Experience an affordable, full-day childcare program right here in the Willmar area. At the Kandiyohi County Area Family YMCA, children explore new activities, build friendships, and grow in a safe, values-based environment.
Our highly trained staff ensures a summer filled with fun, education, and lasting memories.
Bring the completed form to the YMCA or send it to Sarah at sarahr@kandiymca.org.
Whether your child is looking for daily adventure or ready to step into a leadership role, the Kandiyohi County Area Family YMCA has a program designed just for them.
Explore our two camp tracks below to find the perfect fit for your student this summer in Willmar.
Our safe and affordable Day Camp helps Willmar kids grow in spirit, mind, and body through healthy, hands-on activities. Campers enjoy a summer full of fun adventures while building character in a supportive environment.
This program develops future leaders through daily service projects and exciting field trips across the Kandiyohi County area. Students stay active while learning the value of community service and leadership.
Whether you need care for one week or the whole summer, three days a week or five, Summer Day Camp fits into your family's summer plans.
Summer Day Camp offers reliable care for your kids daily from 6:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., allowing you to tackle your workday without worry.
Summer Day Camp is unlike traditional childcare. Kids get the opportunity to go on a fun,exciting field trip every week.
Many parents worry about boredom and too much screen time in the summer. At the Y, kids will enjoy outdoor play, swimming, STEM projects, and more!
| Members | Non-Members | |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Days* | $110/week | $122/week |
| 4 Days* | $144/week | $161/week |
| 5 Days | $175/week | $195/week |
All registrants will pay a one-time $30 registration fee.
* — Note for 3-day and 4-day options: If you choose Wednesday as one of your days, you will be charged an additional $15 due to field trips expenses.
We believe every child deserves to experience Summer Day Camp, regardless of their financial status. Fill out the confidential Financial Aid Application to see if you qualify.
Camp will operate all summer, Monday through Friday, 6:45 a.m.- 5:45 p.m.
Campers may register for just one week or all the weeks. Sessions offered June 8 through August 28.
Camp is located at the Kandiyohi County Area Family YMCA.
Safety is our first priority.
Campers are taught the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
All camp staff are CPR and first-aid certified. With a staff-to-child ratio of 1:15, we make sure that each staff member can give the required attention to each child.
Swimming
Children that wish to swim in deep water must complete a swim test given by lifeguards. If they pass they will be given a green band and that communicates to staff that the child is allowed to swim in the deep end.
We recommend labeling belongings with your child's name.
We want to keep you connected to camp information and announcements.
Each Friday we will email a parent newsletter with highlights and need-to-know details for the upcoming week.
A $10.00 deposit is required for each child and for each week the child is registered. The remaining weekly balance is due on the Friday prior to the week via auto-debt. Any cancellations after the Monday, one week prior to your scheduled session, will be subject to a full weekly payment.
There is a one-time non-refundable $30 registration fee per camper
Daily drop-off begins at 6:45 a.m.
Afternoon pickup is required by 5:45 p.m.
No one will be denied participation in YMCA programs or membership because of inability to pay. The YMCA, with the help of the Annual Y Partners Campaign, provides scholarships or reduced cost memberships to low income or needy individuals or families. In order for the YMCA to stretch the donated scholarship dollars as far as we can, we ask that Summer Day Camp or Leaders in Training participants first apply for county child care assistance. If your assistance for county child care subsidy is denied, please complete the scholarship applications available at the Welcome Center Desk.
Join the Kandiyohi County Area Family YMCA in providing “camperships” (scholarships) to children who would not otherwise be able to attend.
Contact Sarah Ruud at (320) 222-9622 or sarahr@kandiymca.org.
Children are invited to participate in Swim Lessons at the YMCA during their camp day for an additional cost.
June 11- July 2: Thursdays, 9:00 - 9:30 a.m. or 9:30 - 10:00 a.m.
July 9 - July 30: Thursday 9:00 - 9:30 a.m. or 9:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Member: $27/Session
Non-Member: $50/Session
| 6:45-8:00 a.m. | Drop Off & Free Play |
| 8:00-8:30 a.m. | Breakfast & Group Check-in |
| 8:30-9:00 a.m. | Morning Meeting |
| 9:00-9:30 a.m. | Group Game |
| 10:00-11:00 a.m. | Station Rotation |
| 11:00-12:00 p.m. | Mastery Skills |
| 12:00-12:30 p.m. | Lunch |
| 12:30-1:00 p.m. | Quiet Reading/Meditation |
| 1:00-2:00 p.m. | Station Rotation |
| 2:00-2:30 p.m. | Large Group Activities |
| 2:30-3:30 p.m. | Station Rotation |
| 3:30-4:00 p.m. |
Snack & Closing Meeting |
| 4:00-5:45 p.m. | Free Play & Pick Up |
| Theme | Date | Field Trip |
|---|---|---|
| Adventure Awaits | June 8–12 | Skatin' Place |
| Nature Quest | June 15–19 | Sibley State Park |
| Wild & Free Outdoors | June 22–26 | Prairie Woods |
| Red, White & Fun | June 29 – July 3 | Appleton Pool |
| Community Helpers | July 6–10 | St. Cloud Children's Museum |
| Splashtacular | July 13–17 | Hutch Pool & Bowling |
| Around the World | July 20–24 | Redwood Falls, Park & Pool |
| Animal Kingdom | July 27–31 | MN Zoo |
| Camp Olympics | August 3–7 | Air Maxx |
| Spirit Week | August 10–14 | Inflatables |
| Party in the YMCA | August 17–21 | Amazon Barnyard |
| Bummer End of the Summer | August 24–28 | TBD |