Registration is OPEN!

January 2 for Returning Campers, January 21 for McGaw Members, and January 28 for everyone!

Summer Camp

At our camps, we promote a healthier lifestyle, instill self-confidence, and inspire leadership through unique experiences and experiential learning. From Traditional Camp to Specialty Camp, we are sure you will have the best summer ever!

We are working with District 65 to determine the Day Camp locations for Summer 2019.

Our day camp experiences are led by professionally trained staff who are focused on safety, relationship building, high-quality activities, and FUN! We offer full-day and extended day options, plus camp choices for all kids entering Kindergarten through 6^th grade.

Check out the Summer 2019 Camp Guide here!

Summer Camp Enrollment Application

Summer Day Camp

A fun, exciting and safe community where kids explore the outdoors, develop new skills, and build relationships that last a lifetime. We promise unforgettable experiences that incorporate a wide variety of choice-based “camptivities,” such as archery, fishing, arts & crafts, sports, games, drama, science, swimming, field trips and more.

Our traditional day camp is a flexible option for families. We know that organizing summer schedules can be challenging, so we made camp registration convenient: register for the full summer or go week by week; extended hours are included. We will engage your child in camp for a little or as long as you would like.

2019 Dates: June 10 – August 9

Monday – Friday, 7:30am – 6 pm

Grades: entering Kindergarten – 6th grade

Member rates range from $260 – $320/week*

*(Flexible member registration: book as many weeks as you like. The more weeks you register for, the lower the weekly rate. Early Bird pricing fee increases after May 1)

Non-member rates are $352/week

Limited enrollment available for campers entering Kindergarten and 6^th grade

Registration Opens: January 2 for Returning Campers, January 21 for McGaw Members, and January 28 for everyone!

The Ultimate Outdoor Adventure

Join us for this specialized day camp where kids experience wilderness first hand. They will learn about outdoor cooking and fire building, survival skills and orienteering, rock climbing, archery, and more! Visits to local forest preserves and state parks will allow them to appreciate the great outdoors on a whole new level.

2019 Dates: June 24 – July 5

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Grades: 4th-6th

Member rate is $600/session

Non-member rate is $660/session

Registration Opens: January 2 for Returning Campers, January 21 for McGaw Members, and January 28 for everyone!

Nature Trekkers

In this earth-friendly camp, kids become specialists in natural history with a focus on plants, animals and the environment. Immersed in nature, they can connect with their inner naturalist through hands-on experiential activities in local forest preserves and state parks.

2019 Dates: June 10 – 21

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Grades: 4th-6th

Member rate is $600/session

Non-member rate is $660/session

Registration Opens: January 2 for Returning Campers, January 21 for McGaw Members, and January 28 for everyone!

Meet our director

FAQ and What’s New:

Is there financial assistance available for the Specialty Programs and/or Traditional Camp?

Yes! Please call the Children’s Center for more information!

What age group does camp serve?

We will host campers that are rising Kindergarten-6^th grade.

When does camp start and end each day?

Day camp runs from 7:30am – 6:00pm.

Can we visit camp before it starts?

We host a Camp Orientation annually around April, when the future camp families have the opportunity to attend an introduction of what to expect at camp. Parents and campers will have the opportunity to meet camp staff, review schedules, and ask questions. If your family is not able to attend the Camp Orientation, please contact the center in advance to schedule a time for an individual visit for your family.

How to prepare for the first day of camp?

This might be the first camp experience for your child, so plan in advance and allow enough time for drop-off at your child’s camp on the first day. Check in, turn in all paperwork, and receive a camp T-shirt. Camp Staff will provide a safe space where camper belongings can be stored as well as bins to collect community sunscreen and bug repellent (these are kept with your child’s camper group). LABEL EVERYTHING with your child’s name – socks, swim bottoms, goggles, and left shoes sometimes wander off!

What does the camp schedule include?

Every camper should be signed in by a parent before 9am each day. Upon arrival you will be greeted by camp leadership staff who will welcome you and lead your child to their camper group.

Camp mornings will begin at 7:30am with breakfast and morning activities. Opening ceremonies, a time when campers gather all together, start at 9am. Campers will then transition with their small group into age-appropriate small group and/or all camp activities. Age groups enjoy special community building time, games, STEM Challenges and more!

Following lunch, campers will enjoy SASKA, a short rest time where we relax, catch up on our summer reading, play quiet games and gear up for afternoon choice-based Camptivities. Selected on the first day of each session, progressive camptivities include arts, crafts, drama, sports, games, science, improv, nature explorers, and more!

What should I send with my camper each day?

While we gather indoors at the start and end of each day, campers need to be prepared to play outside, swim, and walk to various destinations throughout our community. We are always on the move, so remember to label ALL of your campers belongings!

Packing List:
- Small backpack
- Water Bottle
- Clothes that are okay to get dirty
- Swim Suit & Towel (Swim & Beach Days Only)
- Slide on sandals or flip flops for locker room/pool deck
- Closed Toe Shoes (required every day!)
- Sunscreen (SPF 45+ to share)
- light jacket or sweatshirt on cool mornings
- dress in layers for comfort

What NOT to bring:
- Electronic Screens or WiFi Enabled Products including cellphones, game devices, mp3 players (ipods), eReaders (kindle, nook, etc), wearable technology (apple watches)
- glass containers (aerosol cans discouraged but permitted)
- guns, knives, weapons of any sort
- bottled/canned sugary drinks or food items that are unhealthy and/or contain nuts
- alcohol, tobacco products, illegal drugs, or intoxicants
- money, valuable jewelry, or keepsakes (or pets!)
- matches, lighters, firecrackers, sparklers, or equivalent
- pets or live critters of any kind

What happens if it rains or is really hot?

All outdoor activities will be cancelled if the heat index is 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher or a storm includes thunder and lightning. Campers are encouraged to bring a water bottle to camp – Kid-Size bottles with our camp logo are available for purchase at the camp store. If it is determined that the campers are in a heat emergency, the staff will take all precautions to protect campers from the effects of the heat. If outdoor activities are cancelled, camp staff will keep children busy with activities inside. When all camp activities are cancelled (fieldtrip or beach day), a parent announcement will be made via email.

What happens if a camper attends summer school?

If your camper is attending summer school, please register him or her for bus transportation to your child’s camp site through District 65 and request that the bus bring them directly to camp. Your camper will receive lunch when they arrive. We have full day trips on Thursdays, so you will have to choose to have your child attend either the camp’s field trip or attend summer school that day.

What food do you serve?

A healthy breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack are provided for campers each day. Our food procedures align with the standards set by USDA programs including the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Child and Adult Food Care Programs (CACFP). All food brought into our programs must have come from a state licensed kitchen, include a proper list of ingredients to ensure allergen sensitivity, and comply with our Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) standards. Sack lunches are served at all school site locations and are provided by the City of Evanston. If you are sending your child’s lunch, please remember that we are a nut safe facility.

Click here to view a sample menu.

How do field trips or beach days work?

All campers must arrive to their camp site by 9am to ensure that they are ready to depart. On beach days, campers will enjoy a walk to a local Evanston park and beach along with a picnic lunch for beach day! Camper trips will be determined by camper age and group. Throughout the summer, campers will be transported by First Student buses equipped with seat belts. On occasion, campers will be transported in YMCA vehicles driven by approved drivers. Please remember that camper drop-off and pick-up is not allowed anywhere but the camp site. Campers must wear their camp T-shirt and wristband on field trip days.

McGAW YMCA Children's Center

School Age: Day Camps

Registration is OPEN!

Summer Camp

Summer Day Camp

The Ultimate Outdoor Adventure

Nature Trekkers

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