PRESCHOOL CAMP

Traditional Multi-Activity Camp

• Preschool Camp is a multi-activity day camp for campers ages 3-5 years old

• Program hours are 9:00am to 2:00pm with no option to extend their day.

• Offered for the first 6 weeks of camp at Somerset Hills YMCA
• Register for one or more weeks Monday, June 22nd through Friday, July 31st

• Pre-K Campers (Our Mini Acorns!) 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 here at camp, while still having a separate age-appropriate schedule.

• Preschool campers gain the courage and confidence as life-long swimmers through their participation in swim lessons twice per week and recreational swim time in one of our three indoor pools, included at no additional cost. Children should bring a bathing suit and towel each day.
• Through our inclusive day camp experience, Preschool campers develop social skills and make new friends
• Campers have the opportunity to experience a variety of engaging daily activities such as Sports & Games, Art, Science, and Water Play to name a few!
• Preschool camp 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 mini acorns meet developmental milestones through discovery-based play!
• Weekly theme days also add something special as a core concept or celebration day is woven across the entire camp day.

SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE

• PRESCHOOL CAMP

  • 9:00-9:30: Arrival/Free Play
  • 9:30-10:00: Circle time and stations
  • 10:00-10:20: Bathroom break
  • 10:20-10:40: Change for swim
  • 10:40-11:10: Swim lessons
  • 11:10-11:30: Change for camp
  • 11:30-11:45: Bathroom, Fill water bottles, wash hands
  • 11:45-12:30: Lunch
  • 12:30-1:00: STEM/Music/Art activity
  • 1:00-1:30: Sports and Games
  • 1:30-2:00: Playground & Pickup

MULTI-ACTIVITY DAY CAMP

Traditional Multi-Activity Camp

• Team Y Day Camp is a multi-activity day camp for campers entering grades 1-6 in September 2026
• Offered all 10 weeks of camp at Somerset Hills YMCA
• Register for one or more weeks Monday, June 22nd through Friday, August 28th
• Campers are divided into groups for age-appropriate fun and engagement all summer long:
  • 1^st Grade
  • 2^nd Grade
  • 3^rd Grade
  • 4^th through 6^th Grade
• Campers build social skills and long lasting friendships through participation in individual and small group activities in the areas of Arts & Humanities, Science & Nature, and Sports & Games.
• Swim lessons twice per week and recreational 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.
• Children enjoy their days engaged in a variety of activities outside under our popular camp tents nestled on the Y’s property. And look for water games outside too as the summertime temps heat up!
• At the Y, 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.
• Campers go on a weekly trip off-site with other traditional day camps. They are bused to the trip and back to the Y on these days.
• Once per week, they are a part of a Big Fun Time! This is a time for each unit to take part in a large-scale, big fun activity every week.

2026 WEEKLY CAMP TRIPS

To add even more fun and excitement to the camp week, we offer a weekly trip for kids registered for Traditional Camp! The weekly trips are not optional. During the registration process, you sign a permission slip as the parent/guardian; this is a requirement.  The Y will coordinate group transportation for trips. Campers are fully accompanied by camp staff safely to and from the destination. Campers wear their Camp Acorn t-shirt (provided by the Y) on weekly trip days to help the group remain together at all times. Any child who does not attend the weekly trip must remain home that day.

SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE

Grades 1-7 all participate in the following activities, though times vary by grade.

SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE – GRADES 1-3

• 9:00-9:15: Opening Circle
• 9:15-9:45: Big Fun Time/Theme Week Activities
• 9:45-10:00: Change for swim
• 10:00-10:30: Swim lessons
• 10:30-10:45: Change for camp
• 10:45-11:00: Bathroom break, sunblock, morning snack
• 11:00-11:30: Science/nature activities ran by a specialist
• 11:30-11:45: Playground time
• 11:45-12:00: Bathroom break, fill water bottles, wash hands for lunch
• 12:00-12:45: Lunch
• 12:45-1:15: Rotate through blacktop games, group tables, playground & Ga-Ga
• 1:15-1:30: Bathroom break, sunblock, fill water bottles
• 1:30-2:00: Arts and Humanities ran by a specialist
• 2:00-2:30: Sports and Games ran by a specialist
• 2:30-2:45: Bathroom break, sunblock, afternoon snack
• 2:45-3:45: Club activities – camper choice
• 3:45-4:00: Closing Circle
  • K-3rd grade camp off-site trips on Tuesdays. All trips are mandatory.
  • Grades 4-7 camp off-site trips on Thursdays. All trips are mandatory.

CATCH = Coordinated Approach To Child Health

SEL = Social Emotional Learning

COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING (CIT) PROGRAM

Traditional Multi-Activity Camp

Teen Option

• Our signature Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program is for teens entering grades 10-11 in September 2026
• Offered during weeks 1-8 of camp at Somerset Hills YMCA in four, 2-week sessions 
• The CIT Program will operate in conjunction with our Traditional Day Camp & counts towards volunteer hours
• Somerset Hills YMCA Camp Acorn’s 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, dance & games, 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 adult in any field of employment

TEEN TRAVEL CAMP

Teen Option

This camp is a balance of 3 camp trips each week as well as leadership training & service projects. Teens are expected to participate in camp trips, leadership activities & service projects. This program will include up to 6 service hours each week. Letters are provided upon request by the Camp Director in September based on attendance and participation. Campers must participate in the service component to attend trips.

• Offered for campers entering grades 7-9 in September 2026
• Teen Travel Camp provides older campers a summer full of adventure, independence, and fun

• Every week is packed with a wide variety of leadership training, service projects, and 3 trips to exciting locations such as Blue Mountain Resort, Six Flags, Funplex, Bronx Zoo, and many, many more!

• Campers develop a sense of responsibility in the freedom of Teen Travel Camp as they demonstrate personal accountability for their money, belongings, their time, and how they choose to use it while on their own in certain areas in small groups
• Trips times will vary with most returning at 3:30 pm while few will extend until 6:00 pm
• To accommodate working parents, Teen Travel Campers may be dropped off as early as 7:30am and picked up as late as 6:00pm

Camp Dragonfly

A SUMMER OF GROWTH

Dragonflies are believed to be a sign of new beginnings, hope, and change. In many cultures, they are seen as symbols of strength, courage, and happiness. Our immersion camp is based on this belief and inspiration.

Camp Dragonfly is a week-long camp hosted at Somerset Hills YMCA Day Camp and is provided complimentary to children who have experienced trauma, grief, or loss in the past 14 months. Structured as an immersion experience, campers will experience the joys and adventures of a traditional day camp with the guidance of licensed social workers, therapists, and trauma-informed counselors.

Where:

SOMERSET HILLS YMCA

When:

July 6th – August 14th 2026

Price:

FREE for children who have experienced trauma, grief, or loss in the past 14 months.

Registration required. Space is limited. For enrollment or for more information contact Andrew Lomauro at [email protected].

CAMP DRAGONFLY INTEREST FORM

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ENRICHMENT CAMPS

Specialty Camps

• Enrichment Camp offers an exciting, well-rounded experience where children can learn, grow, and thrive in a supportive and fun environment.
• Campers will explore their artistic side through hands-on art projects, develop essential life skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication, and dive into the wonders of science with interactive experiments and STEM challenges.
  • Session 1 – Art Camp (weeks 3 & 4) is best suited for campers entering grades 1-3 in September 2026
  • Session 1 – Photography & Video Production Camp (weeks 3 & 4) is best suited for campers entering grades 4-6 in September 2026
  • Session 2 – STEAM Camp (weeks 5 & 6) is best suited for campers entering grades 1-3 in September 2026
  • Session 2 – Math & Coding Camp (weeks 5 & 6) is best suited for campers entering grades 4-6 in September 2026
  • Session 3 – Math & Coding Camp (weeks 7 & 8) is best suited for campers entering grades 2-3 in September 2026
  • Session 3 – Art Camp (weeks 7 & 8) is best suited for campers entering grades 4-6 in September 2026
• No previous experience is required. Participants are grouped by ability level so all are appropriately challenged.

SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE

• • • 9:15-9:30: Drop off
    • 9:30-9:45: Opening Circle
    • 9:45-10:45: Sports/Specialty Curriculum
    • 10:45-11:00: Bathroom break, sunblock, morning snack
    • 11:00-12:00: Sports/Specialty Curriculum
    • 12:00-12:45: Handwashing, Bathroom, and Lunch
    • 12:45-1:15: Rotate through blacktop games, group tables, playground & Ga-Ga
    • 1:15-1:30: Bathroom break, sunblock, fill water bottles
    • 1:30-2:30: Big Fun Time/Theme Week Activities
    • 2:30-2:45: Bathroom break, sunblock, afternoon snack
    • 2:45-3:30: Club activities – camper choice
    • 3:30-3:45: Closing Circle
    • 3:45-4:00pm: Pickup
• 1st-3rd grade off-site trips on Tuesdays. All trips are mandatory.
• 4^th-6^th grade off-site trips on Thursdays. All trips are mandatory.

SOCCER

Session 2: Offered durning weeks 7 and 8 of camp

• Offered for campers entering grades 1-3 in September 2026
• Offered for campers entering grades 4-6 in September 2026
• 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

SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE

• • • 9:15-9:30: Drop off
    • 9:30-9:45: Opening Circle
    • 9:45-10:45: Sports/Specialty Curriculum
    • 10:45-11:00: Bathroom break, sunblock, morning snack
    • 11:00-12:00: Sports/Specialty Curriculum
    • 12:00-12:45: Handwashing, Bathroom, and Lunch
    • 12:45-1:15: Rotate through blacktop games, group tables, playground & Ga-Ga
    • 1:15-1:30: Bathroom break, sunblock, fill water bottles
    • 1:30-2:30: Big Fun Time/Theme Week Activities
    • 2:30-2:45: Bathroom break, sunblock, afternoon snack
    • 2:45-3:30: Club activities – camper choice
    • 3:30-3:45: Closing Circle
    • 3:45-4:00pm: Pickup
• 1st-3rd grade off-site trips on Tuesdays. All trips are mandatory.
• 4^th-6^th grade off-site trips on Thursdays. All trips are mandatory.

TENNIS

Session 3: Offered durning weeks 5 and 6 of camp

• Offered for campers entering grades 1-3 in September 2026
• Offered for campers entering grades 4-6 in September 2026
• Campers learn the fundamentals of tennis, including proper strokes, serves, and gameplay strategies.
• Tennis Camp with 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, making it easy to learn and enjoyable for all skill levels.
• Campers are divided into 2-4 equally matched groups of mixed ability for team play
• 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

SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE

• • 9:15-9:30: Drop off
  • 9:30-9:45: Opening Circle
  • 9:45-10:45: Sports/Specialty Curriculum
  • 10:45-11:00: Bathroom break, sunblock, morning snack
  • 11:00-12:00: Sports/Specialty Curriculum
  • 12:00-12:45: Handwashing, Bathroom, and Lunch
  • 12:45-1:15: Rotate through blacktop games, group tables, playground & Ga-Ga
  • 1:15-1:30: Bathroom break, sunblock, fill water bottles
  • 1:30-2:30: Big Fun Time/Theme Week Activities
  • 2:30-2:45: Bathroom break, sunblock, afternoon snack
  • 2:45-3:30: Club activities – camper choice
  • 3:30-3:45: Closing Circle
  • 3:45-4:00pm: Pickup

• 1st-3rd grade off-site trips on Tuesdays. All trips are mandatory.
• 4^th-6^th grade off-site trips on Thursdays. All trips are mandatory.