Ready for Camp
Thank you for considering the Tampa Y summer camp for your child. We are ready for campers and have tons activities planned for them to have fun, make friends and go on so many adventures. The summer camp counselors and team will engage and encourage campers throughout the week!
Tampa Y Summer Camp Specialties
Activity Central: We are excited to introduce a whole new camp experience! Campers who opt for “the summer camp experience” will have the opportunity to explore a variety of activities as they rotate through different “stations” with Activity Central. Some examples of activities may 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. (We also offer before care, 7am – 9am, and after care, 4pm – 6pm, included in the cost of summer camp. For more information, contact the Welcome Center at the location your child will attend for camp.)
Summer Camp
Summer camp at the Tampa Y is so much fun! Campers begin their day meeting in large groups, join in songs, games and fun. Kids break out into smaller age groups and begin various activities with our new Activity Central curriculum. Activity Central is comprised of projects, learning, and most of all, fun! Campers will participate in one subject for about 45 minutes, and by the end of the day, they will have experienced up to five different camp activities, depending on YMCA location offerings.
Specialty Camp
Campers who enroll in a specialty camp will take part in the main activities as those who enroll in The Summer Camp Experience, and then when the large group breaks in the morning, specialty campers break into their smaller groups and will rotate to participate in the specialty they enrolled in: gymnastics, sports, dance, swimming, visual arts, performing arts, discover science, and more.
Destination Camps
Campers will explore unique experiences all summer long at YMCA Camp Cristina and The First Tee of Tampa Bay!
YMCA Camp Cristina is an outdoor adventure camp where campers make lifelong memories in an environment that awakens dreams and allows every camper to build self-confidence, independence, and forge relationships. Campers can choose to participate in activities such as sports, archery and riflery, horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, environmental education, and much more!
The First Tee of Tampa Bay offers week-long golf camp for kids in rising 1st grade through rising 9th grade. Most camp weeks are limited to 30 children each week with 4-5 instructors. Beginning and advanced golfers alike will work on their skills under the guidance of professional golf instructors and The First Tee counselors. Our First Tee team will focus on guiding campers on the skills needed to play golf.
Activities will include golf skill stations, contests, special events and on-course play. During camp, we also focus on teaching The First Tee Life Skills Experience, which includes our Nine Core Values and Nine Healthy Habits. Golf clubs are provided to all campers and are welcome to bring their own set. Click here for scholarship information.
Camp Locations: Rogers Park Golf Course, Heritage Isles Golf Club, Rocky Point Golf Course, Summerfield Crossings Golf Course
Summer camp is fun, rain or shine! In the event of rain, the show must go on and activities will continue as scheduled. When there are reports of thunder and lightning in the area, campers will go indoors and participate in rainy day activities until the storm passes. Safety is a priority and we want everyone to have fun!
If thunderstorms occur during sign in/sign out, the process will remain the same, unless you are specifically directed otherwise. For the latest weather updates, call your YMCA for information. There are no refunds for days missed due to inclement weather.
The Tampa YMCA summer camp ages are based on “rising” grades, and refer to the grade your child will be in for the 2019-2020 school year. Most Tampa Y locations offer summer camp programs for children in rising 1st grade through rising 6th grade.
The Bob Sierra North Tampa Family YMCA offers summer camp for rising kindergarten. Rising 7th and 8th graders can enroll in the Leaders in Training camp (LIT) at YMCA Camp Cristina, Bob Sierra North Tampa YMCA, Northwest Hillsborough YMCA and Plant City YMCA. We also offer a Counselors in Training (CIT) leadership program for rising 9th and 10th grade at YMCA Camp Cristina and Bob Sierra North Tampa YMCA. See CIT and LIT Programs below for details.
What’s better than summer camp at the Tampa Y? Being a Tampa Y member! Families and Two Person Household memberships receive a discounted “member rate” on all summer camp programs.
Join for family fun all year, priority registration, get up to 50% off swim lessons, youth sports, plus free Parents’ Night Out every month. The activities for families are endless–we host BBQ parties, pool parties and dive in movies, holiday events and more! When you become a member, you have access to ALL 13 Tampa Y locations, including 10 family centers with swimming pools. Check out all of benefits of being a Tampa Y member.
Become a Tampa Y member today! Please note: to receive the discounted member rate on summer camp registration, you must complete the membership transaction. Once completed, stay signed into your account, then register for camp. The child(ren) must be listed on the membership to receive the discounted rate for camp.
A one-time registration fee of $30 per week, per child (or payment in full) is due at the time of registration and requires the set up of an automatic draft from a credit card, debit card, checking or savings account. The remaining balance for each week will be deducted from the account on file on the Monday prior to the start of the program.
Summer camp and specialty camp rates vary by type of camp and location. Tampa Y members receive a discounted rate on all summer camps. For details on summer camp rates, check out our registration page.
Bring these items:
PLEASE MARK EVERY ITEM WITH YOUR CHILD’S NAME
• Backpack • Water Bottle • Snack(s) • Towel • Spray Sunscreen • Bug Spray • Cap/Visor • Comfortable Play Clothes • Swimsuit • Flip flops (flip flops can be packed into their backpack to change into during swim time)
Leave these at home:
Camp is a natural setting to retreat from technology and become more in touch with others and nature. Please do not bring:
• Cell phones • Tablets • Electronic devices • Expensive items • Money • Medicine • Tobacco products • Weapons • Matches • Lighters • Illegal drugs • Fireworks • Bad attitudes
What to wear:
• Sunscreen • Shorts (clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty) • Comfortable clothing • Closed-toe shoes/sneakers • Smile
What NOT to wear:
• Halter tops • Jeans • Black-colored clothing • Expensive clothing • Items that promote tobacco, alcohol, vulgar slogans, or innuendoes • Dangle jewelry • Open-toe shoes or shoes with wheels (e.g. Heelys)
Leaders in Training (LIT)
Leaders in Training camp is an introduction for those interested in leadership and youth development. This week-long course develops leadership skills and gives participants opportunities for hands-on learning.
LIT participants will join our leadership training staff for a full week of leadership development with all the fun of summer camp. Our progressive lessons focus on leadership characteristics and participants will explore and develop new skills through group discussions and team activities. This program focuses on problem-solving, communication, program planning and conflict resolution all while enjoying a camper experience. Participants will have additional opportunities to participate in fun and challenging team building activities and develop a strong, cohesive group of lifelong friends.
The LIT program is offered at the following locations:
• Bob Sierra North Tampa Family YMCA
• Northwest Hillsborough Family YMCA
Counselors in Training (CIT)
This four-week program is designed for those looking to pursue a career in youth development. The program structure is split in two weeks. During the first two weeks, participants are trained similar to our full-time staff and leadership teams. Participants will learn in the classroom and will experience practical lessons and team building activities. During the last two weeks, the CIT participant will be assigned to a camp counselor for hands-on learning and assist the counselor during a full two weeks of summer camp.
It is important for YMCA summer camp counselors to able to create a memorable experience for every camper. The Y’s leadership training team will help teens develop practical skills that will transfer to future professional roles to daily life through college and beyond. Our teams encourage successful CIT program participants to apply for summer camp team member positions the following summer. There is an application process for the CIT program, click here to apply. To learn more about 2019 summer camp team member positions, please visit our camp jobs page.
The CIT program is offered at YMCA Camp Cristina and Bob Sierra.
Transportation
YMCA Camp Cristina is an amazing outdoor experience and we aim to serve as many children as possible. Non-stop transportation is available to YMCA Camp Cristina from the following locations for an additional fee: New Tampa Family Y and South Tampa Family Y.
Campers who have registered for the transportation add-on should be at their pick up location by their scheduled time. The bus will not make unscheduled stops or return to the center to pick up latecomers. After a fun-filled day of adventure, campers will return to the center at their scheduled time.
Times vary per center. Pick-up and drop-off times are as follows*:
New Tampa: 7:30am pick-up; 5:15pm drop-off
South Tampa: 7:30am pick-up; 5:15pm drop-off
Transportation Rates
The cost of the transportation add-on is $30/week. Bus transportation registration closes on the Tuesday prior to the week for which you are registering, and is not available during late registration.
*More transportation options may become available. Please contact YMCA Camp Cristina for more information.
Summer Camp
9am – Opening ceremonies and group huddles: songs, friendship and fun
10am – 11am – Pool time: campers spend an hour splashing and swimming
11:30am – 12:15pm – Lunch time (Lunch is provided by Hillsborough County Summer Break Spot)
12:30pm – 3:30pm – Activity Central: campers travel through the wheel of activities– STEM, team building, Arts & Crafts, Songs & Skits, and Sports for 45 minute immersive experiences
3:30pm – 3:45pm – Snack time: please pack a snack and water bottle every day
3:45pm – 4pm – Closing Ceremonies: songs, games, and stories from the day
Specialty Camp
9am – Opening ceremonies and group huddles: songs, friendship and fun
10am – 11am – Pool time: campers spend an hour splashing and swimming
11am – 11:45am – Specialty Activity: campers will get to hone in on specialty activity
11:45am – 12:30pm – Lunch time (Lunch is provided by Hillsborough County Summer Break Spot)
12:30pm – 3:30pm – Specialty Campers will spend their afternoon focusing on their specialty plus physical activities and team building
3:30pm – 3:45pm – Snack time: please pack a snack and water bottle every day
3:45pm – 4pm – Closing Ceremonies: songs, games, and stories from the day
Schedules and activities vary by location and age groups.
View Sample Menu
Learn more about our summer camp cancellation and refund policy.