WELCOME TO DAY CAMP
AT MCGRATH FAMILY YMCA
Your family can count on McGrath 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!
SUMMER 2025 REGISTRATION DATES
- Member Registration Opens: February 19, 2025
- Non-Member Registration Opens: February 21, 2025
- First Week of Camp: June 9-13, 2025
- Last Week of Camp: August 11-15, 2025
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) 462-9622
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
SPRING DAY CAMP SESSIONS
- Spring Break Day Camps
- March 24-28, 2025
- March 31–April 4, 2025
- April 7-11, 2025
- April 14-18, 2025
SPRING DAY CAMP
YMCA day camps are fun-filled, spirited experiences where kids build skills, make friends and create lasting memories. Each week features engaging themes and activities that foster a sense of community and adventure. Whether your child loves sports, STEM, or just exploring new interests, there’s a camp for them! Ready to register? Use this shortcut to view all camps at McGrath Family YMCA, or visit the program finder and enter a search code for the camp of your interest (e.g., CPTRADEX33).
SPRING DAY CAMP DESCRIPTIONS (CLICK TO EXPAND)
TRADITIONAL EXTREME
Age 5-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPTRADEX33 FIND SESSIONS
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. Set in the YMCA style of different crazy activities each and every day, your camper will have a great time while parents have peace of mind knowing their camper is safe.
SPORTS GALORE
Ages 6-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPSG33 FIND SESSIONS
Why choose one sport when you can play them all? Sports Galore lets campers try soccer, flag football, wiffleball, dodgeball and more, with a new sport featured daily. With a focus on teamwork, skill development, and recreation, this camp encourages campers to stay active, make friends and explore the joy of movement in a supportive environment.
GARDENING
Ages 6-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPGRD33 FIND SESSIONS
Do you have a green thumb? Now is a great time to find out! In this camp, campers will learn the ins and outs of gardening as well as how to help their gardens grow. Campers will explore the surrounding nature, plants and animals around camp and create different projects from their finds.
TWO WAYS TO VIEW OUR CAMP OFFERINGS
Check out our summer 2025 day camp offerings by viewing our online camp guide or the descriptions below!
SAVE TIME WITH SEARCH CODES
VIEW OUR DIGITAL CAMP GUIDE
When you’re ready to fill your cart, open a tab to our program finder, and log in to your My Y account. Find your camp selections quickly by typing in (or copying/pasting) the SEARCH CODE (e.g. CPSPEC33).
SUMMER 2025 DAY CAMPS
Check out our summer 2025 day camp offerings by viewing our online camp guide!
CAMP INFORMATION
SEARCH CODE
CHALLENGERS | AGES 10-13
DATES: AVAILABLE ALL CAMP SESSIONS (JUNE 9-August 15)
Join our Y day camp for a week of fun! Campers build confidence, make friends and enjoy activities like sports, arts, crafts, science and more, all tied to weekly themes. Campers are grouped by age for activities that match their interests and needs.
FEES: NONMEMBER $343 | Y COMMUNITY $309 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $292
CLUB 6/7 | AGES 6-7
DATES: AVAILABLE ALL CAMP SESSIONS (JUNE 9-August 15)
Join our Y day camp for a week of fun! Campers build confidence, make friends and enjoy activities like sports, arts, crafts, science and more, all tied to weekly themes. Campers are grouped by age for activities that match their interests and needs.
FEES: NONMEMBER $348 | Y COMMUNITY $313 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $297
DISCOVERY | AGES 8-9
DATES: AVAILABLE ALL CAMP SESSIONS (JUNE 9-August 15)
Join our Y day camp for a week of fun! Campers build confidence, make friends and enjoy activities like sports, arts, crafts, science and more, all tied to weekly themes. Campers are grouped by age for activities that match their interests and needs.
FEES: NONMEMBER $343 | Y COMMUNITY $309 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $292
HIGH FIVES | AGE 5
DATES: AVAILABLE ALL CAMP SESSIONS (JUNE 9-August 15)
High Fives Camp is the perfect introduction to the world of camp for our youngest campers! Exclusively for 5-year-olds, this camp is designed with your child’s first camp experience in mind. With a small 1:6 staff-to-camper ratio, your little one will receive personalized attention and care throughout the day. Campers will enjoy a variety of activities that encourage friendship-building, teamwork, and creativity. From fun group games to arts and crafts, each day is filled with opportunities for exploration, laughter, and learning. Whether it’s their first time away from home or just their first camp adventure, High Fives is the ideal place for 5-year-olds to grow, make new friends, and have a blast!
FEES: NONMEMBER $371 | Y COMMUNITY $343 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $315
LIT FIELDWORK | AGES 13-15
DATES: June 23-27 | june 30-July 3 | july 7-11 | july 14-18 | july 21-25 | july 28-aug 1 | aug 4-8 | aug 11-15
LIT Fieldwork offers teens who’ve completed our LIT training course a chance to apply their leadership skills in real camp settings. Participants assist with daily operations, engage in various camp programs and gain hands-on experience to build a foundation for careers in recreation or childcare. Teens are placed in age-appropriate camps before the fieldwork begins. Join us this summer to make a difference in young campers’ lives while earning school or volunteer service hours!
Completion of one week of LIT/CIT Training in Summer 2025 is required to register
FEES: NONMEMBER $118 | Y COMMUNITY $107 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $100
LIT TRAINING | AGES 13-15
DATES: JUNE 16-20 | June 23-27
CIT/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.
FEES: NONMEMBER $353 | Y COMMUNITY $318 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $300
BACKYARD BUILDERS | AGES 10-16
DATES: july 7-11
Calling all young builders and future engineers! In this camp, imagination meets construction as campers design their own backyard board game. They’ll choose between creating a life-size corn hole or ring toss, using real tools to bring their ideas to life. From drilling and sanding to painting, campers will experience the thrill of building their custom game. Whether it’s the satisfying thunk of a bean bag or the excitement of landing a ring, each camper will leave with a game they made themselves!
PLEASE NOTE: Campers must wear close-toed shoes (no Crocs, sandals or flip-flops). All other safety equipment will be provided.
FEES: NONMEMBER $471 | Y COMMUNITY $424 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $401
COOKING COZY COMFORT FOOD | AGES 7-12
DATES: july 28-aug 1
There’s nothing quite like having a hearty, homecooked meal! Here at Cooking: Cozy Comfort Food camp, we will be focusing on making dishes that bring us the feeling of home and learning how to make a variety of dishes from around the world that all share that aspect of bringing the people who make them the familiar feeling of comfort that truly makes it a “comfort food”.
FEES: NONMEMBER $457 | Y COMMUNITY $424 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $388
EQUESTRIAN | AGES 7-16
DATES: July 14-18
Equestrian camp offers a hands-on introduction to horsemanship! Campers will learn to safely approach, lead, groom and bathe horses, identify horse anatomy and riding equipment and practice daily riding with one-on-one instruction. Safety skills, including how to fall properly, are also covered. Activities include exploring horse breeds, first aid, shoeing and types of feed, as well as learning about horse sports like polo, barrel racing, dressage, jumping and more. Campers will also gain experience in horse care and stable maintenance, making it a comprehensive equestrian adventure!
FEES: NONMEMBER $743 | Y COMMUNITY $668 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $631
FUNSTER CHEFS | AGES 5-6
DATES: Aug 4-8
Campers will experience the perfect introduction to cooking and will learn how to mix, spread and will create fun snacks and starters! They will participate in taste testing and can create their own kid-friendly snack book.
FEES: NONMEMBER $396 | Y COMMUNITY $356 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $337
FUNSTER DISNEY | AGES 5-6
DATES: JUNE 23-27
Welcome to the most magical place at camp! This camp is perfect for all Disney, Marvel and Star Wars enthusiasts. Campers will spend the week playing games, making art and more! With plenty of Disney-themed games and activities, campers will also learn about storytelling, teamwork, and self-expression, all while experiencing the joy and magic that only Disney can bring. Get ready for a week of fun, imagination, and surprises straight out of the Disney universe!
FEES: NONMEMBER $396 | Y COMMUNITY $356 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $337
FUNSTER LEGO MINECRAFT | AGES 5-6
DATES: JULY 14-18
Hop off your game console and bring the world of Minecraft outdoors. Work in teams to build forts, box mazes, LEGO models and more. Design your own characters, create your own (totally safe) version of Minecraft favorites such as pickaxes, swords, shields and armor, and use your new tools to conquer challenges just like in the game!
FEES: NONMEMBER $457 | Y COMMUNITY $411 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $388
FUNSTER GYMNASTICS/TUMBLERS | AGES 5-6
DATES: JUly 28-aug 1
Campers will learn new skills and explore the world of gymnastics for two-and-a-half hours of ability specific instruction by expert Y gymnastics coaches every day. The remainder of the day will consist of practice, open gym and fun camp activities. At the end of the week, campers will show off their new skills to parents, family and friends!
FEES: NONMEMBER $418 | Y COMMUNITY $376 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $355
FUNSTER OOEY GOOEY SCIENCE | AGES 5-6
DATES: JULY 21-25
This camp is perfect for funsters that love to get their hands dirty! Funsters will dig and experiment in the slimiest, gooiest, ickiest and stickiest stuff they can get their hands on. This STEM based camp is sure to be slimy yet satisfying.
FEES: NONMEMBER $396 | Y COMMUNITY $356 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $337
FUNSTER SPORTS | AGES 5-6
DATES: JULY 7-11
Does your child want to learn how to play sports like the pros? Learn and play sports like basketball, soccer, kickball and football. Staff will provide a fun and engaging environment to let your camper develop their coordination, explore the sport and learn new skills.
FEES: NONMEMBER $396 | Y COMMUNITY $356 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $337
GAGA BALL | AGES 6-10
DATES: july 7-11
Dodge, strike, run and jump to be the last one standing at Gaga Ball Camp! Campers will enjoy extra playing time, learn new strategies, compete in daily tournaments, and perfect their skills in the pit. When they’re not playing Gaga, they’ll dive into arts, crafts, games, songs, and sports for a week packed with fun and friendly competition.
FEES: NONMEMBER $360 | Y COMMUNITY $324 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $306
GAMERS PARADISE | AGES 7-12
DATES: aug 4-8
Gamers unite and get geared up for a week of non-stop gaming fun! Campers will travel to local arcades and game venues to challenge, compete, play and strategize. Challenge your friend or beat your personal best, but whatever you do, play hard.
FEES: NONMEMBER $611 | Y COMMUNITY $550 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $520
GYMNASTICS | ages 6-10
DATES: JUNE 16-20 | JUNE 30-july 3 | AUG 11-15
A camp you’ll flip over! Watch your child grow in confidence as they learn new skills on the floor, bars, beam and vault. Campers will be put in smaller groups of up to 10 kids based on age and ability to practice their gymnastics skills every week. Each day, our gymnasts will spend two and a half hours of gymnastics time while also doing arts, crafts and games. This fun camp will finish with an exciting camper performance on Friday.
FEES: NONMEMBER $418 | Y COMMUNITY $376 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $355
ICE SKATING | Ages 7-12
DATES: JUly 28-aug 1
Campers will travel to the San Diego Ice Arena and receive instruction from an ice-skating coach, as well as enjoy free skate time. This camp will culminate in a performance for family and friends on Friday at the San Diego Ice Arena. By the end of the week your camper will have gained new skating skills, made lasting friendships and developed self-confidence in their amazing abilities! Skates are provided, but campers should bring or wear socks every day, as well as knee/elbow pads. Parent show is on Friday and will take place at SD Ice Arena.
FEES: NONMEMBER $611| Y COMMUNITY $550 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $520
JR. GUARD | AGES 10-16
DATES: JULY 21-25
In this interactive camp, campers will have the opportunity to learn from professional lifeguards. Students will gain a wide variety of skills and knowledge including water-rescue techniques, the importance of physical fitness and other topics related to lifeguarding. This camp creates a valuable experience that builds self-confidence and skills for life.
FEES: NONMEMBER $365 | Y COMMUNITY $329 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $310
JR. RESTAURANT | AGES 10-16
DATES: JULY 14-18
Campers who enroll in this camp will learn about what it is like to run and operate a restaurant! Campers will interview for positions in their restaurant, develop a menu, cook their dishes and prepare to open their restaurant for parents on Friday!
FEES: NONMEMBER $457 | Y COMMUNITY $411 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $388
POKÉMON | AGES 6-10
DATES: JUly 14-18
Campers, we choose you! Discover the wonderful world of Pokemon, full of mysterious creatures and plenty of adventures. In this camp we will be focusing on everything Pokemon. We will be battling with Pokemon cards, making cool Pokemon crafts from accessories to statuettes to our very own cards (not for official use of course) and many, things in between; playing Pokemon-related games to test your physical abilities as a Pokemon trainer, as well as trivia to test your Poke-knowledge; among other things! Pokemon card trading will be permitted (staff supervised and approved).
FEES: NONMEMBER $360 | Y COMMUNITY $324 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $306
RADICAL REPTILES & FRIENDS | AGES 6-10
DATES: JUly 21-25
This camp is a perfect fit for our younger campers! Meet the coldblooded creatures of the animal world as we are visited by snakes, frogs, tortoises, turtles, lizards, bugs and other creepy crawlies. Campers’ hands-on experience will be enhanced by art projects, games and activities that investigate the lives of reptiles. If you like reptiles and other creepy crawlies, this is certainly the camp for you!
FEES: NONMEMBER $457 | Y COMMUNITY $411 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $388
SEAWORLD | AGES 7-12
DATES: JULY 7-11
Visit Sea World free for the rest of the calendar year if you sign up for one of our most popular camps! Animal enthusiasts have a chance to see virtually all of the aquatic wildlife and exciting shows that SeaWorld has to offer, including dolphins, walruses, sharks and sting rays. Find out how these animals survive in their watery habitats and how humans impact those habitats. If you love to learn about marine life, this camp is sure to make a splash!
PLEASE NOTE: SeaWorld Fun Card included at the end of the camp week.
FEES: NONMEMBER $611 | Y COMMUNITY $550 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $520
SLIME FACTORY | AGES 6-12
DATES: AUG 4-8
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.
FEES: NONMEMBER $396 | Y COMMUNITY $356 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $337
splash | ages 6-10
DATES: JULY 7-11 | JULY 14-18 | July 21-25 | july 28-aug 1
Campers will learn new skills and explore the world of gymnastics for two-and-a-half hours of ability specific instruction by expert Y gymnastics coaches every day. The remainder of the day will consist of practice, open gym and fun camp activities. At the end of the week, campers will show off their new skills to parents, family and friends!
FEES: NONMEMBER $396 | Y COMMUNITY $356 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $337
SAN DIEGO HIGHLIGHTS | AGES 7-12
DATES: JULY 21-25
Campers will get to explore all the amazing things that make San Diego the best city in the world! Each day, campers will be transported to one of San Diego’s famous attractions from the San Diego Zoo to Cabrillo National Monument. Campers will be learning about the history and culture that makes this city NUMBER ONE!
FEES: NONMEMBER $611 | Y COMMUNITY $550 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $520
SPROCKIDS TRAIL RIDING | AGES 7-12
DATES: JUNE 23-27
Gear up for an adrenaline-packed week at Sprockids Trail Riding Camp! From mastering the fundamentals of bike safety and body positioning to conquering trails, campers will enhance their riding skills while having fun. Activities like games and trail rides reinforce techniques such as shifting, cornering and climbing. Campers will explore local trails alongside expert guides and camp staff, making this the ultimate biking adventure! Campers may bring their own bike and helmet, or borrow one from Sprockids. Please note that campers must know how to ride a bike prior to this camp.
FEES: NONMEMBER $457 | Y COMMUNITY $411 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $388
TEEN SCENE EXTREME | AGES 10-16
DATES: JULY 28-AUG 1
Unleash your creativity, build new skills and make lifelong memories at Teen Scene Extreme Camp! This dynamic camp is designed specifically for teens and takes full advantage of our state-of-the-art McGrath Teen Center. Whether you’re a gamer, chef-in-the-making, or just looking to chill with friends, we’ve got you covered.
FEES: NONMEMBER $360 | Y COMMUNITY $324 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $306
WATERPALOOZA | AGES 6-12
DATES: june 9-13 | june 16-20 | June 23-27 | June 30-july 3 | aug 4-8 | aug 11-15
This wet and wild camp will be a great way to escape the summer heat. Our campers will keep cool with water balloons, pool time, splash pad time, water games galore, science experiments and so much morel
FEES: NONMEMBER $396 | Y COMMUNITY $356 | Y COMMUNITY PLUS $337
About Us
Our Branch
MCGRATH FAMILY YMCA
Address: 12006 Campo Road, Spring Valley, CA 91978
Phone: (619) 462-9622
Camp Locations and Hours of Operation
McGrath Family YMCA
Address: 12006 Campo Road, Spring Valley, CA 91978
SCHOOL BREAK CAMPS
Camp Hours:
- Full-day: 8:00am-5:00pm
- Drop-off: 8:00-9:00am
- Pick-up: 4:00-5:00pm
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 DIRECTOR
Melanie Navarro
Email: mnavarro@ymcasd.org
Phone: (619) 462-9622
About Our Staff
McGrath 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
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!
