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.

Sample Schedule

Our 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.

McGaw Member rates can range from $290 – $350/week, based on multi-week discounts.

Flexible member registration: book as many weeks as you like. The more weeks you register for, the lower the weekly rate. Pricing fee increases after May 1.

Non member rates are $385 before May 1st and $410 after May 1st, 2020.

Registration Dates:

January 2: Priority Registration (returning campers from last year/current School’s Out students)

January 13: YMCA member/NU registration

January 27: Community Registration

Camp registration is available online and in-person.

**IMPORTANT UPDATE**

Please note that the age groups we accept have changed! We only permit children who have completed kindergarten in the 2019-2020 school year (rising 1st graders) through current 5th graders for the 2019-2020 school year (rising 6th graders).
This change is based on our continued dedication to maintain and improve the quality of our Summer Day Camp program.

To register online, click the button below and enter code 1DEPWEEK

To register in-person, please fill out the form below and bring it to the Children’s Center at 1420 Maple Ave.

Camp Enrollment Application

RESOURCES

Camp Enrollment Packet

Camp 2020 Policies

Day Camp Parent Handbook

Camp 2020 Registration FAQ

Meet our director

FAQ and What’s New:

What age group does camp serve?

We will host campers that are rising 1st- rising 6th grade.

Where is camp located?

In order to accommodate our large volume of children, Summer Day camp is held off-site, and not at the Children’s Center. We coordinate on a location with the local school district every year, and final decisions on the location are typically disclosed around April or May. Please be on the lookout for location updates. Previous locations included Dewey Elementary and King Arts School.

When does camp start and end each day?

Day Camp drop off is from 7:30am-9:30am. During this time, campers can have breakfast and will engage in low organized activities such as board/card games, small group games, listening to music, etc. The camp day is from 9:30am-4:30pm. See sample schedule here. Pickup is from 4:30pm-6:00pm. During pickup times, campers are engaged in low organized activities such as playground recess, small group games, board/card games, etc.
NEW POLICIES FOR 2020 –

All campers must be signed in before 9:30am, unless prior notice is given. After 9:30am the door will be closed and locked from the outside. We cannot guarantee staff will be at the entrance past 9:30am. If you arrive after 9:30am, you will need to contact the camp cell phone for entry, and be prepared to wait.
Campers may be picked up between 4:30pm-6:00pm. If you need to pick up your camper prior to 4:30pm, you must arrange with the camp leadership team at drop off. If you arrive to pick up your camper before 4:30pm without notice, be prepared to wait, as they will likely be involved in an activity away from the building.

How to prepare for the first day of camp

Make sure all paperwork has been completed and turned in before your camper’s first day. Be sure to allow enough time to drop off, and get your camper settled. Campers will be provided a locker to keep their belongings.

What does the camp schedule include?

See sample schedule here. For more details about the schedule, and more, please refer to the Day Camp Parent Handbook.

OPENING/CLOSING CEREMONIES – This is a time where the whole camp gathers for songs, games, announcements and more.

CAMPTIVITIES – Camptivities are choice-based activities. Campers have the opportunity to spend time with campers from other groups and participate in new and exciting activities. These activities can include; archery, fishing, painting, friendship bracelets, soccer, basketball, etc.

SWIM LESSONS – All camper groups swim on Tuesdays. A detailed schedule of camper group swim times will provided to you prior to the start of camp. See the Parent Handbook for more details about swim lessons.

FIELD TRIPS – We are currently planning and securing all of our field trips for the summer. A list of all the field trips will be released on May 1 on our website. Campers are required to wear their provided camp t-shirt on their field trip day. Replacement shirts can be purchased on field trip day for $10.

What should I send with my camper each day?

WHAT TO BRING

Label everything with your child’s first and last name.

BACKPACK – We recommend campers bring a backpack to hold all their items.

CLOTHING – Please dress your child appropriately for the weather and physical activities.

CAMP SHIRT – The 2020 Day Camp t-shirt is required on every field trip day. Campers will be given a t-shirt on the day of their first field trip.

BATHING SUIT – Please send a bathing suit, towel, plastic bag for wet clothing, and a change of clothing each swim day.

SUNSCREEN – It is good practice for parents to apply sunscreen prior to arriving at camp. Campers spend a large amount of time in outdoor activities. Please also send campers with spray sunscreen (labeled with the camper’s first and last name) to keep with them throughout the day.

LEAVE AT HOME

The Y is not responsible for any valuables. Please make sure your child leaves toys, money, cell phones, trading cards, video games, candy and gaming systems at home. The Y will not be responsible for any lost or stolen personal items.

What happens if a camper attends summer school?

If your child is participating in summer school, you must let us know at the time of registration. The only way we know to expect your camper is if you tell us. Otherwise, it is a major child safety issue.

You will need to contact the D65 transportation department to inform them your child is to be dropped off at YMCA Day Camp. Be sure your child knows where to get off the bus for YMCA Day Camp.

Are breakfast, lunch and snack provided?

BREAKFAST/LUNCH – We partner with the City of Evanston to provide breakfast and lunch each day. Breakfasts and lunches are prepared at Evanston Township High school then delivered to the camp site. A menu of breakfast and lunch meals will be provided to you prior to the start of camp.

Campers are permitted to bring their own breakfast/lunch. We ask that food from home:

Be nutritious, balanced meals for your camper and include a healthy drink. Please do not send junk food.
Does not require refrigeration or heating. Camp does not have refrigeration or microwaves for lunches. Please do not send milk or mayonnaise-based products.
Include hydrating drinks, such as water, instead of carbonated drinks. Please do not send your child with soda.
Do not contain nuts of any kind.

SNACK – Snacks are provided by the McGaw YMCA Children’s Center. Snacks general consist of 2 components for example: chips and salsa, cheese and crackers, apple and soy nut butter.

Click here to view a sample menu.

McGAW YMCA Children's Center

School Age: Day Camps

Summer Day Camp

Registration Dates:

Camp Enrollment Application

RESOURCES

FAQ and What’s New:

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