CAMP STAR AT HILLSBOROUGH YMCA
Camp STAR at Hillsborough YMCA offers so many wonderful camp options. We have something for every kind of child at every age with both traditional multi-activity and specialty camp options. Mix and match from traditional, arts, STEM, and sports camp options for children entering Kindergarten through 10th grade in September! And no matter which camp(s) you choose, you can feel great knowing that your campers are getting the quality day camp experience they expect from the nation’s largest nonprofit child care provider.
Our camp directors have been hard at work whipping up a memorable experience for all our campers. Get ready to enjoy the familiar, fun, and exciting summer day camp experience you’ve come to expect from the Y, including:
- A 9-week program that runs 5 days per week, Monday, June 29th through Friday, August 28th
- For campers entering grades K-10 in September 2026
- Regular camp hours: 8:30am-4:30pm
- Before care hours: 7:00am-8:30am
- After care hours: 4:30pm-6:30pm
- Camp location: Hillsborough YMCA, 19 E Mountain Rd, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844
2026 DAY CAMP OPTIONS
Traditional Multi-Activity Day Camps
KINDERCAMP
Traditional Multi-Activity Camp
- Camp STAR’s KinderCamp is an indoor/outdoor multi-activity traditional camp for campers entering Kindergarten in September 2026
- Register for one or more weeks Monday, June 29th through Friday, August 28th
- KinderCampers feel like true members of the camp community as they take part in the full spectrum of activities that engage and entertain campers, including opening/closing ceremonies and theme days here at Camp STAR, while still having a separate age-appropriate schedule
- Through our inclusive day camp experience, KinderCampers develop social skills and make new friends
- KinderCamp includes an educational portion to the camp day with activities are designed to stimulate and encourage grade level-appropriate critical thinking skills. Our goal is to help get KinderCampers ready to enter the public schools in September!
- Kinder Campers have the option to attend the weekly camp trip each Wednesday.
- Theme days are wildly popular at Camp STAR. Campers and counselors alike get in on the action and dress the part!
- KinderCampers gain the courage and confidence as life-long swimmers through their participation in daily swim lessons and daily recreational swim time in our indoor pool, included at no additional cost. Children should bring a bathing suit and towel each day.
TRADITIONAL DAY CAMP
Traditional Multi-Activity Camp
- Traditional day camp is for campers entering grades K-7 in September 2026
- Camp STAR’s popular, outdoor multi-activity day camp offers a broad array of activities that engage, challenge, and entertain.
- Register for one or more weeks Monday, June 29th through Friday, August 28th
- Our skilled counselors lead campers in fun, age-appropriate individual and small group activities in the areas of Arts & Humanities, Science & Nature, and Sports & Games
- Camp STAR’s intentional approach to team building helps campers develop the social skills that build long lasting friendships as they learn to work together through daily activities and engage collaboratively with different perspectives.
- Theme days are wildly popular at Camp STAR. Campers and counselors alike get in on the action and dress the part!
- Swim time in our indoor pool is included at no additional cost. Children should bring a bathing suit and towel each day.
- At Camp STAR, we proactively address the dreaded academic summer slump by including an educational portion to the camp day with reading time as well as academic brain game activities designed to stimulate and encourage grade level-appropriate critical thinking skills.
2026 WEEKLY THEMES
- WEEK 1: Adventure Awaits
- WEEK 2: Wildlife & Nature Week
- WEEK 3: Spy & Mystery
- WEEK 4: Time Travel
- WEEK 5: Color Wars
- WEEK 6: Splish Splash — Have a Blast
- WEEK 7: Camp Star’s Got Talent
- WEEK 8: Space Is the Place
- WEEK 9: Aloha to Summer
2026 WEEKLY CAMP TRIPS
- WEEK 1: Top Golf
- WEEK 2: Iplay America
- WEEK 3: Liberty Science Center
- WEEK 4: Turtleback Zoo
- WEEK 5: Crayola Factory
- WEEK 6: Fun Plex
- WEEK 7: Fireball Mountain
- WEEK 8: Next Level Ninja
- WEEK 9: Lucky Strike
COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING (CIT) PROGRAM
Traditional Multi-Activity Camp
Teen Option
- Camp STAR’s signature Counselor in Training (CIT) program is for participants entering grades 8-10 in September 2026
- Offered Monday, June 29th through Friday, August 28th during all 9 weeks of camp at Hillsborough YMCA in four 2-week sessions and one 1-week session
- The CIT Program will operate in conjunction with our Traditional Camp
- Camp STAR’s CIT Program is designed for mature and enthusiastic teens who are interested in developing 21st century leadership skills while working with children
- Program participants engage in select experiential opportunities such as leadership training and social responsibility projects
- CITs gain valuable firsthand experience working with children of various ages, become skilled in behavior management, and gain a real-world perspective that will serve them well in any field of employment
Sports Camps
- Camp STAR’s popular sports-themed specialty camps are terrific opportunities for campers to explore their talents, build new skills, and foster a sense of teamwork! It is a perfect way to add variety to their summer camp experience as they learn and grow.
- Sports Camps are for campers entering grades 1-6 in September 2026
- Register for one or more weeks Monday, June 29th through Friday, August 28th
- Camp STAR’s intentional approach to team building helps campers develop the social skills that build long lasting friendships as they learn to work together through daily activities and engage collaboratively with different perspectives.
- Swim time in our indoor pool is included at no additional cost. Children should bring a bathing suit and towel each day.
- At Camp STAR, we proactively address the dreaded academic summer slump by including an educational portion to the camp day with reading time as well as academic brain game activities designed to stimulate and encourage grade level-appropriate critical thinking skills.
BASKETBALL HOOPs
Sports Specialty Camp
- Offered for campers entering grades 1-3 and 4-6 in September 2026
- Campers slam dunk into basketball with the organization that invented the game – the Y!
- Perfect for our younger campers who are looking to get into or practice their basketball skills more while having fun and meeting new friends!
- Basketball Camp at Camp STAR teaches the skills and fundamentals to be successful while competing in daily contests and games
- Campers practice drills to learn core skills in the game, working on dribbling, passing, defense, shooting and more
- Campers are divided into 2-4 equally matched groups of mixed ability for team play in a mini tournament
- Our coaches work with campers according to their ability level and every camper will have the opportunity to play – beginners welcome!
- Teamwork and good sportsmanship are reinforced during play
FLAG FOOTBALL
Sports Specialty Camp
- Offered for campers entering grades 1-3 and 4-7 in September 2026
- Develop and fine-tune your spiral pass with Flag Football!
- Campers in this high-energy, coed camp work on passing and running drills to build core skills – sure to encourage campers to work as a team
- Team play in the form of friendly daily games helps campers improve ball control and skill work in cutting and throwing while encouraging sportsmanship and building team work
- Campers are divided into equally matched groups of mixed ability for team play
- Every camper will have the opportunity to play. Beginners are welcome and the experienced players’ skills will be challenged
- This camp is perfect to help prepare campers for the upcoming fall football season
SOCCER
Sports Specialty Camp
- Offered for campers entering grades 1-3 and 4-6 in September 2026
- Campers get to go to the fields daily and practice their soccer skills with our experienced counselors while having fun and meeting friends!
- Soccer camp teaches the fundamentals of soccer, team building and technical skills in a fun and non-competitive environment while encouraging a love of the game
- Each morning focuses on skill work like dribbling, passing, shooting and defending on the field, while the afternoons are set aside for friendly game play to improve ball control and reinforce skill work
- Campers are divided into equally matched groups of mixed ability for team play
- Every camper will have the opportunity to play – beginners are welcome
- Soccer Camp helps campers get ready for the upcoming soccer season
SPEED, AGILITY & STRENGTH
Sports Specialty Camp
- Offered for campers entering Grades 1–3 and Grades 4–6 in September 2026
- Designed for campers of all skill levels beginners welcome
- Introduces a variety of sports in a fun, supportive environment
- Focuses on building fundamental athletic skills such as coordination, agility, passing, throwing, catching, and movement
- Campers participate in skill-building drills, games, and friendly competitions
- Campers are divided into 2–4 equally matched groups of mixed ability for team play
- Coaches work with campers based on individual ability levels
- Every camper has the opportunity to participate and succeed
- Emphasis on teamwork, good sportsmanship, confidence, and fun
- Encourages physical activity while making new friends
Specialty Camps
- Camp STAR’s popular themed specialty camps are terrific opportunities for campers to explore their creativity and pursue passions in science, art, technology, performing arts and more! It is a perfect way to add variety to their summer camp experience as they learn and grow.
- Enrichment Camps are for campers entering 1st – 6st grade in September 2026
- Register for one or more weeks Monday, June 29th through Friday, August 28th
- Camp STAR’s intentional approach to team building helps campers develop the social skills that build long lasting friendships as they learn to work together through daily activities and engage collaboratively with different perspectives.
- Swim time in our indoor pool is included at no additional cost. Children should bring a bathing suit and towel each day.
- At Camp STAR, we proactively address the dreaded academic summer slump by including an educational portion to the camp day with reading time as well as academic brain game activities designed to stimulate and encourage grade level-appropriate critical thinking skills.
ART MASTER MAKERS
Enrichment Specialty Camp
- Offered for campers entering grades 1-3 AND 4-6 in September 2026
- Art is everywhere and art is for everyone in Art Camp!
- Campers with advanced skill levels are exposed to a wide variety of art forms and mediums as they develop their inner artist and create truly unique works in this popular camp
- The use of acrylic paints, pencils, charcoal, pastels, self-drying clay and more are actively explored by campers as they engage in the creative process creating everything from a traditional still life and nature scene to comics and an imaginative self-portrait
- Art campers learn about different mediums in a way that will stretch the imagination
- At the end of the week, parents and fellow campers are invited to a special gallery-style art show to admire the talent and hard work of our artists—after which they get to take home their creative works!
INVENTORS LAB
Enrichment Specialty Camp
- Offered for campers entering grades 1-3 AND 4-6 in September 2026
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Encourages creativity, curiosity, and hands-on learning
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Campers explore building, designing, and problem-solving activities
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Focus on innovation, experimentation, and imagination
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Activities promote critical thinking and teamwork
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Open to campers of all experience levels
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Emphasis on fun, creativity, and discovery
FASHION DESIGN
Enrichment Specialty Camp
- Offered for campers entering grades 1-3 and 4-6 in September 2026
- Perfect for the camper with a flair for fashion and presence, Fashion camp provides the opportunity to sketch, design, accessorize, tie-dye, and more!
- Fashion camp culminates in the creation a one-of-a-kind personalized portfolio of fashion creations you can take home at the end of the week
- Campers get hands-on experience creating a multitude of outfits and fashion-forward designer looks to present to the rest of camp at a fashion show to end the session
PETS AND ANIMAL CARE
Enrichment Specialty Camp
- Offered for campers entering grades 1-3 AND 4-6 in September 2026
- For the camper with a keen interest in the scaly, furry and feathery, Pets and Aminal Camp is an unforgettable summertime experience!
- Campers learn about and observe various species up close and each day a new species visits the camp!
- Focusing on pets and zoo animals, this vet-themed camp provides ample opportunities to strengthen and further explore a camper’s curiosity about animals
- Visitors have previously included local veterinarians and different pets ranging from bunnies, birds, cats, and dogs
- Future Vets campers are exposed to different species, learn about what goes into being a responsible pet owner, and what it means to take care of the world around us
- Additional veterinary-themed activities in this camp include everything from illustrating why they want to work with animals when they grow up to what kind of animal would campers choose to be
LEGO® MANIA
Enrichment Specialty Camp
- Offered for campers entering grades 1-3 and 4-6 in September 2026
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Campers build and create using LEGO® bricks and challenges
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Activities promote creativity, engineering, and problem-solving skills
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Encourages imagination and teamwork through guided and free-build activities
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Open to all skill levels — beginners welcome
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Focus on collaboration, creativity, and fun learning
DETECTIVE & MYSTERY
Enrichment Specialty Camp
- Offered for campers entering grades 1-3 and 4-6 in September 2026
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Campers use observation and problem-solving skills to solve mysteries
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Activities include puzzles, clue-based games, and teamwork challenges
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Encourages logical thinking, communication, and creativity
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Campers work individually and in groups
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Designed for all skill and experience levels
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Focus on collaboration, critical thinking, and fun
NATURE RANGERS
Enrichment Specialty Camp
- Offered for campers entering grades 1-3 and 4-6 in September 2026
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Introduces campers to nature, outdoor exploration, and environmental awareness
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Activities focus on observation, exploration, and hands-on learning
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Encourages curiosity about the natural world
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Promotes teamwork, respect for nature, and outdoor play
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Suitable for all experience levels
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Emphasis on discovery, learning, and active fun
NEED-TO-KNOW INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES
Payment schedule
For each camp session in which your child is enrolled, applicable program fees will be automatically charged to the card on file 14 days prior to the session start date.
Refund details
- Prior to May 1, 2026: Cancellations will receive a full refund.
- After May 1, 2026: If you cancel your child’s camp registration, a $50 cancellation fee per week per child will be retained. Any camp balances already paid beyond that fee will be refunded.
*The only exception to the refund policy is for a cancellation due to a medical reason that has been documented by a doctor.
Greater Somerset County YMCA Financial Assistance
In addition to any community subsidies families may qualify for, the Y also provides direct financial assistance to qualifying families enrolled in our child care programs. We believe that everyone—no matter who they are or where they’re from—deserves the opportunity and the resources necessary to reach their full potential. Visit gscymca.org/fa to learn more.
Not a Y member?
Join the Y online and enjoy member pricing today! It’s easy. Visit gscymca.org/join and select your Hillsborough YMCA membership type to get started. Need additional assistance? Email or call our Welcome Center at 908 369 0490 ext. 1 and we’ll be happy to help!
SPOTLIGHT ON: S.P.A.C.E. FOR ALL
What is S.P.A.C.E.? It stands for swimming, play, art, community, and enrichment. We embed these signature elements across our entire camp program to create a truly holistic day camp experience for each child. It’s just one of the many ways the Y comprehensively supports the development of the whole child while they are here with us.
SPOTLIGHT ON: OUR CAMP COUNSELORS
Every one of our camps is staffed with counselors who are not only well trained and qualified for child supervision, but love being part of camp just as much as our campers. In fact, many of our campers later pursue our Counselor-in-Training camp and then become counselors and full time Y staff members.
WHY CHOOSE THE Y
American Camp Association Accredited
We are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) which sets the highest standards or day camps in the nation. This important seal of approval means we comply with up to 300 health, safety, and program quality standards set by the ACA. We have gone to great lengths to provide a safe and quality environment.
Caring, Well-Trained Staff
Our staff is comprised of caring, nurturing individuals who are required to complete a minimum of twelve hours of on-going training on an annual basis and are certified in First Aid and CPR.
Committed to Your Child’s Safety
To help maintain a safe and secure environment, the YMCA conducts routine safety screenings and uses visitor management tools that check guests against registered sex offender databases across all 50 states. This process complements the regular screenings the Y performs for all members, participants, and staff. For added security, all authorized pick-ups must present a valid state or government-issued photo ID each time they pick up a child. Learn More Here!
For the Best Summer Ever
Give your kids a life-changing experience! Each summer, the Y inspires kids with countless opportunities to laugh, lead, and make lasting friendships. Together, our proven programs and trained counselors deliver meaningful and memorable camp experiences that keep families coming back year after year. Our day camps welcome all kids to discover who they are and imagine who they can be, with programs that foster lifelong skills, build self-confidence, and create friendships.
Well-Rounded Structure
At the Y, we know that when kids are given an opportunity to accomplish things, make friends, and feel like they belong, they are comfortable expressing individuality and feel more confident, connected, and supported. We focus on these youth development areas to ensure that kids in our day camp program go home with so much excitement for all they’ve accomplished and enjoyed, that they can’t wait to come back the next day.
Y For All
We believe that everyone—no matter who they are or where they’re from—deserves the opportunity and the resources necessary to reach their full potential. In addition to any community subsidies families may qualify for, the Y also provides direct financial assistance to qualifying families enrolled in our child care programs—made possible through the generosity of our Y’s Annual Campaign donors and proceeds from special fundraising events. Visit gscymca.org/fa to learn more.