Summer Camp Information Station
With only 50 days to experience camp this summer, you don't want to miss a single week at the Y! Get ready for a summer of fun and learn everything you need to know about camp right here. Check out what’s new, what to bring to camp, counselor job descriptions, camper testimonials, and more.
Summer Camp Update 6/30
Face Coverings at YMCA Summer Camp
At all our YMCA Summer Camp locations across Hillsborough County, we highly encourage face coverings as an extra layer of protection, but they are not required for children under the age of 18 in our camps, youth sports and Stay & Play areas. If a parent wishes their camper to be in a face covering indoors, they will need to continue to send one with them and notify Y staff at check-in.
In compliance with Pasco County’s mask ordinance, campers are required to wear a face covering indoors at the East Pasco County YMCA Summer Camps. Parents/guardians are responsible for sending a mask to camp with their camper (we recommend two).
Register Now
Find your camp by location. There are 50 days of camp, it's only a matter of what you'll do first!
Camp Guide
Flip through the guide to learn about summer camp at each location and all the fun we'll have this summer.
Parents
Everything you need to know about camp, weather policy, exclusive member rates, and what to pack for the kids!
Campers
Just for kids! Read about a day in the life of a YMCA camper, what to bring and what to wear to camp.
Members Save More
Discounts on summer camp, swim lessons and fun for the whole family!
Now Hiring
Do more with your summer and join the Tampa Y as a Counselor, Leader or Activity Specialist!
Because our community is strongest when we all participate together, financial assistance is available for Summer Camp. When you apply for Open Doors, rates are set by a sliding fee scale, based on income. Assistance is made possible by generous donations to the Y's Annual Giving Campaign. Please contact the location your family will attend camp for an application.
Activity Central
Tampa YMCA Summer Camp takes traditional day camp to a whole new level! With Activity Central, campers will have the opportunity to explore a variety of activities as they rotate through different “experience stations” with Activity Central. Some examples of activities campers may experience include: swimming, STEM, arts & crafts, outdoor education, games, team building and more. Activities are led by experts and seasoned team members who love working with children.
Add-on Experiences
Add 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.
Rates & Payment
What is the price per week in each camp?
Check out our registration page for detailed pricing on summer camps and specialty camps. Prices vary by location.
What camps are offered this year?
Summer camp specialties vary by location. Every location offers a variety of activities, some specialties, and a lot of fun!
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.
How much is it to register for camp?
There is a one-time registration fee of $30.
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.
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.
What does a member have to pay when they sign up?
- Upon registering for camp, a $10 down payment must be made for EACH week of camp. Starting April 1st, 2020, there will be an annual enrollment fee of $10 per camper for non-members and starting May 19th, there will be an annual enrollment fee of $30/camper for non-members and $10/camper for members.
- If a parent cancels at least 14 days prior to the start of the camp week, enrollment fee and down payment are non-refundable, but any additional payments may be refunded.
- Remaining balances will be taken automatically 2 weeks prior to the Monday camp starts. The auto-draft/scheduled payment is mandatory. We cannot accept payment for summer camp in any location.
What about campers with special needs?
- Two Tampa Y locations (North Brandon Family YMCA and the Bob Sierra Youth and Family Center) have camps for those with special needs.
- Parents/Guardians MUST contact the camp director at the location of camp to sign up. Registration for this 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.
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 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 are your camp ratios?
Low ratios. Learn more about safety at summer camp.
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 (25yds)
- If a child does not pass, he or she will be given a life jacket to wear while in the pool.
What to Bring
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
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.
Lunch
When will my child eat breakfast/lunch/snack?
- Campers will eat breakfast between 7:30am - 9am
- Campers will eat lunch between 11:30pm -1pm, depending on the type of camp
- We will offer a snack time around 3:30pm - we do NOT provide snack
Will children be provided with the snack?
No. Campers should pack their own snack.
What is for lunch?
- We are a partner in Hillsborough County’s “Summer Break Spot.” They provide free breakfast and lunch to anyone in the community 18 & under. Our campers are welcome to receive a free breakfast and lunch each day weeks 1-9 of camp!
- Menus will be available on our website as we get closer to the start of camp. The menus will be posted on our website each week.
- The menu/schedule repeats every two weeks.
- Week 10 (August 3-7th), families 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 options available through Summer Break Spot.
- There are NO pork products.
- If a child has any food allergies, etc., please contact the camp director via email.
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. Our staff must have the parent’s signature - in person, fax, or a note sent with the child are the only acceptable ways to add another approved person for pick-up.
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.
What will my child do each day/week?
Campers will participate in arts and crafts, STEM activities, sports, group games, and team building every week.