Why YMCA Camp?

Three female campers shooting arrows at targets

Why YMCA Camp?


Today's camper. Tomorrow's changemaker.

Camping, like many Y programs, is about learning skills, developing character and making friends. But few environments are as special as camp, where kids become a community as they learn both how to be more independent and how to contribute to a group as they engage in physical, social and educational activities.

Camping teaches self-reliance, a love for nature and the outdoors and the development of attitudes and practices that build character and leadership—all amidst the fun of campfires, bugle calls, canoeing, archery, talent shows and meaningful relationships. Y counselors are dedicated to making sure camp is an amazing experience for every camper.

  • The Y is one of the largest providers of camp programs. There are over 1,850 day camps across the country, 315 overnight camps for youth and teens and many specialty camp programs that meet the diverse needs of children and teens.
  • Ys nationwide serve 1.4 million youth and adults at camps every year, including 970,000 kids and adults through summer day and overnight camp programs and more than 439,000 youth, teens, families, school and retreat groups through group camping overnight programs.
  • The Y gives youth early work experience, employing 61,000 college-aged young adults as summer overnight camp leaders each year, guiding their career interests in youth development
  • Tens of thousands of teens are annually enrolled in leadership development programs every summer at YMCA day and overnight camps that provide valuable responsibilities in leadership.