New! YMCA Summer Camp Lewes

Open Doors Program

As a nonprofit, community-building charity, we strive to make our programs widely affordable and accessible to all, regardless of ability to pay. Each year, our YMCA Open Doors Financial Assistance program provides nearly $5 million in support to children, teens, families, and adults throughout Delaware. Open Doors provides a sliding fee scale that is designed to fit each individual’s financial situation, giving everyone access to a YMCA membership and programs like summer camp.

Learn more about our financial assistance here.

The Best Summer Ever Starts Here

At YMCA Camp Millsboro, every week is filled with excitement, creativity, and exploration. Campers will enjoy a predominantly outdoor experience, using expansive field space, complemented by enriching indoor activities.

Weekly Highlights Include:

• Beach Trips
• Offsite & Onsite Field Trips
• Daily Water Activities
• Arts & Crafts + STEM Enrichment
• Drama & Creative Expression
• Outdoor Games & Sports
• Inflatables & Special Events
• Nature-Based Activities
• Gaga Pit & Camp Traditions

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Safety is Our Priority

Your child’s safety is at the core of everything we do.

All YMCA staff:

• Pass comprehensive background checks
• Are trained in child abuse prevention
• Certified in First Aid & CPR
• Follow a zero-tolerance anti-bullying policy

• Camp dates:  June 22 – August 14
• Days/Times:  Monday – Friday
• Full-time Hours:  8am – 4pm
• Part-time Hours:  11:30am – 4pm
• Closures:  July 3rd (campers have option to attend Camp Oowassis)

Are lunches being provided this Summer?

No. Parent/Guardian(s) must ensure your child has a packed, well-balanced lunch each day.

Afternoon snack will be provided by YMCA Camp Lewes.

Are field trips planned for this summer?

Find YMCA Camp Lewes’ 2026 Camp Themes/Field Trip Schedule here!

Are beach trips planned for this summer?

Currently, we plan to go to the beach in Lewes weekly.  Please note that campers may need to arrive earlier than normal on beach days.  The weekly newsletter will specify the arrival time.

My child is enrolled in the half-day program.  Will they travel off-site?

No, if your child is in our half-day program, they will remain on-site every day.  We plan to offer fun and engaging activities, including arts/crafts, STEM, physical activities, water play, and more!

• We are planning to utilize the pool at the YMCA once per week (day is being confirmed).  Once confirmed, families will be notified in our “Welcome to Camp” email closer to the start of summer camp.
• Campers will have access to additional water activities while on-site.

What does my child need to bring DAILY?

All children must have:

• Water Bottle
• Sunscreen
• Swim attire (bathing suit, water shoes/flip flops, towel)
• Packed Lunch
• Weather-appropriate attire (we strongly encourage for campers to bring a hat and sunglasses for shade).

Can my child bring electronics or toys to camp?

Campers are NOT PERMITTED to bring the following:

• Electronics (iPad, cell phone, tablets, apple watches)
• Toys
• Jewelry or other valuable possessions
• Pets
• Alcohol or drugs of any kind (will result in IMMEDIATE dismissal from camp)
• Weapons (will result in IMMEDIATE dismissal from camp)
• Anything else perceived inappropriate

*Items 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 administration?

The camp number will be confirmed by the start of summer camp. Families will received the camp contact number in the pre-camp welcome email.

For camp inquiries or general questions, please click HERE.

For parent/child concerns, the Camp Director can be reached by phone at 302-510-1265 or via e-mail here (outside of camp hours).

Procare: Parents will be able to download the Procare app to get real-time messages to the campground regarding your child. If you are new to camp, you will receive an email, once your child is placed in our portal, to join.

How late can I register my child for camp each week?

Camp enrollment for the upcoming week closes on Wednesdays at noon, THE WEEK PRIOR. For example, for the camp week of June 22nd, enrollment closes on June 17th at noon. No exceptions will be made without the Camp Director’s approval.

If my child is placed on the waitlist, when will I be notified if a spot becomes available?

Families are contacted via email by the Monday PRIOR TO each upcoming week of camp if spots are available. If you do not receive an email to register for a vacant spot, you will receive an email with sincerest apologies that no spots were available. We encourage families to always have a backup plan as enrollment is NOT guaranteed. Please make sure your account is updated with the most current email address.

How does the camp billing cycle work?

Camp fees are charged weekly and each week is billed 24 days in advance.

2026 Camp Billing Cycle:

• Camp Week of 6/22 – Payment Date: 6/5
• Camp Week of 6/29 – Payment Date: 6/12
• Camp Week of 7/6 – Payment Date: 6/19
• Camp Week of 7/13 – Payment Date: 6/26
• Camp Week of 7/20 – Payment Date: 7/3
• Camp Week of 7/27 – Payment Date: 7/10
• Camp Week of 8/3 – Payment Date: 7/17
• Camp Week of 8/10 – Payment Date: 7/24

Please submit any questions or concerns about a potential billing issue here, or call 302-346-9622.

What if my child needs medication while at camp?

• PRIOR TO the start of your child’s camp week, a medication form must be completed and that form, along with your child’s medication, should be brought with your child on their first day. Medication forms can be found on our camp page under “parent resources”. Please note:
  • Prescription medication MUST be in its original container and properly labeled with your child’s name and necessary information (dosage, how often medication is taken, etc.)
  • Over the counter (OTC) medication should be in its original container with no evidence of prior use (seal cannot be broken).
  • We can only keep medication for 1 week. All medications will be given back to the parent at the end of the camp. If your child attends weekly, you must bring in a 5-day supply every Monday.

Is Financial Assistance available for this location?

• Yes. For more information please head to our Financial Assistance page here.

*Purchase of Care is currently not accepted at this camp location.

What if I no longer need care for my child?

If you wish to cancel a camp week for your child, you must complete a change request form. Our YMCA of Delaware policies on camp deposits and cancellations are:

DEPOSIT: A non-refundable deposit is required per child, per week to reserve your spot. This non-refundable deposit cannot be applied to additional weeks. If you need to change, cancel, or modify a week, including a change to membership status (holds, cancellations and terminations), the Deposit paid will not be available for transfer or refund. This policy will not be applied for families authorized and utilizing Purchase of Care funding.

CANCELLATION AND CHANGE REQUIREMENTS: ALL Change requests must be made two weeks prior to the week you wish to change using this Cancel, Add or Change Form. If proper notice is not provided, the full week of camp fees will be due and will not be refunded. This policy will not be applied for families authorized and utilizing Purchase of Care funding.

*PLEASE NOTE: ANY exceptions to these policies must be approved by the Vice President of Youth Development.

Any other questions?

We have more information on the YMCA of Delaware Summer Camp page.

Please feel free to contact the following camp staff via e-mail:

• Shannon Downing 
• Veronica Luck
• During camp hours please send questions here.

👋 Join Our Camp Team!

We’re currently hiring for Camp Director and camp staff positions at YMCA Camp Lewes. Make a difference, build leadership skills, and create unforgettable summer experiences.

👉 View Open Positions & Apply Today