Day Camp
- John A. Davis Family YMCA
Get ready for a summer full of fun, friends and adventure. Below, you’ll find camp descriptions, dates, pricing and direct registration links to help you find the perfect camp!
LOOKING FOR SPRING CAMPS?
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ABOVE AND BEYOND
At the YMCA of San Diego County, we believe all kids deserve the chance to experience the life-changing power of camp. Since 1882, our camps have inspired kids with countless opportunities to laugh, lead and build lasting friendships. Discover all the fun waiting for YOU!
FIND YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE!
FIND YOUR CAMP!
SUMMER 2026
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DEAR FAMILIES,
I just want to say thank you for trusting me and our team at the John A. Davis YMCA with your child this summer. Being part of your family’s summer plans truly means so much to us. We’re looking forward to an exciting summer filled with fun, friendships and meaningful experiences. Our goal is simple: to create a safe, welcoming space where your child feels supported, stays active and makes memories they’ll carry with them long after summer ends. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with your campers and can’t wait to spend the summer learning, playing and growing together. Thank you for being part of our YMCA camp community — I know it’s going to be a great one!
Kaylene Shake, Camp Director
JOIN US FOR OVERNIGHT CAMPS
Camp Marston | Camp Surf | Raintree Ranch
There’s something truly special about the YMCA of San Diego’s three overnight camps. At camp, kids unplug from screens, connect with nature and find joy in discovering how just how capable they are.
CAMP LOCATIONS
JOHN A. DAVIS FAMILY YMCA
8881 Dallas Street, La Mesa, CA 91942
CAMP HOURS
Our full-day camps will give your camper an unforgettable experience.
Drop off: 8:00–9:00am
Full-day camp hours: 9:00am–4:00pm
Pick up: 4:00–5:00pm
contact information
CAMP DIRECTOR: KAYLENE SHAKE
CAMP COORDINATOR: ADRIENNA CHARLES
JOHN A. DAVIS FAMLY YMCA
(619) 464-9622
ymca access scholarship program
OUR CAMP STAFF
We take pride in hiring the best people to fill our camp staff. Each camp leader was hand selected through an extensive hiring process to ensure the safest environment for everyone.
OUR TRAINING PROGRAM INCLUDES:
- CPR and First Aid certification
- Behavior guidance and trauma informed care
- Child protection and abuse prevention
- General risk management and prevention
- Support campers with special needs
- Pool safety
- Heat and sun protection safety
HOW TO REGISTER
REGISTER ONLINE
REGISTER IN-PERSON
Walk in to the Welcome Center at your branch
YMCA members save on camp pricing! Y Community Plus members receive up to 15% off, and Y Community members save up to 10% off the nonmember rate.
Update your MY Y ACCOUNT
Prior to registration day, please log in to your My Y Account to make sure your profile is complete with payment method, valid email address, etc. If you are new to the Y, you can set up your account now.
TYPICAL CAMP DAY
8:00-9:00am
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Daily Drop-Off
9:00-9:30am
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Daily Orientation
9:30-10:35am
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Activity Rotation 1
10:45-11:50am
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Activity Rotation 2
11:50am-12:30pm
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Lunch
12:30-1:15pm
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Squad Time
1:15-2:45pm
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Activity Rotation 3
2:45-4:00pm
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Activity Rotation 4
4:00-5:00pm
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Closing and Camp Pickup
*Times are subject to change
Most camps will spend two rotations focusing on their specialty activity. The additional two rotations that occur throughout the day are spent at our Activity Stations which include activities like arts and crafts, STEAM, songs, games and more!
A significant portion of the day is spent playing outside.
Please make sure you apply sunscreen to your kids before dropping them off.
Our Camps are ACA Accredited
The American Camp Association is the only nationwide organization that accredits children’s camps. The ACA Accreditation process is a commitment by camps to the highest standards of health, safety and program quality. Accreditation requirements include a focus on staff qualifications, training, supervision ratios and procedures, as well as operational management including safety regulations and emergency procedures and communications.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you offer financial assistance?
We offer financial assistance through our Access Scholarship Program to qualified applicants, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
Apply at ymcasd.org/access or pick up a confidential application at our front desk. We also accept third party payments from agencies such as CDA, CRS, KINSHIP and Cal-Works. To learn about or apply for state child care funding assistance, please visit childcaresandiego.com.
What do I need to send with my camper each day?
We will supply the atmosphere for a great camp experience and ask that you send your camper with a lunch, at least two snacks, a water bottle, sunscreen, hat and closed-toe shoes.
Our Camp Programs spend a significant amount of time outdoors. We recommend applying sunscreen before you get to camp and our camp staff will supply sunscreen to campers regularly throughout the day.
What happens if a day camp I want to register for is full?
If a camp is full, you may add your child to the waitlist. As spots open, families will be contacted in waitlist order until May 15, 2026. After May 15, the waitlist will be cleared and families will receive an email inviting them to join the interest list, which will register on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note: families previously on the waitlist must add themselves to the interest list using the link provided in that email. Once the waitlist option closes, you can visit our website blog to view camp updates and alternative camp suggestions, families will also be emailed when new information is posted.
Can you tell me more about camp fees and deposits?
A $60 deposit is required for each week of camp. Deposits are non- refundable, non-transferable and are not subject to any discounts or promotions. Deposits are applied to the camp fee. Camp fees are the published rates in this brochure and are good up to the Monday before camp begins.
To discuss payment options, please contact the branch.
When will information on the camp week be available?
General pre-camp emails will be sent out on the Tuesday prior to the start of camp.
What are Traditional Camps?
Traditional camps are ultra-spirited, fun-filled camps with weekly themes that guide activities for the week. New experiences, skill building, a sense of community and lasting friendships are all part of traditional day camp experience.
What are Specialty Camps?
Does your child have a specific interest or hobby? Looking for a camp that specializes in sports or STEM? Browse through the specialty camps section for camps that combine the traditional fun of YMCA day camps with the more specialized skills by providers or YMCA experts.
