Frequently Asked Questions
What is a day in YMCA camps like?
Each of our camps have a different theme, so what they'll do all day varies! At all YMCA Camps, campers move through activities with their counsellors, stopping for snacks and lunch. Throughout the week, they'll have the chance to earn value beads, value beads will be awarded to individuals for demonstrating friendship, caring, honesty, diversity, social inclusion, responsibility, respect, leadership and excellence.
We remind campers to dress appropriately as we will be outside rain or shine!
How does the Y manage participant safety?
We are fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children in our care. To keep our participants and staff safe and healthy, the YMCA will meet or exceed all provincial health guidelines and requirements.
To help ensure all children are kept safe at the YMCA, we will ask for government-issued photo ID to be shown for all YMCA Camp pick-ups from the identified parent/guardian/pick-up person on the medical form and sign-in sheet. This is in effect for all YMCA Camps.
If you require additional information regarding your child's camps, please reach out to daycamp@ymcanab.ca.
What are transition times?
In our Edmonton Centres, transition times are from 8:30-8:45 a.m. and 3:45-4:00 p.m., daily. During these times, staff will be moving from their pre-care or to their post-care locations.
In Red Deer and Wood Buffalo, transition times are from 8:30-8:45 a.m. and 4:15-4:30 p.m., daily.
For the safety of all children in our care, you will not be able to drop-off or pick-up your child(ren) during this timeframe.
How does the Y hire day camp staff?
At the YMCA, we understand that children and youth need positive peer and adult relationships in their lives. All YMCA employees are carefully selected based on their leadership potential, enthusiasm, experiences and ability to role model YMCA values to children, members and staff.
All employees have completed day camp training, which includes safety and emergency training, intermediate first aid, CPR, WHMIS, behaviour management, and physical literacy. Employees are also required to pass a Police Security Check with a Vulnerable Sector Search.
Can my child(ren) have an aide?
Yes, your child(ren) can be accompanied by an aide for YMCA Camps.
*NEW in 2025* Children that receive 1:1 support in a school environment are required to have 1:1 support at camp.
Although the YMCA cannot provide additional aids (staff) for children, we will work with each family to identify which supports are needed and come up with a support plan to achieve positive experiences for children and their families. Please contact daycamp@ymcanab.ca with any questions or concerns you may have.
What is the Y's cancellation policy?
Summer Day Camp Cancellations
Effective June 9, summer camp registration cannot be cancelled online. Please reach out to a YMCA staff member to assist with cancellation. A $25 cancellation fee will apply. Should a camp need to be cancelled due to low enrollment, every effort will be made to place your child(ren) in an alternate camp, or we can offer a refund.
What food is not allowed at camp?
YMCA Health, Fitness and Aquatics and Community Centres are nut-free facilities, and we ask that you do not send your child with any nut products. If your child does come to camp with nuts, they will be removed from the group and asked to eat under staff supervision in a safe sanitized space.
Additionally, we discourage strawberries as a snack or lunch item as many of our campers have these allergies.
What is Pre- and Post-care?
Pre- and post-care is a before- and after-camp program where you can drop off your child early and pick up your child later.
During this time, we will offer supervised low movement, self-directed activities for your child to participate in while we wait for camp to start or for parents to pick up.
Edmonton
In our Edmonton branches offering summer camp (Castle Downs Family YMCA, Jamie Platz Family YMCA, William Lutsky Family YMCA) pre- and post-care is available from 7:30am–8:30am and 4:00pm–5:00pm.
Red Deer and Wood Buffalo (Fort McMurray)
Please note, in Red Deer and Wood Buffalo, pre- and post-care is also available from 7:30am–8:30am and 4:00pm–5:00pm.
Can we leave our campers items overnight?
Unfortunately, we will not be able to store any personal belongings (skateboards, swimwear, helmets) overnight. Campers will be expected to bring what they need each day for camp.
Questions?
If you need assistance with your online account, online registration or if you have more questions about our Camp experience, our team is available to help you at daycamp@ymcanab.ca or in person at a YMCA Health, Wellness and Community Centre.