Summer Camp
Day, overnight and sports camps at the Y share one thing: they're about discovery. Kids have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships and memories. And of course, it's fun too!
More Camps = More Fun
This year, we're offering more camps than ever before! We are excited to expand our summer camp program to serve Brunswick, New Hanover, Pender and Sampson counties. Select a tile below and find a camp near you to get started!
About Our Camps
The YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina is thrilled to offer children of all ages an array of summer camp opportunities designed to cultivate friendships, develop skills, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re a busy parent, an adventurous child, or a teen seeking leadership opportunities, the Y is here to make this summer your best one yet! With options for every schedule and interest, the YMCA offers traditional day camps, specialty camps, sports camps, and overnight camps.
This year, the Y is expanding its summer camp offerings, with a wide variety of programs available in New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender, and Sampson counties, including YMCA Camp Kirkwood.
Traditional Day Camps
The YMCA is proud to provide two traditional day camp options: YMCA Youth Day Camp and YMCA Leaders in Training (LIT) Camp. YMCA Youth Day Camp is a classic week-long camp that is packed with sports, crafts, and weekly field trips, offering a well-rounded experience for campers. Designed for teens, YMCA LIT Camp gives older youth the opportunity to build leadership skills and mentor younger campers.
Specialty & Sports Camps
For children with specific interests, the Y offers an exciting lineup of specialty and sports camps. Specialty Camps, available in New Hanover County, include options like Art Camp, Babysitter Boot Camp, Fitness and Athletic Training Camp, Dance Camp, Girls on the Run Camp, Top Chef Cooking Camp, and Water Adventures Camp. Sports Camps are where young athletes can develop their skills in flag football, soccer, or a swim stroke clinic at the Nir Family YMCA. The Ogden YMCA Activity Center also offers multi-sport camps, along with volleyball, futsal (indoor soccer), and basketball camps.
YMCA Camp Kirkwood
Located just outside of Wilmington in Watha, NC, YMCA Camp Kirkwood has been a haven for campers for more than 50 years. Spanning 195 acres of woods and featuring a 10-acre lake, it provides a unique outdoor experience where campers can unplug and reconnect with nature. Thanks to a partnership between Friends of Camp Kirkwood and the YMCA of Southeastern NC, the camp boasts a long list of fun, engaging activities including ropes courses, ziplining, outdoor education courses, tree climbing, paddleboarding, and more!
With so many options available, there’s a YMCA camp for every kid. Don’t miss the chance to give your child a summer of exploration, growth, and fun!
Day Camp FAQs
How much does Summer Day Camp cost? What is included in the camp fee? Does Summer Day Camp provide lunch or snacks? Are discounts available for Summer Day Camp? Are sibling discounts available for Summer Day Camp? Is financial assistance or a scholarship available for Summer Day Camp? What dates or weeks is Summer Day Camp offered? When does Summer Day Camp start and end? Are half‑day or full‑day Summer Day Camp options available? Can I register for Summer Day Camp one week at a time? Is Summer Day Camp open on holidays? What are Summer Day Camp hours each day? What are the drop‑off and pick‑up times for Summer Day Camp? Is early drop‑off available for Summer Day Camp? Is transportation or bussing provided for Summer Day Camp? When does registration open for Summer Day Camp? How do I register for Summer Day Camp? What ages can attend Summer Day Camp? How are campers grouped by age? Are there Summer Day Camp options for children with special needs? What activities are offered at Summer Day Camp? Are there swimming activities or lessons at Summer Day Camp? What is the staff‑to‑camper ratio at Summer Day Camp? Where is Summer Day Camp located? Can I visit my child or volunteer at Summer Day Camp? What is the cancellation or refund policy for Summer Day Camp? What should my child bring to Summer Day Camp? Campers should wear old clothes suitable for active play and leave toys and electronics at home.Cost and What's Included
Weekly fees for full-day camps are around $212 per child, with a one‑time $35 registration fee. Families pay a $10 non‑refundable deposit for each week reserved, which is applied toward the weekly fee. Y members receive a 10% discount on weekly rates.
Fees cover all supervised activities, supplies and field trips. Full‑day campers are provided with a free breakfast and an afternoon super snack. Families need to send a lunch each day except at select sites where lunch is provided.
Campers receive a free breakfast and an afternoon snack. Parents pack a lunch for their child each day unless they are at a location that offers lunch. If packing a lunch presents a hardship, families are encouraged to contact the Y so staff can help meet the need.Discounts and Financial Assistance
Yes. YMCA members receive about 10% off the weekly camp rate. Some camps may also offer promotional discounts throughout the year.
We do not offer a multi-child/sibling discount for Summer Day Camp. However, our members do receive 10% off the weekly camp rate per camper.
Yes. The Y’s Annual Campaign funds confidential scholarships so that every child can experience camp. Families can apply online and will be contacted to discuss awards.Schedule and Dates
Day camps operate weekly from late May through mid‑August. Families may register for one or multiple weeks; each week has its own theme.
The program season begins around Memorial Day and concludes in mid‑August. Specific start and end dates vary slightly by location and camp type.
Yes. Full‑day camps run from 9 am to 4 pm, while half‑day options are offered for preschoolers and select specialty camps such as sports camps or half‑day programs.
Yes. Families choose the weeks that best fit their schedule and pay the $10 deposit for each week selected. Registration remains open until the Wednesday before each camp week, provided space is available.
Our camps follow a Monday-Friday schedule, and do not conflict with any holidays for Summer 2026. For more specifics, be sure to check in with your specific camp location regarding holiday closures. Daily Hours & Drop-off
The camp day runs from 9 am to 4 pm. Extended care is included: families may drop off campers between 7 am and 9 am and pick up between 4 pm and 6 pm.
Drop‑off is between 7 am and 9 am, and pick‑up is between 4 pm and 6 pm. Preschool camps typically begin at 9 am and end at 12:30 pm.
Yes. Extended care is included at no additional cost, with drop‑off beginning at 7 am and pick‑up available until 6 pm.
Families are responsible for getting their campers to and from their camp site over the Summer. However, specific locations do offer a bus pick up and drop off location, so be sure to check out the camp guide for your location's information! Registration
Registration opens on January 1 each year. Weeks tend to fill quickly, so families are encouraged to sign up early and pay the required deposit to reserve a spot.
Families can register online at ymcasenc.org/camp. A $10 deposit per week and a one‑time $35 registration fee are due at the time of registration. Balances are automatically charged the Wednesday before each camp week.Ages & Grouping
Programs serve children from ages 3 through 15, including Preschool Camp (ages 3–5), Youth Day Camp (ages 5–12) and Leaders‑in‑Training programs for grades 6–10.
Campers are placed in groups with peers of similar ages or grade levels to ensure age‑appropriate activities. Leaders‑in‑Training assist younger groups under staff supervision.
Parents are encouraged to contact the camp director over their site to discuss their child's needs and determine if the appropriate accommodations can be made. Activities & Programs
Campers enjoy a wide range of activities such as team sports, arts and crafts, swimming, field trips, STEM projects, cooking, dance and outdoor adventures. Weekly themes add variety and excitement.
Yes. Many camps include swimming or water play. Campers may visit pools, beaches or water parks, and a swim test may be required to determine swim ability.Staffing & Safety
The average staff‑to‑camper ratio is approximately 1:12. Staff are interviewed, background‑checked and trained in CPR, First Aid and child‑abuse prevention.Logistics & Location
Programs are offered at multiple sites across southeastern North Carolina, including:
· Midtown YMCA, Wilmington
· Nir Family YMCA, Wilmington
· Hampstead United Methodist Church
· Barlow Vista Baptist Church
· Belville Elementary
· Town Creek Middle School
· Jessie Mae Monroe Elementary
· Wesleyan Chapel United Methodist Church
· Sampson County YMCA
· YMCA Camp Kirkwood (overnight and specialty camps).
We typically do not offer visitations or volunteer opportunities, as our staff is fully equipped to support the day-to-day needs of programming. However, if you do need to visit a summer camp site for any reason, please connect with the Camp Director in advance so we can coordinate accordingly. Policies & Preparation
Participants must cancel at least 14 days before the start of the week to receive a refund. The $10 deposit and registration fee are non‑refundable, and a $10 administration fee applies to refunds. Refunds are issued within two weeks and first applied to any outstanding balances.
Pack a labeled backpack with the following items:
· Closed‑toe shoes and socks
· Refillable water bottle
· Swimsuit and towel (on swim days)
· Sunscreen
· Packed lunch (for full‑day camps)
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
