & specials your child participates in.
Meals
Breakfast & Lunch provided for all campers
Transportation
- Transportation is not provided from home to pre-care or from post-care to home.
- Transporation is provided from pre-care to the Niles-Buchganan YMCA and from the Y to post-care.
- Transportation is provided from home to Camp and from Camp to home.
Financial Assistance
We recognize that access and affordability to child care can be challenging. Please see your options below for financial assistance.
- MI Bridges can help you to access our state-licensed programs, like Summer My Way®, through financial assistance for those who qualify. Learn more on their website or download a PDF.
- Check the Eligibility Calculator.
- The Y offers financial assistance to those who qualify. Please fill out our financial assistance application, found here, and email Natalie Cooper, Member Administrator, at ncooper@ymcagm.org.
In order to qualify for a scholarship from the YMCA, you must first apply to MI Bridges.