- Registration for members begins January 29, 2024
- Registration for non-members begins February 5, 2024
At the YMCA Walnut Street Summer Day Camp, we are committed to providing kids with a safe and positive experience as we promote the Y’s core values and encourage the joy of being active! Summer camp, like many Y programs, is about learning skills, developing character and making friends. Here, kids have fun, learn about team building, make friends, develop a love of nature, engage in physical activities and become well-rounded members of our community.
Walnut Street YMCA
1000 North Walnut Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 472-9622
ABOUT OUR CAMP
Our Summer Day Camp Program is located in the heart of Wilmington, at the Walnut Street YMCA, and is open from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Extended care is available in the morning from 7 – 9 a.m., and in the afternoon from 4 – 6 p.m. at no extra charge. Our program utilizes YMCA facilities and local parks throughout Wilmington. Campers are picked up between 4 – 6 p.m. and must be signed out in the YMCA lobby. Be sure to bring a photo ID during pick up. We serve over 50 local schools, and campers are encouraged to meet new friends and create lasting summer memories.
Our Camp Philosophy
The Walnut Street YMCA Summer Camp combats summer learning loss with activities and experiences that provide campers with diverse opportunities focused on fostering creativity, social skills, and leadership skills in a collaborative and hands-on environment. We provide a summer filled with exciting learning activities designed to help campers grow their literacy and critical thinking skills while they develop a stronger sense of self. Campers are encouraged to engage in “productive struggle” through camp activities that challenge them mentally and physically in a fun and safe environment. We guide campers as they make healthy choices, embrace challenges, experiment safely, enjoy the adventure, celebrate each other, and become lifelong learners. Campers at the Y learn something new every day.
Camp Structure
Each week campers have the option to choose from different clubs and workshops. Activities throughout the
week including:
- Sports & Swim – Campers have the choice to learn about and participate in a specific sport. If they are not interested in sports, they can choose to swim for the week.
- Clubs & Workshops – Campers choose from a variety of options including, but not limited to, Yoga, Slime Time, Obstacle Course Showdown, Team Arts and Crafts, Kid For President, Fashion Through The Ages, and Celebrations Around the World!
- Nature Exploration – On a designated day each week, campers will leave the city to visit a local park where they play and explore nature.
CAMPS
Traditional Camp
Our campers will be encouraged to try new things every day. Each camper can choose from age-appropriate club activities where they explore art, science, cooking, sports, swimming and more. They also take part in team-building activities that help them gain appropriate social skills in the process. Each week, campers experience special events and/or field trips to area attractions at no additional cost. Trips to local parks allow for nature exploration including hikes, creek walks, and outdoor play.
Teen Summer Leadership Institute
The Teen Summer Leadership Institute is an opportunity for teens who are serious about being role models, learning counselor skills and gaining possible employment at the YMCA.
This program provides an atmosphere for teens to make new friends and develop a strong sense of self-esteem throughout the summer. The Teen Summer Leadership Institute curriculum includes topics such as role modeling, professionalism, risk management, injury management, child abuse prevention, behavior management, transition times, field trip management, ages, and stages of development, child interaction, leading activities, teamwork, daily planning, and learning to lead others.
To be eligible for the Teen Summer Leadership Institute, individuals must complete the Teen Summer Leadership Institute application, submit a copy of a recent school report card and may be asked to interview with a YMCA program director prior to beginning the program.
This program is FREE with proof of income eligibility.
2023 Day Camp Prices
Fees:
Member: $235 per week
Non-Member: $310 per week
Field trips are included at no additional cost.
- We accept Purchase of Care (POC). Our site # is 1710147300. Campers must be authorized for full day care for 5 days throughout their enrollment.
- Teen camp is offered at no cost for teens 13 years and older with proof of income eligibility.
- Open doors financial assistance is available for families who do not qualify for Purchase of Care.
When does camp start and ends?
Camp starts on June 13th and ends on August 26th
Are lunches being provided this Summer?
The Walnut St. YMCA provides campers with a hot lunch at the Community Education Building every day, except on field trip days and out of building activities. When campers are on a field trip or out of building activity they will be provided with a cold lunch.
Are field trips planned for this Summer?
Yes, we are planning to have Field Trips this summer! However, field trips can be canceled at any time if we see a significant rise in COVID cases.
What time does camp start and end?
Campers can be dropped off at 7:00 am and picked up by 6:00 pm. Campers will not be able to attend camp if they are dropped off after 9:00 am, without prior knowledge to camp staff or a doctor’s note. We also ask that campers are not picked up from camp until 4:00 pm.
What does my child need to bring DAILY?
All children must have:
- Water Bottle (reusable)
- Swim attire (bathing suit, water shoes/flip flops, towel, goggles-optional)
- Weather appropriate attire
Please do not bring the following items to summer camp:
- Electronics (Ipad, cell phone, tablets)
- Toys
- Jewelry or other valuable possessions
- Pets
- Alcohol or drugs of any kind (will result in IMMEDIATE dismissal from camp)
- Anything else perceived as inappropriate
- **Materials not permitted will be confiscated and held in the camp office until the end of the week or until arrangements have been made for pick-up. Multiple offenses are subject to a camper’s dismissal from camp for the remainder of the Summer season.
How do I contact the Camp Director or someone from the administration?
- The Camp Director can be reached, during camp hours, at 302-472-9622 or via email (outside of camp hours) at [email protected]
How will you communicate important camp information with parents?
Most camp communication is done through the Procare app. Parents can download the app to get real-time messages to the campground regarding your child. Parents will be contacted via phone in the case of serious or emergency situations regarding your child. We will also communicate updates through our weekly newsletter.
How late can I register my child for camp?
Camp enrollment for the upcoming week closes on Wednesdays at noon, THE WEEK PRIOR. For example, for the camp week of June 28th, enrollment closes on June 24th at noon. No exceptions for enrollment after that time will be made without the Camp Director’s approval. As a reminder, your child is not fully enrolled until all required documents are received by the camp.