When kids experience Y Camp, they experience something new every day.

We offer a variety of camps for our families in the Bay Area. We offer full day programs during the summer that incorporate STEAM, outdoor education, art, and recreation activities that are staff and youth led. We provide meals and academic support for the youth as well.

 

So Much More Than Summer Fun

Academic Success

Did you know summer learning is critical to a child's development and fall academic success? 

Healthy Eating and Physical Activity

Our camps follow the Y's leading standards for child wellness, with health snacks and active play.

Safe and Open Spaces

Having a transformative outdoor experience as a child supports overall health and wellness- that's part of why we take kids outside early and often.

Mind, Body and Spirit

Camp is about learning, growing and thriving. Learn more about why we believe a summer in camp makes all the difference in a child's life.

Find The Right Y Camp

We offer a variety of day and overnight camps, from pre-K to teens.

Summer Day Camp

Traditional & Specialty Camps

Our camps are age-specific and offer youth new challenges to explore every year. Activities include structured and unstructured games, sports, arts and crafts, team building activities, and songs.

Family Camps

Spend time together as a family.

Families are under increased stress as they struggle to balance work with quality of life and health. More physical activity through play helps children and families better manage stress, succeed in school, reduce tension, build energy, learn skills that encourage a lifetime of activity, and most of all, spend time together as a family.

Resident & Travel Camps

Youth will delight in the adventurous opportunities provided by the great outdoors!

Camping offers a chance to help youth reconnect with nature while bringing simplicity back to their lives. We offer Resident and Travel Camps, a “must do” for youth campers looking for exciting trips that promise new friendships, independence and new activities.

Selecting a Camp

Our children are our most cherished treasure and our greatest responsibility. As such, determining when your child is ready to go to camp and finding the best camp for him or her, can often be a difficult decision. Camping experts from the YMCA of San Francisco offer the following helpful tips to help parents choose the best camping experience for their child.

Know your options

When looking for a camp, parents should start with the American Camp Association (ACA), which accredits camps across the country to ensure they meet the highest standards. 

Know your budget

Remember, camp does not have to be expensive. Camps are available for every price range and we offer financial assistance to ensure no child is turned away for an inability to pay.

Know your wants

Families should consider what they want for their child from the camp experience, e.g. a fun vacation from school or a chance to build new skills. YMCA camps vary, with some highly structured and others offering kids greater flexibility in setting schedules.

Know your child’s readiness

On average, 8-year-olds are ready for "sleepover" camp. To ease the transition, kids should experience sleeping over at a friend’s or relative’s house at least one night before going to overnight camp. Day camps are another option available for children of all ages.

Know the camp

Review camp brochures or Web sites. Call to ask staff questions about activities, policies and special needs for your child. Seek references from other families whose children have attended the camps you are considering.

Know your child’s wants

Don’t forget to include your child in the decision-making process.

Register Today!

Camps fill up quickly - find your camp and sign up online today.

Summer Camp

The YMCA of San Francisco is committed to providing quality youth programming and exceptional summer camp experiences to our Bay Area families.

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School Year & One Day Camps

When school is out the YMCA of San Francisco is here to keep your children physically active, engaged in STEAM, art, and social interaction.

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Overnight Camp

Y Overnight camps immerse children in a community where making friends is natural, exploring new interests is encouraged, and discovering inner strength is guaranteed.

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“My daughter came home every day from bike camp, exhaustedly excited, proudly recounting their mileage and their route... just happy, and tired, and looking forward to the next day. Thank you for helping grow my girl into a strong, confident and happy human."

– YBike Parent, Presidio YMCA