Day Camp
- Dan McKinney 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
LOCATION KEYS:
= Traveling Camp
= Camper will swim
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CODES
Age: 10-13 | Dates: June 15-19, June 22-26, June 29-July 3, July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24, July 27-31, August 3-7
REGISTER NOW
Age: 8-9 | Dates: June 15-19, June 22-26, June 29-July 3, July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24, July 27-31, August 3-7
REGISTER NOW
Age: 6-8 | Dates: June 1-5, June 8-12, June 15-19, June 22-26, June 29-July 3, July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24, July 27-31, August 3-7
REGISTER NOW
LOCATION KEY
DMFY: Dan McKinney Family YMCA | SRC: Standley Recreation Center
DEAR FAMILIES,
Welcome to Day Camp here at the Dan McKinney YMCA! I am so excited to see new and familiar faces this coming summer where we’ll have fun in the sun, make new friends and learn something new! I have spent 15 summers at the Dan McKinney Y starting out as a Leader in Training and have been coming back summer after summer to continue being part of camp in any and all capacities. I now have the privilege of being the camp director, for which I am so proud to be a part of. Please use this camp guide as a tool for navigating all the fun and exciting camps we have planned this summer. You’ll find returning camp favorites that families know and love, along with new offerings to explore. I look forward to another summer camp here at McKinney and I’m excited to meet you all soon!
Hannah Lewis, 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 and hours
DAN MCKINNEY FAMILY YMCA
8355 Cliffridge Ave
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 453-3483
Camp Hours of Operation: 7:30am – 5:30pm
Drop off: 7:30am – 9:00am
Pick up: 3:30pm – 4:00pm
PM Extended Camp Hours: 4:00 – 5:30pm
STANDLEY RECREATION CENTER
3585 Governor Dr
San Diego, CA 92122
Camp Hours of Operation: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Drop off: 8:00am – 9:00am
Pick up: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
contact information
CAMP DIRECTOR: HANNAH LEWIS
DAN MCKINNEY FAMILY YMCA
For registration and general inquiries:
(858) 453-3483
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
7:30 - 9:00am
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Morning Activities & Camper Drop Off
9:00-9:30am
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Opening Circle
9:30am-12:00pm
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Camp Rotations
12:00-1:00pm
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Lunch
1:00-3:30pm
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Camp Rotations
3:30-4:00pm
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Closing Circle & Camper Pick Up
4:00-5:30pm
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PM Extended & Camper Pick Up
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.
Campers will 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 nonrefundable deposit of up to $60 is required for each week of camp. 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.
