YMCA SUMMER DAY CAMP

 

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.

 

Download Registration Form
Registration opens February 2.

Bring the completed form to the YMCA or send it to Sarah at sarahr@kandiymca.org.

YMCA summer campers

BEST. SUMMER. EVER.

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.

girl playing in the water outside

Summer Day Camp

Entering Grades 1–5

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.

group of kids in a huddle

Leaders in Training

Entering Grades 5–8 (Max Age: 13)

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.

WHY PARENTS & KIDS LOVE SUMMER CAMP AT THE Y

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Flexible Schedules

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.

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All-Day Care

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.

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Educational Field Trips

Summer Day Camp is unlike traditional childcare. Kids get the opportunity to go on a fun,exciting field trip every week.

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Active Play

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!

laughing child

SUMMER CAMP RATES

  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.

Financial Assistance is Available

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.

 

Completed applications can be sent to sarahr@kandiymca.org.

 

PARENT INFORMATION

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. 

  • Snack
  • Water Bottle
  • Sunscreen
  • Swimsuit and Towel 
  • Weather Appropriate Clothing
  • Tennis Shoes (No sandals, flip-flops, or open-toed shoes)
  • Please DO NOT bring electronics or toys from home

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.

 

Set up your Tadpole Account

DEPOSIT:

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.

REGISTRATION FEE:

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.

Membership and Program Scholarships

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.

Help Send Kids to Camp

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

GENERAL DAILY SCHEDULE

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
Schedule is subject to change based on swimming, field trips or special activities.

WEEKLY THEMES

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

 

QUESTIONS?

 
Please contact Sarah Ruud at sarahr@kandiymca.org or (320) 222-9622.