PRINCETON YMCA’s CAMP FALCON
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 8th 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 23rd through Friday, August 29th
- For campers entering Kindergarten – 8th grade in September 2025
- 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
2025 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.
WEEKLY THEMES
- WEEK 1: INTRO TO SUMMER 101
- Welcome cadets to superhero academy! This week is packed with action, teamwork, and courage as campers embrace their inner superhero and create their own unique personas!
- WEEK 2: SUPER TECH ADVENTURES
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- Get ready for a week of mind-blowing tech adventures! Young explorers will dive into the fascinating world of science, technology, engineering and math through hands on activities!
- WEEK 3: JUNGLE JUSTICE: HEROES OF THE WILD
- Welcome to the wildest camp experience of the year! Campers will become heroes of the jungle, working together to protect the environment and amazing creatures who call it home!
- WEEK 4: TEMPLE GUARDIANS & ANCIENT SECRETS
- Step into a world of ancient legends and hidden treasures! This action-packed week of adventure will transport campers to an exciting realm of forgotten temples, and mysterious artifacts!
- WEEK 5: MYSTICAL MAGICAL MAYHEM
- Get ready for a spellbinding adventure like no other! This week campers will step into a world of wizards, witches, mystical creatures, and enchanted realms where anything is possible!
- WEEK 6: SUPER SPORTS CHALLENGE
- Get ready for the ultimate sports showdown! Campers will dive into a week of high-energy activities, team challenges, and thrilling competitions!
- WEEK 7: MYTHICAL HEROES: BECOME A LEGEND
- Step into a world of ancient legends and heroic myths! Campers will transform into legendary heroes from stories of old, embark on quests, and discover the strength to overcome challenges!
- WEEK 8: ROCKIN’ AND ROLLIN’
- Get ready to unlock the secrets of earth’s most beautiful and powerful creations. This week will immerse campers in the world of crystals, gemstones, and energy!
- WEEK 9: BEYOND THE STARS
- Blast off into the unknown and embark on an intergalactic journey! This week of exploration will have campers discovering the mysteries of the universe, from the stars to the galaxy!
- WEEK 10: FANTASIC FINISH
- Get ready to use your superpowers to face the ultimate test! This week is all about completing epic challenges, mastering skills, and proving that you can finish strong!
SAMPLE 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 1-8 in September 2025
- 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
- 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.
WEEKLY THEMES
- WEEK 1: INTRO TO SUMMER 101
- Welcome cadets to superhero academy! This week is packed with action, teamwork, and courage as campers embrace their inner superhero and create their own unique personas!
- WEEK 2: SUPER TECH ADVENTURES
-
- Get ready for a week of mind-blowing tech adventures! Young explorers will dive into the fascinating world of science, technology, engineering and math through hands on activities!
- WEEK 3: JUNGLE JUSTICE: HEROES OF THE WILD
- Welcome to the wildest camp experience of the year! Campers will become heroes of the jungle, working together to protect the environment and amazing creatures who call it home!
- WEEK 4: TEMPLE GUARDIANS & ANCIENT SECRETS
- Step into a world of ancient legends and hidden treasures! This action-packed week of adventure will transport campers to an exciting realm of forgotten temples, and mysterious artifacts!
- WEEK 5: MYSTICAL MAGICAL MAYHEM
- Get ready for a spellbinding adventure like no other! This week campers will step into a world of wizards, witches, mystical creatures, and enchanted realms where anything is possible!
- WEEK 6: SUPER SPORTS CHALLENGE
- Get ready for the ultimate sports showdown! Campers will dive into a week of high-energy activities, team challenges, and thrilling competitions!
- WEEK 7: MYTHICAL HEROES: BECOME A LEGEND
- Step into a world of ancient legends and heroic myths! Campers will transform into legendary heroes from stories of old, embark on quests, and discover the strength to overcome challenges!
- WEEK 8: ROCKIN’ AND ROLLIN’
- Get ready to unlock the secrets of earth’s most beautiful and powerful creations. This week will immerse campers in the world of crystals, gemstones, and energy!
- WEEK 9: BEYOND THE STARS
- Blast off into the unknown and embark on an intergalactic journey! This week of exploration will have campers discovering the mysteries of the universe, from the stars to the galaxy!
- WEEK 10: FANTASIC FINISH
- Get ready to use your superpowers to face the ultimate test! This week is all about completing epic challenges, mastering skills, and proving that you can finish strong!
SAMPLE 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!
COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING (CIT) PROGRAM
Traditional Camp
Teen Option
- Our signature Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program is for teens entering grades 9-10 in September 2025
- Offered during weeks 1-10 of camp at Princeton YMCA in five, 2-week sessions
- The CIT Program will operate in conjunction with our Traditional Day Camp & counts towards volunteer hours
- Princeton Ymca’s Camp Falcon CIT program is designed for mature and enthusiastic teens who are interested in developing leadership skills while working with children
- Curious if the CIT program is right for you?
- Do you have a positive attitude?
- Are you enthusiastic and possess a strong work ethic?
- Do you put the needs of others before your own?
- Do you share our belief in our core character values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility?
- Do you have a love of camp, children, and the outdoors?
- During the camp days, CITs help lead activities like arts & crafts, science and nature, sports, and more
- CITs also work with homesick campers, help boost excitement around camp, assist with basic cleaning, and other essential functions
- Through this signature program, CITs learn team building, appropriate behavior on the job, what it means to be a true leader, and more–all key soft skills that are useful to today’s young adults in any field of employment
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 2025
- Register for one or more weeks
- 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.
ANIMALS AND FARMING
Enrichment Specialty Camp
- Offered for campers entering grades 1-5 in September
- Grab your overalls and get ready to plant, grow, and harvest your way through farming week! This week is about the art of farming and discovering where our food comes from!
- Campers will learn the basics of farming, meet some friendly farm animals, and discover how plants and animals work together on a farm.
- They’ll learn about soil, composting, and the steps needed to grow healthy crops. It’s time to put those green thumbs to work!
- Campers will learn about the importance of farm-to-table eating, sustainable farming practices, and how food gets from the ground to our plates.
SAMPLE 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!
ART
Enrichment Specialty Camp
- Offered for campers WEEK 3 entering grades 1-5 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 processcreating 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!
SAMPLE 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 for campers WEEK 5 entering grades 1-5 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!
SAMPLE 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!
SPACE CAMP
Specialty Camps
- Offered for campers entering grades 1-5 in September
- Prepare for liftoff as we journey through the stars! This week campers will blast off into the cosmos, discovering the wonders of space and learning about planets and stars.
- The adventure begins with Mission Launch as campers embark on their astronaut training. They’ll discover what it takes to become an astronaut and the essentials of space travel.
- Campers will take a cosmic journey through our solar system, learning fun facts about each planet and the unique characteristics that make them fascinating.
- They’ll learn about the myths and legends behind the constellations and how astronomers use them to navigate the night sky.
SAMPLE 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!
MINECRAFT CAMP
Specialty Camps
- Offered for campers entering grades 1-5 in September
- Disembark on an exciting underground adventure! This week campers will step into the boots of explorers and miners as they uncover the mysteries of the earth beneath their feet!
- Minecraft Camp combines essential skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity and collaboration with hands on approaches of rock and gem identification
- 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 mining and identification skills to the test!
- They’ll use the clues and skills they’ve gathered throughout the week to find hidden treasure in the camp.
SAMPLE 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, 2025: A full refund will be given for any cancellations.
- After May 1, 2025: 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 drop off hours: 7:30am-9:00am
- After camp care pick up 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.