Summer Camp at the Tampa Y

Camp Types

• Signature Camp
  • Tampa YMCA Signature Summer Camp program takes traditional day camp to a whole new level! Campers will have the opportunity to explore a variety of activities as they rotate through different "experience stations." Examples of activities campers may experience include: swimming, STEM, arts & crafts, outdoor education, games, team building and more. Activities are led by highly trained counselors and seasoned team members who love working with children.
• Add-on Experiences
  • Choose additional experiences to your camper’s days before and after traditional camp times of 9am-4pm. Examples of add-ons are: swim lessons, free swim, sports mix, ropes course, horseback riding, gymnastics, field trips and more. Add-ons vary by location and price, and are available only at the designated times. During registration, the add-on options available for the chosen location will appear.
• Half-Day Camp Experience
  • Whether your child is attending summer school, has other activities planned or they simply want a bite-size camp experience, the Tampa YMCA has you covered! New in 2026, we are offering half-day options of some of our most popular camps! These camp options are marked as "Half-day Option Available". Select AM or PM at check out, and you are set!

Rates & Payment

For more detailed information, please reference the Summer Camp Parent Handbook.

• What is the price per week in each camp?
  • Check out the registration page for detailed pricing on summer camps and specialty camps. Prices vary by location.
• Are there any registration discounts?
  • We offer an exclusive discounted rate to our members on all summer camp and specialty camp options. Check out summer camp prices for members and non-members by YMCA location.
  • We have scholarships available for those who qualify. Please contact the location you would like to attend for an application.
• Where do I make my payments?
  • All payments must be set to auto-draft. All payments will occur on Monday, two weeks before the registered camp week begins.
• What about campers with physical and cognitive disabilities?
  • Two Tampa Y locations (North Brandon Family YMCA and the Bob Sierra Youth and Family Center) have camps for campers with physical and cognitive disabilities. To ensure camp is as safe as possible, parents/guardians MUST contact the camp director at the location of camp to sign up. Registration for Adaptive Camp type is NOT available online.
  • If you have questions about your child’s needs at any Tampa Y location, contact the camp director to discuss/inform of any special needs.
• Can my child switch camps in the middle of the week?
  • No, we do not allow any campers to switch camp types or locations after that week of camp has already begun. 

Camp Ages/Ratios

• What age does my child have to be to attend camp?
  • All Tampa Y locations offer camp for those 6 or older. Campers must have completed Kindergarten to attend Tampa YMCA camps.
• How are children grouped together at camp?
  • Age groups are based on the type of camp. For most camps, children will be separated by grades 1 & 2, and then grades 3-6, grades 7 & 8.  
     
• What camps are offered this year?
  • Summer camp specialties vary by location. Every camp location offers a variety of activities, some specialties, and a lot of fun! 

Swimming at Camp

• Will my child be swimming at camp?
  • Campers will have will have the opportunity to swim/have pool time every day of camp (weather permitting), regardless of the type of camp they are registered.
• What if my child does not know how to swim?
  • All children will complete a swim test. The swim test consists of jumping into the deep end of the pool, resurfacing, treading for 1 minute, and then swimming to the shallow end (25 yards). Campers eight years and younger will take the swim test each week they participate in camp.
  • If a child does not pass, he or she will be given a life jacket to wear while in the pool.
  • Swim Camp and Swim Team campers will have to pass the swim test at minimum two weeks prior to their week of camp. Please review the Parent Handbook for more information on swimming at summer camp. 

What to Bring to Camp

• What should my child bring with them each day? 
  All items must be labeled with the camper’s first and last name:
  • Water bottle, closed-toed shoes, spray sunscreen, bug spray, backpack, swim suit, towel, lunch, snacks 
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• Are electronics, toys, or phones allowed?
  • No. Please do not bring any electronics, toys, handheld video games, Legos, Pokemon cards, etc.
  • The Y is NOT responsible for any lost or stolen property.

Summer Camp Provided Lunch

• When will my child eat breakfast/lunch/snack?
  • Campers will eat breakfast between 7:30am - 9am
  • Campers will eat lunch between 11:30am - 1pm, depending on the type of camp
  • We will offer a snack time around 3:30pm – we do not provide snacks
• Will children be provided with the snack?
  • No. Campers should pack their own snack.  
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• What's for lunch?
  • Campers may bring their own lunch for dietary needs or preference​​​​
  • Tampa Y summer camps will serve basic breakfast and lunch for all campers through the Hillsborough and Pasco County Schools Summer Feeding Program.
  • Hillsborough County YMCAs
    • Free breakfast and lunch will be provided at camp Monday through Thursday, Weeks 1-8
    • Camp Week 10, this service is not provided by our partners; each family will need to provide lunch (and breakfast before arriving at camp) for their campers​​​​​​​
  • ​​​​​​​East Pasco Family YMCA
    • Free breakfast and lunch will be provided by our partner Monday - Thursday, Weeks 2 - 9
    • Camp Weeks 1 & 10, this service is not provided by our partners; each family will need to provide lunch (and breakfast before arriving at camp) for their campers
• Are there vegetarian or Gluten-free options?
  • No, there are no special meal options through the Hillsborough and Pasco County School Summer Feeding Program.
  • There are NO pork products.
  • If a child has any food allergies, etc., please contact the camp director via email, available on your YMCA's contact page and in camp registration.

Pick-up & Drop-off Policy

• If a parent needs to add an additional person to pick up their child, can they do so over the phone with a director?
  • NO, we do not allow phone call approvals. To ensure each camper's safety, our staff must have the parent’s signature to add an additional pickup person. Signatures will be accepted in person, via fax, or a note sent with the child. 
     
• Where is drop-off & pick-up for day camp and specialty camps?
  • Drop-off and pick-up areas for camp vary by location, and will have staggered curb-side check-in. During camp, each location will have signs to direct parents/guardians in the right direction.  
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• What will my child do each day/week?
  • Campers will participate in arts and crafts, STEM activities, sports, swimming, group games, and team building activities each week.