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!
Day Camp at YMCA Camp Surf
SURF'S UP AT THE Y!
Your family can count on YMCA Camp Surf to ensure your child is having fun in a safe, nurturing environment. Located on 45 acres right on the Pacific Ocean in San Diego, YMCA Camp Surf is one of a kind. Activities include archery, climbing tower, arts & crafts, team building and, of course, surfing and boogie boarding.
At YMCA Camp Surf, we focus on helping every camper make new friendships, experience meaningful achievements and feel a true sense of belonging-what we call our “F.A.B.” goals. Whether your camper is trying something new, perfecting a skill or simply enjoying time outdoors with friends, every day at YMCA Camp Surf is designed to be fun, enriching and full of discovery.
FIND YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE!
SCHOOL BREAK DAY CAMP SESSIONS
- September 22–26, 2025
- September 29–October 3, 2025
- November 24–26, 2025
- March 23–27, 2026
- March–April 3, 2026
DAY CAMP REGISTRATION
NEW! CampinTouch
We’re thrilled to introduce CampInTouch, our new registration platform for YMCA Camp Surf. If you’re new to summer day camps, welcome! If you are a regular at YMCA Camp Surf, we think you’ll love the new process and communication tools. Please note: This is a completely different system than your My Y account. Here’s what’s new for the 2025 summer camping season:
- A new, simplified registration process
- Interactive communication for parents
- Digital forms
- Enhanced photo viewer
QUESTIONS?
We know you may have questions about the new platform. View our FAQ page for more information.
Members save on camp!
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 MEMBERSHIP
- Up to 10% off day and overnight camps.
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.
2025-2026 School Break DAY CAMPS
CAMP INFORMATION
Fall Break | GRADES 1-8
DATES: September 22-26, 2025 | September 29-October 3, 2025
Spend your school break at the beach! Our trained staff foster confidence and connection through hands-on activities like arts and crafts, archery, the climbing tower, and group games. Campers enjoy a full day of outdoor fun and adventure — plus a nutritious lunch served daily in our oceanfront dining hall. Surfing and body boarding may be included in activities if weather and water conditions allow.
Thanksgiving Break | GRADES 1-8
DATES: November 24-26, 2025
Kick off the holiday season with a few days of outdoor adventure by the ocean! Campers will enjoy traditional camp favorites like group games, crafts, archery, and climbing activities—all led by our supportive, trained staff. Lunch is provided each day in our scenic beachside dining hall. Surfing and body boarding may be included in activities if weather and water conditions allow.
Spring Break | GRADES 1-8
DATES: March 23-27, 2026 | March 30-April 3, 2026
Soak up the sun this spring break with action-packed days at the beach! From archery and climbing to creative projects and beach games, campers will build confidence, friendships, and lasting memories. Lunch is included daily, served fresh by our food service team in the oceanfront dining hall. Surfing and body boarding may be included in activities if weather and water conditions allow.
About Us
Our Branch
YMCA CAMP SURF
Address: 560 Silver Strand Blvd, Imperial Beach, CA 91932
Phone: (619) 423-5850
Camp Locations and Hours of Operation
YMCA Camp Surf
Address: 560 Silver Strand Blvd, Imperial Beach, CA 91932
- Camp Hours:
- Full day: 9:00am–5:00pm
- Drop off: 8:00–9:00am
- Early Bird: 7:30–8:30am
- Pick up: 4:30–5:00pm
- Night Owl: 5:00–5:30pm
Directors and Supervisors
CAMP DIRECTOR
Payton Schoonmaker
pschoonmaker@ymcasd.org | (619) 423-5850 ext. 1884
About Our Staff
WHAT IS CAMP SURF?
YMCA Camp Surf, located right on the coast with direct access to the beach, is like no other day camp experience around. Your child will enjoy an amazing week filled with adventurous games, crafts, and fun engaging camp activities which promote friendship, achievement and a sense of belonging. Camp Surf has an on-site archery range, climbing tower, skate park, and beach access for surfing, body boarding, or lounging in the sun. Kids will explore and learn about the outdoors searching through tidal life during jetty exploration and learn about ocean safety. Additionally a hot lunch and salad bar is included daily. Please let us know before the session if your camper has any dietary needs. We group campers by age and offer all ages tons of time to play, explore and build responsibility in the outdoors. Our staff are passionate about providing a fun, safe and supportive experience. Each day will be spent building lifelong memories. Register your child now for YMCA Camp Surf Voyagers day camp or check out one of our specialty day camps.
*Subject to permitting and logistic needs.
OCEAN AND BEACH PROGRAMS
For over 50 years, Camp Surf has facilitated meaningful experiences connecting tens of thousands of youth with the ocean. We remain committed to this mission and the power the ocean has as a backdrop where youth can face and overcome challenges, gain ocean safety and recreation skills, learn social skills, support improved mental health and spend quality time outdoors away from the current pressures of technology and busy schedules. All of our day and overnight campers will continue to have regular safe, convenient and impactful access throughout the camp week to the beach and the Pacific Ocean, whether at Camp Surf or on other local San Diego beaches!
While the ocean is certainly a big draw and what makes Camp Surf special, we are not simply a surf camp. The value and benefits of the YMCA Camp Surf experience extends far beyond that. Campers will develop strong friendships, spend great time outdoors, develop social skills, feel a sense of belonging and exhibit increased confidence and mental health benefits.
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, full camp balances are due by May 15. Please note: this is to align with our overnight camp balance due date and is different from other YMCA branch day camps.
- 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 applied to another YMCA Overnight Camps session at Camp Marston, Camp Surf, Raintree Ranch or another session at Camp Surf Day Camp if space is available available. 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
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 our Camp Director Payton Schoonmaker at pschoonmaker@ymcasd.org, with any questions, comments or concerns!