Experience Day Camp at YMCA Camp Kirkwood

Designed for campers ages 5–15, Day Camp at YMCA Camp Kirkwood is the perfect blend of exploration, play, and personal growth. 

Each day, campers are grouped by age and guided by caring, trained counselors as they discover exciting land and water activities — from swimming and archery to nature hikes, creative arts, and camp-wide games. 

It’s the classic camp experience with the comfort of returning home each evening — the perfect way to build confidence, curiosity, and lifelong memories under the Carolina sun!

Register for Day Camp

Did You Know?

YMCA of Southeastern NC members enjoy a 10% discount on camp. Click here to learn how you can become a member today!


Dates and Themes 

Carnival Week: June 15-19

Step right up—the carnival has come to camp! This week is packed with colorful games and creative big-top fun. Campers will try their luck at silly midway contests, craft their own carnival creations, and join in laugh-filled competitions that bring the magic of the carnival to life. With bright decorations, tasty treats, and plenty of surprises, it’s sure to be a week of fun, friends, and unforgettable memories! Register for Carnival Week

Trailblazer Week: June 22-26 

Strap on your boots and grab your binoculars—it’s time to explore the great outdoors! This week, campers become true Trailblazers as they discover the secrets of nature, learn survival skills, and protect the wild spaces around camp. From animal tracking and stargazing to campfire cooking and outdoor challenges, every day brings a new adventure in the world just beyond the trail. By week’s end, our explorers will earn their badges of courage, curiosity, and care for nature! Register for Trailblazer Week

Party in the USA Week: June 29-July 3 

Wave your flags and wear your stars and stripes—it’s time to celebrate America, camp style! This week is bursting with red, white, and blue fun: patriotic crafts, all-American games, and team challenges that shine as bright as the fireworks. From parades to picnics, campers will celebrate freedom, friendship, and summer spirit in true USA fashion. It’s a week of pride, joy, and plenty of star-spangled memories! Register for USA Week

Legends in the Making Week: July 6-July 10 

Every camper has a story. Every story has a hero. This summer, enter a world where magic is real and adventure awaits! Campers will journey through enchanted forests, train alongside mighty giants, learn spells from wise wizards, and uncover secrets with clever elves and daring fairies. Whether you're forging alliances, completing quests, or discovering your inner magic, you'll be writing your own legend for one magical moment at a time. Register for Legends in the Making Week

Spirit Week: July 13-17 

Show your camp pride and get ready for a week full of wild themes, silly costumes, and endless energy! Each day brings a new surprise—crazy hair, wacky socks, backwards day, Kirkwood games and more. Campers will dress up, cheer loudly, and dive into spirited games and challenges that bring everyone together. With plenty of laughter, creativity, and team pride, Spirit Week is all about celebrating camp in the most fun and unforgettable way! Register for Spirit Week

Christmas in July Week: July 20-24 

It may be summertime, but camp is getting merry and bright! Get ready for holiday games, frosty crafts, and plenty of festive cheer—without the snow. Campers will join in reindeer relays, unwrap surprise challenges, and spread joy with camp-style holiday fun. With stockings, jingles, and maybe even a visit from “Summer Santa”. It’s the perfect mix of sunshine and Christmas spirit! Register for Christmas Week

Shipwrecked Week: July 27-31 

Ahoy mates! Our ship has run aground, and now it’s time to live like true pirates of the high seas. Campers will join their crews for treasure hunts, sea-worthy games, and daring challenges fit for buccaneers. From crafting pirate gear to testing their skills in swashbuckling contests, every day is packed with adventure, teamwork, and a splash of mischief. Raise the Jolly Roger—it’s going to be a week of legendary pirate fun! Register for Shipwrecked Week

International Week: August: 3-7

Pack your bags, campers—we’re off on a trip around the world without ever leaving camp! Each day we’ll “visit” a new country through games, crafts, music, and traditions that showcase cultures from across the globe. Campers will work together to explore international challenges, taste a bit of global flavor, and celebrate the many ways people around the world live, play, and connect. It’s a week of discovery, adventure, and worldwide fun! Register for International Week


Bus Transportation Available 

Cost $50 per week  

Hampstead United Methodist Church – Hampstead *NEW LOCATION!*

15395 US Highway 17, Hampstead, NC 28443 

  • Bus Arrives: 6:50am - 7:10am (Bus must leave no later than 7:10am; For both Hampstead and Wilmington locations, please be there by 7:00am)
  • Bus Pick Up: 4:45pm - 5:00pm 

Nir Family YMCA - Wilmington, Market St. 

2710 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28403 

  • Bus Arrives: 6:50am - 7:10am (Bus must leave no later than 7:10am; For both Hampstead and Wilmington locations, please be there by 7:00am)
  • Bus Pick Up: 4:45pm - 5:00pm 

Paul's Place - Rocky Point 

11725 US Highway 117 S, Rocky Point, NC 28457 

  • Bus Arrives: 7:30am - 7:35am (Bus must leave no later than 7:35am) 
  • Bus Pick Up: 4:30pm

Parent Drop-Off & Pick-Up 

Drop-Off 

Drop off begins at 7:30am-8:30am. Breakfast begins at 8:15am. Any drop off after 8:30 please go to main office.

Afternoon Pick-Up 

Pick up is between 4:00pm - 5:00pm. *If you are going to be later than 5:00pm please contact us at camp. Consistent late pick up may be subject to a late fee.


Day Schedule Sample