YMCA of Delaware Announces New Summer Day Camp Location In Millsboro – Now Enrolling!
Sussex County, Delaware – This summer, more than 100 Sussex County families will have a trusted, affordable place to send their kids — filling a critical gap in a county long recognized as a childcare desert.
The YMCA of Delaware is expanding its summer programming with the launch of YMCA Camp Millsboro, a new day camp at Millsboro Middle School. The announcement comes as Sussex County continues to face a significant childcare desert — a region where the demand for licensed childcare far exceeds availability, leaving working families with few safe, enriching options for their children during the summer months.
The new camp will run from June 15 through August 21, serving youth in grades Kindergarten through 5th, and teens in grades 6th through 8th, offering families in the Millsboro area increased access to high-quality summer programming in a safe and engaging environment. When structured summer options aren’t available, too many children spend their days indoors, isolated on devices, missing out on opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, skill-building, and exposure to positive adult role models.
“At the Y, we are committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, especially during the summer months,” said LoriKay Paden, Community Vice President & Executive Director of the Sussex Family YMCA. “The addition of YMCA Camp Millsboro allows us to expand our reach in Sussex County and provide more families with a trusted place for their children to stay active, build friendships, and continue learning while school is out.”
Critically, no family will be turned away due to cost. The YMCA of Delaware offers financial assistance on a sliding scale, and the Y is actively working with the State of Delaware to accept Purchase of Care (POC), a state subsidy program that helps income-eligible families afford childcare, so that every child has access to a safe, high-quality summer experience regardless of their family’s financial situation.
YMCA of Delaware Summer Camp programming delivers a well-rounded experience that includes outdoor play, arts and crafts, STEM activities, sports, and enrichment opportunities. YMCA Camp Millsboro campers will participate in weekly off-site field trips, including beach outings, as well as water-based activities designed to keep children active and engaged throughout the summer. In addition to recreational programming, the camp will incorporate language arts and math into daily activities to support academic development and help prevent summer learning loss.
The YMCA of Delaware maintains a strong commitment to safety. All camp staff undergo background checks and are trained in child abuse prevention, CPR, first aid, and best practices in youth development.
In addition to the traditional day camp, YMCA Camp Millsboro will offer a Teen Leadership Program for students in 6th through 8th grade. This program will run Monday through Thursday from June 29 through August 20 and is designed to promote character development, community involvement, and leadership skills through activities such as team building, service projects, and enrichment opportunities.
Registration for YMCA Camp Millsboro is available here.
YMCA Camp Millsboro is also hiring staff; those who are interested can learn more about employment opportunities here.
About the YMCA of Delaware
The YMCA of Delaware is Delaware’s largest nonprofit organization committed to empowering youth, fostering healthy living, and promoting strong communities. With seven branches statewide, a youth resource center, and an overnight camp and conference center in Worton, Maryland, the Y has developed longstanding relationships and a physical presence in Delaware so it can deliver lasting personal and social change. We are committed to serving everyone – regardless of age, income or background –nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving Delaware’s health and wellbeing, and creating a healthy, inclusive community where all people reach their full potential. www.ymcade.org.
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