SCHOOL BREAK CAMPS
When school is out, fun is in at the Y! This fall, we’ve got you covered with single-day and week-long day camp sessions at locations around the county. MEMBERS SAVE UP TO 15% ON DAY CAMPS!
WELCOME TO DAY CAMP
AT MAGDALENA ECKE FAMILY YMCA
Your family can count on Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA to ensure your child is having fun in a safe, nurturing environment. The Y offers single-day, weekly and specialty camps to meet the needs of parents and match the interests of our campers.
Since 1882, our camps have inspired kids with countless opportunities to laugh, lead and make lasting friendships.
FIND YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE!
School break CAMP SESSIONS
- November 11, 2025
- November 24-26, 2025
- December 22 & 23, 2025
- December 29-30, 2025 & January 2, 2026
REGISTER TODAY
- Register Online — We have invested in new technology, and signing up online is the best way to secure your top picks. Make sure your new account is ready to register.
- Register in Person — Directions Here
- Register by Phone — (760) 942-9622
MEMBERS SAVE
To receive the Y member rate for any program, your membership must be active throughout the duration of the registered program session(s), otherwise the non-member fee will be applied. Learn more about the benefits of becoming a Y member, and join us today!
Y COMMUNITY PLUS MEMBERSHIP
- Up to 15% off day camp and up to 10% off overnight camp. This rate also applies to active members who have not yet upgraded to one of our new membership plans.
Y COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP
- Up to 10% off day and overnight camps.
TIPS FOR A SMOOTH SIGN-UP
Please note that you must create a My Y account in order to register. If you are new to the Y, you can set up your account now. If you already have an account, please log in prior to registering to make sure your profile is complete with payment method, valid email address, child’s birth date and full name, etc
DATES: December 29-30, 2025 & January 2, 2026
A week of non-stop action, creativity and hands-on fun! Adventure Camp is the ultimate all-in-one experience for curious, active and creative kids. Each day brings a new adventure as campers dive into a dynamic mix of activities — from mastering archery and playing team sports to experimenting in the kitchen and creating awesome art projects. This camp is perfect for kids who love to try new things, make friends and stay on the move.
2025 School break CAMPS
CAMP INFORMATION
Adventure | Ages 7-13
DATES: December 29-30, 2025 & January 2, 2026
A week of non-stop action, creativity and hands-on fun! Adventure Camp is the ultimate all-in-one experience for curious, active and creative kids. Each day brings a new adventure as campers dive into a dynamic mix of activities — from mastering archery and playing team sports to experimenting in the kitchen and creating awesome art projects. This camp is perfect for kids who love to try new things, make friends and stay on the move.
Art Adventures | AGES 6-10
DATES: November 11, 2025 | November 24-26, 2025
Campers will explore the world of art through clay modeling, watercolor painting, oil pastels, self-portraits and more. Guided by our creative Y Staff, your young artist will experiment with new techniques and bring home their own unique masterpieces!
Basketball | Ages 7-11
DATES: December 22 & 23, 2025
Your camper could be the next big NBA star with this fundamental sports week. Daily activities include instruction in dribbling, passing, shooting and positioning. This camp is ideal for young athletes looking to build fundamental skills.
Cooking Camp | AGES 6-12
DATES: November 24-26, 2025 | December 29-30, 2025 & January 2, 2026
Order up! As one of our most popular choices, this camp will continue to bring you all-day cooking! Campers will work with experienced chefs from Arimaw Productions to create everything from appetizers to main courses and desserts! Join us as we turn your camper into a culinary expert.
Creative Discovery | Ages 6-9
DATES: December 22-23, 2025
Looking for a summer camp packed with fun and creativity? This traditional-style camp offers exciting activities like games, crafts and unforgettable adventures. Campers will race through a 65-foot inflatable obstacle course, enjoy free swim at the Y pool and explore the outdoors. When not on the go, your camper will have plenty of opportunities to let their creative juices flow through engaging indoor activities. It’s the perfect mix of fun, exploration and imagination!
Gymnastics | Ages 6-12
DATES: December 29-30, 2025 & January 2, 2026
Introduce your gymnast to new skills on gymnastics equipment including trampoline, bars, beam and floor. Obstacle courses, parachutes and other tools are used to develop balance, coordination, flexibility and strength through various skill-focused rotations in a safe, fun and supportive environment.
Full "STEAM" Ahead | AGES 6-9
DATES: October 20-24, 2025
In this hands-on camp, children will explore the exciting world of STEAM-Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. Campers will spend the week conducting engaging science experiments, tackling simple engineering challenges and expressing their creativity through art projects. With a focus on curiosity, problem-solving and imagination, this camp offers a balance of learning and fun mixed with other traditional outdoor camp activities.
High Fives | AGE 5
DATES: October 20-24, 2025 | November 11, 2025 | November 24-26, 2025 | December 22-23, 2025 | December 29-30, 2025 & January 2, 2026
High Fives is a perfect fit for our younger campers. With staff supervision at low ratios, campers will spend their action-packed days doing arts and crafts, science projects, playing outdoor games and learning new skills.
Ice Skating | AGE 7-13
DATES: October 20-24, 2025
Looking to cool off? Travel with Ecke YMCA camp staff to the San Diego Ice Arena! Campers of all skill levels are welcome to join the fun and will receive some basic lessons in skating from SD Ice Arena staff. No skating equipment required.
LIT training | Ages 13-17
DATES: December 29-30, 2025 & January 2, 2026
LIT Training equips teens with the skills to become camp leaders. Participants develop communication, management and confidence while gaining real-world experience. The program includes CPR and First Aid training and is required annually for all regardless of prior participation in the program.
LIT Fieldwork | Ages 13-17
DATES: December 22-23, 2025 | December 29-30, 2025 & January 2, 2026
LIT Fieldwork is an opportunity for teens who have successfully completed our training course to use their leadership skills in the field of camp and enjoy the rewards of working with the YMCA’s incredible staff. Teens will experience various camp programs, assist in the daily operations of camp and receive valuable on-the-job experience that will help build a strong foundation for either a recreational or child care career. Teens will be placed into age-appropriate camps prior to the start of the fieldwork week. Join our team in making a difference in the lives of many young campers this summer while earning school-required or volunteer service hours.
Multi-Sport | AGES 6-10
DATES: October 20-24, 2025 | November 24-26, 2026 | December 29-30, 2025 & January 2, 2026
Campers will stay active and have fun exploring a variety of recreational sports, including basketball, baseball, soccer, flag football and more. Our counselors emphasize teamwork and sportsmanship while encouraging everyone to try new activities. Each day also includes traditional camp favorites to round out the experience.
Skate Camp | AGES 6-12
DATES: October 20-24, 2025 | November 11, 2025 | November 24-26, 2025 | December 22 & 23, 2025 | December 29-30, 2025 & January 2, 2026
This camp is designed for beginners and up. On day one, campers will be assessed to determine their group placement. Beginners will receive hands-on instruction to build the skills and confidence needed to skate on their own. Afternoons will be dedicated to free skate, allowing beginners to practice what they’ve learned. Intermediate and advanced campers will be challenged with new skills and tricks by counselors but won’t receive group instruction. Families are invited to join us for Skate Jam on Fridays where campers showcase their new skills!
Note: If your child is a first-timer, we recommend 1-2 months of skateboard lessons before camp, as group instruction time is more limited due to the camp’s size.
Slime Factory | Ages 6-11
DATES: December 22-23, 2025
Slime factory is the scientific study of all that’s NOT allowed at the dinner table. Campers will spend part of their day getting their hands dirty by using different ingredients such as glue, glitter, starch and paint to make the thickest, ooey-gooiest slime around! You won’t want to miss this one — it’s slime time! Campers will also have the opportunity to participate in traditional camp activities throughout the week.
About Us
Our Branch
MAGDALENA ECKE FAMILY YMCA
Address: 200 Saxony Road, Encinitas, CA 92024
Phone: (760) 942-9622
Camp Locations and Hours of Operation
Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA
Address: 200 Saxony Road, Encinitas, CA 92024
YMCA Gymnastics Center
Address: 2661 Cosmos Court, Carlsbad, CA 92011
SCHOOL BREAK DAY CAMP
Camp Hours:
- Full-day: 8:00am–4:00pm
- Drop-off: 8:00am–8:45am
- Pick-up: 3:00pm–4:00pm
No extended hours offered during school break camps.
Directors and Supervisors
CAMP DIRECTOR
Brittney Lingenfelter
bcouglar@ymcasd.org | (760) 942-9622 ext 1850
CAMP COORDINATOR
Morgan Earle
mearle@ymcasd.org
About Our Staff
The Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA takes 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. Staff training includes CPR and First Aid certification, transportation safety, behavior management and bully prevention, child protection and abuse prevention, field trip and off-site safety procedures, risk management/prevention and more.
PAYING FOR CAMP
- Pay in full (includes a $60 non-refundable deposit).
- Place a $60 non-refundable deposit at the time of registration. Deposit discounts may apply based on membership type.
- Note: any day camps less than three days will have no deposit and will require to be paid in full at time of registration.
- For Summer sessions, balances will be due three weeks prior to the first day of camp.
- For school break camps, balance dues will be one week before the camp date.
- An active membership is required at the time of the program start date to receive the member pricing discount.
- Financial assistance is available through the Y’s ACCESS scholarship program or through third party payment support.
Deposits are non-refundable but can be immediately applied as a deposit for another camp if space is available or applied to an already existing camp balance within the same season. See our Refund/Voucher/Transfer Policies for more information.
Here's what our parents tell us:
"My child came home so happy and didn’t want to leave at the end of the day. He said it was the best camp EVER and loved all his camp counselors!"
REQUIRED FORMS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTS
Day Camp Parent Manual
Check out our Day Camp Parent Manual for easy reference on what to expect and how to best prepare your camper for day camp. Additional information can be found on the YMCA of San Diego County Day Camp page.
UPDATED SAFETY GUIDELINES:
Your family’s safety is our top priority. We have implemented safety protocols that follow state and local guidelines. It’s our priority to help your children enjoy a safe and fun program that builds lasting friendships.
Medical Release Form - Required
Vendor Waivers
Some specialty camps, particularly those that travel to an off-site location, require an additional vendor waiver. Camps that require a waiver to be completed will be contacted and provided the waiver before the start of camp.
Adaptive Camp
Our Adaptive Camp Program is a designed to support youth with behavioral and developmental needs as it adapts the camp experience to your child’s needs and abilities, allowing opportunities for all campers to learn new skills, form new friendships and create lifetime memories. Campers will participate in activities with our traditional and specialty camps based on their interests at a pace that works for them. Our smaller camper-to-staff ratio for Adaptive Camp supports positive inclusion and/or one-on-one support as needed. Space is limited.
PLEASE NOTE: Contact the Camp Director and/or Coordinator to initiate an enrollment request and help us prepare a great experience for your camper. We begin accepting enrollment requests on March 4, 2024 and strive to provide at least one week of camp to all interested families.
Camp Scholarships
Financial assistance is available to families who qualify. Applications are available at the service desk and online. Assistance is based on verified income and completed applications.
More Policies
For more information about YMCA Day Camp policies, expectations and helpful information, visit our Day Camp Policy page.
Giving Back
For every session of camp, the Y provides program scholarships for families seeking financial assistance. This is made possible through the generosity of our community. If you wish to help a child go to camp, please see our Camp Director for information.
Feedback
We love to hear from our campers and parents! Camp leadership teams use your feedback to make positive changes to our program. Please feel free to contact us at eckecamps@ymcasd.org, or contact our Camp Director Brittney Couglar at bcouglar@ymcasd.org, with any questions, comments or concerns!