YMCA Camps offer participants the opportunity to participate in fun and engaging activities. These day- or week-long programs are designed to spark imagination and build confidence, independence, and communication skills. Children will get to participate in physical activity, games, hands-on learning, skill development, craft activities and more.

Our Camps

School Break Camps

School break camps are offered during most one-day and week-long school breaks, like winter break. These day camps are offered for 6–12-year-olds with select locations offering pre- and post-care from 7:30am–8:30am and 4:30pm–5:30pm.

Summer Camps

YMCA Summer Camps provide participants between the ages of 4–15 years a structured day of activities that can include outdoor games, fundamental movement skill development, crafts and more. YMCA Camps are run by trained camp counsellors out of YMCA Health, Fitness and Aquatics Centres, Community Centres and new for 2024, select Edmonton Community Leagues.

We had an amazing summer at camp! We hope to see our campers back next year, and in the meantime join us for a school break day camp. 

Registration for 2025 summer camps begins in February!

YMCA School Break Camps Locations

 

Wood Buffalo (Fort McMurray)

  • Eagle Ridge Community Centre

Edmonton Health, Fitness & Aquatics Centres

  • Castle Downs Family YMCA
  • Jamie Platz Family YMCA
  • William Lutsky Family YMCA

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Frequently Asked Questions

When can I register for camps?

School Break Day Camps

Fall Session (September9–December 22)

Winter Session (January 6–March 23)

Summer Day Camps

Registration for 2025 summer camps begins in February!

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?

Transition times are from 8:30-8:45am and 4:15-4:30pm, daily. During these times, staff will be moving from their pre-care or to their post-care locations. 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. However, the YMCA does not offer aide assistance. 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 10, 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. 

 

PD Day Camp Cancellations

The YMCA reserves the right to cancel any programs with insufficient registration. Participant withdrawals up to 24 hours before the start of a program will be subject to a $10 fee. Withdrawals made on or after the first day of the program will be refunded at a prorated amount for the remaining days of the program, less the $10 withdrawal fee. No refunds if the withdrawal notice is given on or after the last day of the program.

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.

Red Deer and Wood Buffalo (Fort McMurray)

  • Please note, in Red Deer and Wood Buffalo, this is a 30-minute pre- and post-care program.

Edmonton

  • Castle Downs Family YMCA - 7:30-8:30 a.m., 4:30-5:30 p.m.
  • Don Wheaton Family YMCA - 7:30-8:30 a.m., 4:30-5:30 p.m.
  • Jamie Platz Family YMCA - 7:30-8:30 a.m., 4:30-5:30 p.m.
  • William Lutsky Family YMCA - 7:30-8:30 a.m., 4:30-5:30 p.m.

*No Pre or Post care at Community League sites. Camp runs 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Can we leave our campers items overnight?

Unfortunately, we will not be able to store items (bicycles, skateboards, swimwear) 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.

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YMCA Child Care

Children shine brightest when they play and learn, together. Discover what makes YMCA Child Care your child's home away from home.

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