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 cameron family ymca
Your family can count on Cameron 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 10-11, 2025
- November 24-26, 2025
- December 22-23 & 26, 2025
- December 29-30, 2025 & January 2, 2026
- January 5-9, 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 — (619) 449-9622
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
2025-2026 School Break Camps
CAMP INFORMATION
BIG MESSY ART | AGES 7-12
DATES: January 5-9, 2026
Campers, get ready to unleash your creativity and dive into a world of color, texture, and fun. From splatter painting and clay sculpting to hands-on, larger-than-life art projects, this camp is all about getting messy and making masterpieces. Join us for a week of laughter, creativity, and the most wonderfully messy art experiences ever!
SLIME FACTORY | AGES 6-12
DATES: January 5-9, 2026
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.
Traditional Extreme | Ages 5-12
DATES: November 10-11, 2025 | November 24-26, 2025 | December 22-23 & 26, 2025 | December 29-30, 2025 & January 2, 2026
Our camps are an exciting way to spend a school break! We include lots of action-packed activities that keep your children engaged and happy, like arts & crafts, sports and games, science experiments, and more! Set in the YMCA style of different activities each and every day, your camper will have a great time while parents have peace of mind knowing their camper is safe.
About Us
Our Branch
CAMERON FAMILY YMCA
Address: 10123 Riverwalk Drive, Santee, CA 92071
Phone: (619) 449-9622
Camp Locations and Hours of Operation
Cameron Family YMCA
Address: 10123 Riverwalk Drive, Santee, CA 92071
SCHOOL BREAK CAMPS
Camp Hours:
- Full-day: 8:00am-5:00pm
- Drop-off: 8:00–9:00am
- Pick-up: 4:00–5:00pm
Need a late drop-off or early pick-up? Please notify us in advance to ensure a smooth transition for your camper. Reminder:
A government-issued photo ID is required at pick-up daily—no exceptions, even if our staff knows you.
SUMMER DAY CAMPS
Camp Hours:
- Full-day: 8:00am-5:00pm
- Drop-off: 8:00–9:00am
- Pick-up: 4:00–5:00pm
Directors and Supervisors
CAMP COORDINATOR
Amber Cutting
Email: acutting@ymcasd.org
Phone: (619) 449-9622
About Our Staff
Cameron 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 Camp Director, Melanie Navarro at mnavarro@ymcasd.org, with any questions, comments or concerns!