PRINCETON YMCA DAY CAMP
Princeton YMCA offers so many wonderful camp options. We have something for every kind of child every age with both traditional multi-activity and specialty camp options. Mix and match from traditional, sports, dance, STEM, and teen travel 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 10-week program that runs 5 days per week, Monday, June 19th through Friday, August 25th
- For campers entering Kindergarten – 10th grade in September 2023
- Regular camp hours: 9:00am-4:30pm
- Before camp care hours: 7:30am-9:00am
- After camp care hours: 4:30pm-6:00pm
- Camp location: Princeton YMCA, 59 Paul Robeson Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
2023 DAY CAMP OPTIONS
Traditional Multi-Activity Day Camps
KINDERCAMP
Traditional Multi-Activity Camp
- Princeton YMCA’s KinderCamp is a multi-activity traditional camp for children entering Kindergarten in September
- 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 theme days and daily performances, while still having a separate age-appropriate schedule
- 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.
- 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!
- Weekly theme days also add something special as a core concept or celebration day is woven across the entire camp day.
Pricing details
- Traditional Day Camp
- YMCA members – $285 per week
WEEKLY THEMES
- WEEK 1 (6/19-6/23): LET’S ROCK THIS SUMMER!
- Get the Summer off to a Rockin’ Start! We’ll be learning about geodes and metals such as onyx and steel. Try to earn the Boulder Badge!
- WEEK 2 (6/26-6/30): WILD WATER FUN
- There is so much to discover in the Ocean! We will have sea creature crafts and games all week! Maybe you’ll make new friends in the pool and earn the Cascade Badge!
- WEEK 3 (7/3-7/7): FAST AS LIGHTING
- Get ready to bring the speed! Compete in obstacle courses, sports, and timed contests. Learn about electricity and electrodes! Bolt to the finish to get the Thunder Badge!
- WEEK 4 (7/10-7/14): PLAY WITH PLANTS
- This will be one unbeLEAFable week! Help build a garden and learn healthy plants you can grow yourself! Try not to get tangled up, you can earn Rainbow Badge!
- WEEK 5 (7/17-7/21): OOEY GOOEY SLIME
- Get ready to make some awesome, mukky, grimey, slime! Learn about chemical reactions and get the Soul Badge if you don’t mind getting your hands dirty!
- WEEK 6 (7/24-7/28): MAGIC MAYHEM
- Abra Kadabra! Alakazam! This week we will be learning all the tricks in nature, space, and everyday life. If you figure out all the tricks, you can get the Marsh Badge!
- WEEK 7 (7/31-8/4): VOLCANOES AND FIRE
- Hope you don’t mind if we turn up the heat! This week will be lit! Everyone will learn about the power of lava and volcanoes! Make your own volcano and earn the Volcano Badge!
- WEEK 8 (8/7-8/11): VILLAINOUS AND VINDICTIVE
- From Heroes & Villains to sidekicks and goons, this week you will have to find the team responsible for the chaos at camp! Become the hero and save the day to earn the Earth Badge!
- WEEK 9 (8/14-8/18): LEGENDARY DRAGONS
- Join us as we journey to a Fantasy land of mythical creatures. As the final challenge defeat the 4 champions, to be crowned, Champion of Camp!
- WEEK 10 (8/21-8/25): FANTASTIC FINISH
- What a summer! Friends, sun, and a bunch of fun! As we have a bright future ahead of us. Come wrap up the summer as we will have our final barbecue and camp day!
DAILY SCHEDULE
- 7:30am-9:15am – Drop off at the Playground!
- 9:15am-9:30am – Opening Ceremonies
- 9:30am-10:00am – Group Time
- 10:00am-10:40am – Activity Period 1
- 11:45am-11:25am – Activity Period 2
- 11:25am-12:20pm – Lunch
- 12:30pm-1:10pm – Activity Period 3
- 1:20pm-2:00pm – Activity Period 4
- 2:10pm-2:50pm – Activity Period 5
- 3:00pm-3:40pm – Camper Choice
- 3:45pm-4:00pm – Afternoon Snack (provided by the YMCA)
- 4:00pm-6:00pm – Pick up!
TRADITIONAL DAY CAMP
Traditional Multi-Activity Camp
- Traditional day camp is for campers entering grades 1-7 in September
- Princeton YMCA’s popular, traditional multi-activity outdoor camp offers a broad array of activities that engage and entertain campers, including theme days.
- Register for one or more weeks Monday, June 27th through Friday, August 26th
- Campers are divided into groups for age-appropriate fun and engagement all summer long.
- Campers build social skills and long lasting friendships through participation in individual and small group activities in the areas of Arts & Humanities and Sports & Games.
- Daily swim time in our indoor pool is included at no additional cost. Children should bring a bathing suit and towel each day.
- At Princeton YMCA, we proactively address the dreaded academic summer slump by including an educational portion to the camp day with activities designed to stimulate and encourage grade level-appropriate critical thinking skills.
- Weekly themes also add something special woven throughout the camp week.
Pricing details
- Traditional Day Camp
- YMCA members – $285 per week
WEEKLY THEMES
- WEEK 1 (6/19-6/23): LET’S ROCK THIS SUMMER!
- Get the Summer off to a Rockin’ Start! We’ll be learning about geodes and metals such as onyx and steel. Try to earn the Boulder Badge!
- WEEK 2 (6/26-6/30): WILD WATER FUN
- There is so much to discover in the Ocean! We will have sea creature crafts and games all week! Maybe you’ll make new friends in the pool and earn the Cascade Badge!
- WEEK 3 (7/3-7/7): FAST AS LIGHTING
- Get ready to bring the speed! Compete in obstacle courses, sports, and timed contests. Learn about electricity and electrodes! Bolt to the finish to get the Thunder Badge!
- WEEK 4 (7/10-7/14): PLAY WITH PLANTS
- This will be one unbeLEAFable week! Help build a garden and learn healthy plants you can grow yourself! Try not to get tangled up, you can earn Rainbow Badge!
- WEEK 5 (7/17-7/21): OOEY GOOEY SLIME
- Get ready to make some awesome, mukky, grimey, slime! Learn about chemical reactions and get the Soul Badge if you don’t mind getting your hands dirty!
- WEEK 6 (7/24-7/28): MAGIC MAYHEM
- Abra Kadabra! Alakazam! This week we will be learning all the tricks in nature, space, and everyday life. If you figure out all the tricks, you can get the Marsh Badge!
- WEEK 7 (7/31-8/4): VOLCANOES AND FIRE
- Hope you don’t mind if we turn up the heat! This week will be lit! Everyone will learn about the power of lava and volcanoes! Make your own volcano and earn the Volcano Badge!
- WEEK 8 (8/7-8/11): VILLAINOUS AND VINDICTIVE
- From Heroes & Villains to sidekicks and goons, this week you will have to find the team responsible for the chaos at camp! Become the hero and save the day to earn the Earth Badge!
- WEEK 9 (8/14-8/18): LEGENDARY DRAGONS
- Join us as we journey to a Fantasy land of mythical creatures. As the final challenge defeat the 4 champions, to be crowned, Champion of Camp!
- WEEK 10 (8/21-8/25): FANTASTIC FINISH
- What a summer! Friends, sun, and a bunch of fun! As we have a bright future ahead of us. Come wrap up the summer as we will have our final barbecue and camp day!
DAILY SCHEDULE
- 7:30am-9:15am – Drop off at the Playground!
- 9:15am-9:30am – Opening Ceremonies
- 9:30am-10:00am – Group Time
- 10:00am-10:40am – Activity Period 1
- 11:45am-11:25am – Activity Period 2
- 11:25am-12:20pm – Lunch
- 12:30pm-1:10pm – Activity Period 3
- 1:20pm-2:00pm – Activity Period 4
- 2:10pm-2:50pm – Activity Period 5
- 3:00pm-3:40pm – Camper Choice
- 3:45pm-4:00pm – Afternoon Snack (provided by the YMCA)
- 4:00pm-6:00pm – Pick up!
Sports Camps
- Princeton YMCA’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
- Register for one or more weeks Monday, June 19th through Friday, August 25th
- Our 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 Princeton YMCA, 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
Sports Specialty Camp
- Offered during week 7 of camp for campers entering grades 1-3 in September
- Offered during week 8 of camp for campers entering grades 4-6 in September
- Campers slam dunk into basketball with the organization that invented the game – the Y!
- Basketball Camp at the Y 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
- Teamwork and good sportsmanship are reinforced during play
- Our coaches work with campers according to their ability level and every camper will have the opportunity to play – beginners welcome!
Pricing details
- Sports Camps
- YMCA members – $400 per week
DAILY SCHEDULE
- 7:30am-9:15am – Drop off at the Playground!
- 9:15am-9:30am – Opening Ceremonies
- 9:30am-10:00am – Group Time
- 10:00am-10:40am – Activity Period 1
- 11:45am-11:25am – Activity Period 2
- 11:25am-12:20pm – Lunch
- 12:30pm-1:10pm – Activity Period 3
- 1:20pm-2:00pm – Activity Period 4
- 2:10pm-2:50pm – Activity Period 5
- 3:00pm-3:40pm – Camper Choice
- 3:45pm-4:00pm – Afternoon Snack (provided by the YMCA)
- 4:00pm-6:00pm – Pick up!
SOCCER
Sports Specialty Camp
- Offered during week 5 of camp for campers entering grades 1-3 in September
- Offered during week 6 of camp for campers entering grades 4-6 in September
- 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
Pricing details
- Sports Camps
- YMCA members – $400 per week
DAILY SCHEDULE
- 7:30am-9:15am – Drop off at the Playground!
- 9:15am-9:30am – Opening Ceremonies
- 9:30am-10:00am – Group Time
- 10:00am-10:40am – Activity Period 1
- 11:45am-11:25am – Activity Period 2
- 11:25am-12:20pm – Lunch
- 12:30pm-1:10pm – Activity Period 3
- 1:20pm-2:00pm – Activity Period 4
- 2:10pm-2:50pm – Activity Period 5
- 3:00pm-3:40pm – Camper Choice
- 3:45pm-4:00pm – Afternoon Snack (provided by the YMCA)
- 4:00pm-6:00pm – Pick up!
SPORTS MIX
Sports Specialty Camp
- Offered during week 3 of camp for campers entering grades 1-3 in September
- Offered during week 4 of camp for campers entering grades 4-6 in September
- Campers learn what it takes to work as a team in a variety of traditional and non-traditional sports in Sports Mix camp
- Campers experience and learn the basics of how to play a wide variety of sports including basketball, soccer, baseball, volleyball, lacrosse, and even schoolyard favorites like kickball and dodgeball during this team building multi-sport camp
- The Y provides all equipment necessary to learn the fundamentals of each sport
- Every camper will have the opportunity to play – sportsmanship is encouraged as campers learn to work together in a positive environment
Pricing details
- Sports Camps
- YMCA members – $400 per week
DAILY SCHEDULE
- 7:30am-9:15am – Drop off at the Playground!
- 9:15am-9:30am – Opening Ceremonies
- 9:30am-10:00am – Group Time
- 10:00am-10:40am – Activity Period 1
- 11:45am-11:25am – Activity Period 2
- 11:25am-12:20pm – Lunch
- 12:30pm-1:10pm – Activity Period 3
- 1:20pm-2:00pm – Activity Period 4
- 2:10pm-2:50pm – Activity Period 5
- 3:00pm-3:40pm – Camper Choice
- 3:45pm-4:00pm – Afternoon Snack (provided by the YMCA)
- 4:00pm-6:00pm – Pick up!
Specialty Camps
- Princeton YMCA’s popular themed specialty camps are terrific opportunities for campers to explore their creativity and pursue passions in science, art, technology, 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 – 6th grade in September
- Register for one or more weeks Monday, June 19th through Friday, August 25th
- Our 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 Princeton YMCA, 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
Enrichment Specialty Camp
- Offered during week 3 of camp for campers entering grades 1-3 in September
- Offered during week 4 of camp for campers entering grades 4-6 in September
- Art is everywhere and art is for everyone in Art Camp!
- Campers 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 paintings to sculptures to collages – and even paper maché!
- 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!
Pricing details
- Art Camps
- YMCA members – $400 per week
DAILY SCHEDULE
- 7:30am-9:15am – Drop off at the Playground!
- 9:15am-9:30am – Opening Ceremonies
- 9:30am-10:00am – Group Time
- 10:00am-10:40am – Activity Period 1
- 11:45am-11:25am – Activity Period 2
- 11:25am-12:20pm – Lunch
- 12:30pm-1:10pm – Activity Period 3
- 1:20pm-2:00pm – Activity Period 4
- 2:10pm-2:50pm – Activity Period 5
- 3:00pm-3:40pm – Camper Choice
- 3:45pm-4:00pm – Afternoon Snack (provided by the YMCA)
- 4:00pm-6:00pm – Pick up!
OUTDOOR LIVING SKILLS
Enrichment Specialty Camp
- Offered during week 5 of camp for campers entering grades 1-3 in September
- Offered during week 6 of camp for campers entering grades 4-6 in September
- Take the fun outside and be one with nature in Outdoor Living Skills camp!
- In this popular camp, kids learn the fundamentals of essential outdoor survival skills, including: how to build a basic fire, how to construct a temporary shelter, how to located food and water.
- Age-appropriate safety skills are taught, including flora identification.
- Campers will be ready for their next family outdoor adventure with Outdoor Living Skills camp!
Pricing details
- Outdoor Living Skills Camp
- YMCA members – $400 per week
DAILY SCHEDULE
- 7:30am-9:15am – Drop off at the Playground!
- 9:15am-9:30am – Opening Ceremonies
- 9:30am-10:00am – Group Time
- 10:00am-10:40am – Activity Period 1
- 11:45am-11:25am – Activity Period 2
- 11:25am-12:20pm – Lunch
- 12:30pm-1:10pm – Activity Period 3
- 1:20pm-2:00pm – Activity Period 4
- 2:10pm-2:50pm – Activity Period 5
- 3:00pm-3:40pm – Camper Choice
- 3:45pm-4:00pm – Afternoon Snack (provided by the YMCA)
- 4:00pm-6:00pm – Pick up!
STEAM CAMPS
Specialty Camps
- Offered during week 7 of camp for campers entering grades 1-3 in September
- Offered during week 8 of camp for campers entering grades 4-6 in September
- STEAM Camp fosters essential skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity and collaboration.
- This 5-day program offers the camper the opportunity to experience all aspects of a STEAM program including science experimentation, technology exploration, engineering, and creative design all while engaging their mathematics knowledge to participate in each engaging adventure.
- Our STEAM Camp offerings bring hands-on learning by “making” to camp for an unforgettably fun summer!
- Daily swim time in one of our three indoor pools is included at no additional cost. Children should bring a bathing suit and towel each day.
Pricing details
- STEAM Camps
- YMCA members – $400 per week
DAILY SCHEDULE
- 7:30am-9:15am – Drop off at the Playground!
- 9:15am-9:30am – Opening Ceremonies
- 9:30am-10:00am – Group Time
- 10:00am-10:40am – Activity Period 1
- 11:45am-11:25am – Activity Period 2
- 11:25am-12:20pm – Lunch
- 12:30pm-1:10pm – Activity Period 3
- 1:20pm-2:00pm – Activity Period 4
- 2:10pm-2:50pm – Activity Period 5
- 3:00pm-3:40pm – Camper Choice
- 3:45pm-4:00pm – Afternoon Snack (provided by the YMCA)
- 4:00pm-6:00pm – Pick up!
NEED-TO-KNOW INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES
Payment schedule
When you register for camp a $50.00 deposit will be required for each camp session that you choose. These payments will be made through our online system and require the use of a credit card. This credit card will be kept on file and used to draft the camp balances automatically on the due dates listed in your camp handbook.
Refund details
- Prior to May 1, 2023: A full refund will be given for any cancellations.
- After May 1, 2023: There will be no refund of the $50 deposit. A refund of a camp balance that has been paid will only be given if your child’s spot can be filled by another child.*
*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.
Drop-off & Pick-up times
For your convenience we offer three Drop-off and Pick-up times:
- Regular camp hours: 9:00am-4:30pm,
- Before camp care hours: 7:30am-9:00am
- After camp care hours: 4:30pm-6:00pm
Transportation is not provided.
Lunch & Snack
Lunch is not provided. We strongly encourage nutritious healthy lunches, snacks, and a large water bottle to stay hydrated.
Not a Y member?
Join the Y online and enjoy member pricing today! It’s easy. Visit gscymca.org/join and select your Princeton YMCA membership type to get started. Need additional assistance? Email or call our Welcome Center at 609 497 9622 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
In an effort to continually improve the safety and security of our YMCA, we utilize a system called Raptor which instantly screens visitors against registered sex offender databases in all 50 states. This is in addition to sex offender screenings the Y regularly conducts on all members, participants, and staff. All authorized pick-ups must present a state or government issued photo ID every time when picking up a child.
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.