Home » Camps » Summer Day Camp

SUMMER CAMPS

SUMMER CAMPS

SUMMER FUN COUNTDOWN
0
0
0
0
Days
0
0
Hours
0
0
Minutes
0
0
Seconds

2025 SUMMER CAMP, UNPLUGGED

A group of staff and summer campers do a group cheer outside.

This summer, get ready to ditch the screens and embark on a thrilling journey of exploration and discovery! The Greater Austin Y boasts action-packed summer camps offering an amazing variety of quality experiences for all kids. Whether your child is preschool, elementary, or middle school age we have the perfect camp for you!

Full-day and half-day camp options to fit your family’s busy summer schedule. Dive into full-day camps with exciting field trips and refreshing swims. Or explore outdoor adventure camp at YMCA Camp Moody, perfect for nature enthusiasts and thrill seekers. Our mix-and-match camp options make it easy to personalize your camp experience with half-day traditional and specialty sports camps each week. Weekly and individual day registrations are available.

We believe all children deserve a great summer where they can learn, grow and thrive. All kids have the opportunity to build self-confidence, independence and creativity, while you have peace of mind knowing your kids are in a safe and enriching space. At the Greater Austin Y, we create environments where kids can make new friends while learning and practicing the values of caring, respect and responsibility.

Join us! An unforgettable unplugged adventure awaits…

CAMP OFFERINGS

Which Y camp is right for you?

Only the Greater Austin Y offers this level of options for high quality summer camps across preschool, elementary, and middle school ages. The variety that we offer enables you to personalize a unique mix-and-match camp experience, making your life easier and your child’s summer more enjoyable!

Our camps are located across the Greater Austin area, making them easy and convenient for your family!

An excited boy smiles during an encounter with chickens.

Full-Day Y Camps

  • Ages 5 – 12
    • (4 at select locations)
  • A variety of fun camp activities like: STEM projects, hands-on arts & crafts, physical activity, fun organized games & more!
  • Exciting weekly adventures featuring field trips, special onsite activities, and swim trips.
  • Cost:
    • Y Member: $285-$315
    • Guest: $315-$345
    • Before/Aftercare: $25/wk
    • See below for details
  • Days: Monday – Friday
  • Hours:
    • Before Care: 7:00-8:00am
    • Activities: 8:00am-5:00pm
    • After Care: 5:00-6:00pm
  • Locations:
    • Y Fitness Centers
    • Partnered school districts and churches across Austin & Hays (see below)
Read More
A child harnessed, wearing a helmet, and holding on to a rope smiles as she jumps down from a platform to the ground.

Full-Day Adventure Camp

  • Ages 8 – 14
  • YMCA Camp Moody
  • A variety of fun camp activities including challenge course, canoeing, fishing, and atalatl (spear throwing) for kids who love adventure and learning new skills!
  • Cost:
    • $340 (Y Members)
    • $375 (Guests)
  • Days: Monday – Friday
  • Hours:
    • 7:30am-5:30pm
  • Location:
Read More
A group of children sit together holding basketballs waiting for instruction. One smiles at the camera.

Half-Day Y Camps

  • Ages 3 – 12
  • Morning and afternoon options
  • A variety of camp specialties:
    • Traditional Y (5 -12)
    • Preschool (3 – 4)
    • Sports (5 – 12)
    • Gymnastics (5 – 12)
    • Cheer/Tumble (5 – 12)
    • Racquet Sports (5 -12)
    • Swim (5-12)
  • Cost:
    • Y Member: $135-$145
    • Guest: $150-160
    • See below for details
  • Days: Monday-Thursday
  • Hours:
    • AM: 8:30am-12:30pm
    • PM: 1:00pm-5:00pm
  • Locations:
    • Hays Communities Y
    • North Austin Y
    • Northwest Family Y
    • Springs Family Y
Read More

Save $35 by registering by May 31st!

Y Members save an extra 10% off of their weekly camp fees.

FULL-DAY Y CAMPS

(Ages 4-12)

Get ready for an action-packed summer with YMCA Full-Day Camps! Campers will dive into exciting weekly themes and participate in a variety of activities including exploring the wonders of science, cooking delicious treats, creating projects, and engaging in fun physical activities.

Registration open now! Additional locations to come by March 1st.

Campers are divided into groups according to age and will engage in age-appropriate activities and swimming.

The Greater Austin Y strives to adhere to smaller group staff-to-child ratios than the state licensing standard in order to provide closer supervision and care.

Note: Only select locations will provide care for 4-year-olds.

Ages Staff to Child Ratio (Onsite) Field Trip Ratios
4 years 1:13 1:5
5 – 12 years 1:17 1:10

Camps will occur over 10 summer weeks from May 27th – August 1st, 2025.

Each camp will offer at least two exciting experiences each week, whether it’s a field trip, onsite experience, or swim trip. Camp schedules soon to come.

Week 1
May 27 – 30
Week 2
June 2 – 6
Week 3
June 9 – 13
Week 4
June 16 – 20
Week 5
June 23 – 27
Week 6
June 30 – July 3
Week 7
July 7 – 11
Week 8
July 14 – 18
Week 9
July 21 – 25
Week 10
July 28 – Aug. 1

Greater Austin Y Members save 10%!
Full-Day Care rates per week, per child:
  • $285 (Y Members)
  • $315 (Guests)
  • Before and Aftercare:
    • $25/week

Financial Assistance is available.

Days:
  • Monday – Friday
Dates:
  • May 27th – August 8th, 2025
  • No Camp:
    • Memorial Day (May 26th)
    • Juneteenth (June 19th)
    • July 4th
Hours:
  • Before Care: 7:00 – 8:00am
  • Program Hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm
  • After Care: 5:00 – 6:00pm

Discover the Greater Austin Y’s wide array of convenient locations, spanning Austin and nearby areas like Manor, Hays, and Springs.

We partner with local school districts, churches, and our Greater Austin Y branches to bring you accessible summer camp options throughout Travis County and Hays. Join us for a summer of fun and adventure, right in your community!

Full-Day Camp locations:

Keep checking this space for location updates!

Each week, our age-appropriate curriculum brings excitement and engagement through games, arts & crafts, STEM projects, songs, Social-Emotional Learning activities, and more—all tailored to the theme of the week. Fun and learning wrapped into one unforgettable adventure!

Camp themes are the same across locations, but will vary by sequence. Check your registration in EZChildTrack for details.

See what we’ve got in store this summer:

COLOR CLASH
Join us for a vibrant week of fun, creativity, and friendly competition at Color Clash! From crafting colorful masterpieces to competing in color-coded group relays, obstacle courses, and scavenger hunts, each day brings new ways to ignite imagination, build friendships, and create lasting memories.
DINO DETECTIVES
Calling all junior paleontologists! Get ready for a week of discovery at Dino Detectives, where young scientists will uncover the secrets of the prehistoric world. From digging up fossils and solving dino mysteries to constructing habitats and building dinosaur skeletons, every day is filled with hands-on activities that bring the Mesozoic Era to life.
DISCOVERY LAB
Grab your lab coat for a week of hands-on experiments, jaw-dropping reactions, and endless investigation at Discovery Lab! Junior scientists will explore the extraordinary world of science with activities such as fizzy volcanoes, building rocket balloons, and crafting mini ecosystems. By the end of the week, campers will feel like real scientists, igniting a love for science and exploration!
GLOBAL TREASURE HUNTERS
Pack your bags and grab your compass—our Global Treasure Hunters are embarking on a whirlwind journey across the globe! From unearthing Egyptian artifacts to unlocking the secrets of South American jungles, every day is a new destination filled with thrilling challenges, hands-on crafts, and cultural discoveries. In this exciting journey, campers will develop teamwork, problem-solving skills, and a love for exploration as they gather clues to uncover the ultimate global treasure!
LEGO MANIA
Get ready to stack, snap, and create at Lego Mania, the ultimate week for young builders and creative minds! Each day is a new adventure as campers unleash their imaginations to construct towering cities, zooming vehicles, epic castles, and more. From team challenges to solo creations, kids will explore the limitless possibilities of Lego!
MYTHICAL CREATURES
Let your imagination take flight this week as we explore a realm of enchantment and wonder with Mythical Creatures. From taming a phoenix and building a griffin nest to mixing magic potions, campers will use their imaginations to bring fantasy to life! Join us for an unforgettable journey through the land of legends.
OLYMPIAD
Go for Gold at Olympiad! Join the excitement of the Olympics with a week of friendly competition, physical fitness, and personal growth. Campers will compete in fun games, design team flags, and participate in team-building activities that encourage sportsmanship. Whether racing to the finish line or cheering on their teammates, every camper will feel like a champion!
SUPERHERO ACADEMY
Unleash the Hero Within at Superhero Academy! Join us, as our superheroes in training discover their inner superpowers, design their own hero identities, and take on epic challenges to save the day. At Superhero Academy, campers will train in teamwork and strength, tackle daring missions, and by the end of the week graduate as heroes ready to make the world a better place!
TUNES AND TALES
Step into a week of Tunes and Tales that combines the joy of music with the creativity of storytelling, inspiring campers to express themselves through rhythm, sound, and narrative. From crafting their own instruments, setting stories to melodies, and bringing characters to life through performances, our stars in the making will experience the connection between music and storytelling.
WILD KINGDOM
Discover the wildlife expert within at Wild Kingdom while exploring the fascinating world of animals! From designing a mini zoo using recycled materials and crafting creative habitats to practicing as junior vets and zookeepers, campers will learn how professionals care for animals and protect their habitats.

FIELD TRIPS

Children at Full-Day camps will experience several field trips over the summer to fun-filled places and sometimes experts bring exciting activities and exhibits right to our camps for unique onsite experiences.

HEALTHY SNACK

The Greater Austin Y ensures children have access to a healthy, balanced snack each morning and afternoon.

Snacks include a variety of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and small amounts of added sugar and saturated fat. All USDA approved.

OPPORTUNITIES TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS

The Greater Austin Y offers programs where children can engage with peers and establish meaningful friendships.

Our staff are caring, trained professionals who support your child’s development through encouragement, listening and modeling kindness and respect.

SWIMMING

Note: Swim trips will start in June!

Beginner, intermediate, and experienced swimmers welcome! Children will participate in swim trips at our local YMCA pools weekly, if weather permits.

Children are swim tested prior to swimming and provided by Coast-Guard approved life jackets if needed. Feel free to provide your own Coast-Guard approved lifejacket for your child.

ENHANCED THEMED AREAS

Our summer camp professionals spend countless hours creating enhanced areas that correspond to our summer themes. These thematic areas offer children a place to enrich their creative thinking, and promote an inviting and fun space for them to enjoy throughout their summer days.

LITERACY ACTIVITIES

Mounting evidence suggests that summer camp programs can play a vital role in improving literacy outcomes for children.

  • We Offer:
    • A print rich environment that integrates curriculum projects with books and comprehension tools.
    • Incorporating a multicultural and leveled library into the program that speaks to the real interests of our children with cozy, attractive reading areas.
  • Preventing Summer Reading Loss:
    • Studies show that some youth suffer significantly from a loss of academic skills over the summertime. Our summer camps help provide academic opportunities through our various learning stations.

HANDS ON LEARNING

Each week campers participate in hands-on, enriching developmentally-appropriate curriculum projects and experiences that include:

  • Arts and crafts
  • STEM Education
  • STEAM
  • Physical exercise
  • Creative expression
  • Group games and activities

These projects are created by curriculum specialists and are aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING

Social Emotional Learning is included as a piece of your child’s daily schedule.

  • Group meeting time guides campers toward self & social awareness
  • Activities provide opportunities to make friends and learn from positive role models
  • Program spaces include quiet areas where young people can find calming tools and focus to reset when needed
  • Cooperation, kindness, and respect are built into every experience

STEAM & CREATIVITY

We believe creativity, curiosity, and play are essential to engaged learning. Across all ages, our campers have the opportunity to engage in a variety of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) activities in a space that promotes creativity, invention, problem solving, and self-expression.

Young people build their technology skills through educational activities, interactive games, engaging materials, and constructive projects related to the weekly curriculum theme.

FULL-DAY ADVENTURE CAMP AT YMCA CAMP MOODY

(Ages 8 – 14)

Nature is our playground every day at YMCA Camp Moody! Located along Onion creek on 85 acres of pristine wilderness, Camp Moody boasts the natural wonders of the Edwards Plateau.

Our summer camp adventurers will unplug and explore a serene escape from everyday life. Lush landscapes, limestone bluffs, spring-fed fishing holes and miles of trails. If your camper is ready to live on the wild side, YMCA Camp Moody is the perfect place!

Weekly themes focused on outdoor activities: archery, atalatl, challenge course, canoeing, slingshots, fishing, hiking, team-building, swimming, & outdoor education.

Summer Camp at YMCA Camp Moody–Where Every Day is an Adventure!

Registration open now!

Adventure Seekers at YMCA Camp Moody will engage in the following activities:

  • archery
  • arts and crafts
  • atlatl
  • canoeing
  • challenge course
  • field games
  • fishing
  • hiking
  • outdoor education
  • rock wall
  • team building
  • zipline
  • and more!

June 2-6 Texas Rodeo
Ride on down to YMCA Camp Moody to experience all the thrill of the Texas Rodeo! Jump into our tumbleweed Zorb ball and lasso up fun with hatchet throwing and knot tying. Campers are sure to leave with a western drawl after a week of rodeo fun, complete with a visit from the mobile dairy.
June 9-13 Jurassic Park
Welcome to Jurassic Park at YMCA Camp Moody. Discover a world of prehistoric adventure with fossil digging, dino-themed games, and exciting nature hikes. Learn more about ancient creatures with our guest visitor, an actual paleontologist! Grab your gear and get ready for a week full of fun and exploration- dino DNA included.
June 16-20 (No June 19) Medieval
Step into a world of knights, dragons, and castles at Medieval week. Don your armor and learn the ways of archery, hatchet throwing, canoeing, and more. It’s a week of adventure and fun, where every camper becomes part of their own legendary tale! Huzzah!
June 23-27 Showtime
Lights, camera, action! We have a star-studded cast this week as campers work together to create their own movie trailers. At the end of the week, we’ll come together to watch all the masterfully filmed productions. Grab some popcorn and pull up a seat because we’re in for some blockbuster fun!
June 30-July 3 (No July 4th) Party in the USA
Throw your hands up for the 4th of July fun this week! Campers will engage in stars vs stripes challenges, create firework salt art, and spin their patriotic pinwheels with pride all while enjoying our traditional camp activities.
July 7-11 Survivor
Outwit, Outlast, and Outplay. Calling all champions! Do you have what it takes to beat out the competition in a series of weeklong all-camp challenges? From minute to win it challenges to searching for the Golden Tiki, it’s sure to be a week to remember. Join us and see which team will come out on top at Survivor Week!
July 14-18 Carnival
Come one, come all to Carnival week, where the fun never ends! Enjoy thrilling games, face painting, and big top crafts. Test your skills at the inflatable obstacle course and enjoy sweet treats, all while making memories and having a blast. Join us for the greatest show on Earth!
July 21-25 Ocean
Catch the waves with us at Ocean Week! Explore the wonders of the sea with swimming, beach games, ocean-inspired crafts, and a visit from the Colorado River Alliance’s mobile learning center. With sun, sand, and surf, it’s the perfect spot for summer adventures and making unforgettable memories by the water!
July 28- Aug 1 Camps Got Talent
Do you have a talent? Get ready to showcase your skills at YMCA Camp Moody this week as we dance, sing karaoke, challenge each other, and put on an epic talent show!

Greater Austin Y Members save 10%!
  • Deposit: $50/week
  • Weekly rate (5-day weeks):
    • $340 (Y Members);
    • $375 (Guests)
  • Weekly rate (holiday 4-day weeks – Juneteeth & July 4th):
    • $272 (Y Members)
    • $300 Non-Members

Financial Assistance is available.

  • Days:
    • Monday – Friday
  • Dates:
    • June 2nd – August 1st, 2025
  • No Camp:
    • Juneteenth (June 19th)
    • July 4th
  • Hours:
    • 7:30am – 5:30pm

Located along Onion creek on 85 acres of pristine wilderness, Camp Moody contains many features of the Edwards Plateau and is on the edge of the Balcones Escarpment.

Address: YMCA Camp Moody, 1220 Old San Antonio Rd, Buda, TX 78610

YMCA Camp Moody is a Texas Aquatics Science certified field site! Campers enjoy civics education on important topics like conservation, water tables, lifecycles and more.

HALF-DAY Y CAMPS

(Ages 3 – 12)

Ready for a summer packed with fun and excitement? YMCA Half-Day Y Camps are the perfect destination for active kids who love to play! While offering your family flexible morning and afternoon options for your schedule.

During the summer break, children will dive into a world of adventure with camp options like preschool, sports, gymnastics, cheer, racquetball, and swim. They’ll not only learn new skills but also make lifelong friends!

Registration planned to open by March 1st!

Campers are divided into groups according to age and will engage in age-appropriate activities and swimming.

The Greater Austin Y strives to adhere to smaller group staff-to-child ratios than the state licensing standard in order to provide closer supervision and care.

Groups: Ratios:
3-5 1:6
6-8 1:8
9+ 1:10

Half-Day specialty camp locations will be happening at Y Fitness Center locations across Austin and Hays:

Camps:

Camp: Offered at:
Traditional Y Hays, North, Northwest, Springs
Traditional Y Preschool Springs
Sports – All Hays, Northwest, Springs
Gymnastics Hays, Northwest, Springs
Cheer / Tumble Hays, Springs
Racquet Sports Springs
Swim Hays, Springs

  • Camps will occur between June 2nd and August 8th, 2025.
  • Camp schedules will vary by camp and location.
  • More details to come soon!

Greater Austin Y Members save 10%!
  • Ages 3-4:
    • $145 (Members);
    • $160 (Guests)
  • Ages 5+:
    • $135 (Members);
    • $150 (Guests)

  • Days:
    • Monday – Thursday
    • No Camp:
      • Memorial Day (May 26th)
      • Juneteenth (June 19th)
      • July 4th
  • Hours:
    • Morning: 8:30am – 12:30pm
    • Afternoon: 1pm – 5pm

REGISTRATION, FEE & PAYMENT GUIDELINES

We offer financial assistance to qualifying families. Camp season begins the day after Memorial day and ends a full week before school starts (exact camp dates vary by district calendar).

WEEKLY CAMP RATES

Camp Y Member Rate Guest Rate Deposits Before/After Care Holiday Week Rate
Full-Day Y Camps @ Y Fitness Centers $315/child/week $345/child/week $50/child/week $25/wk $252 (Y Member); $276 (Guest)
Full-Day Y Camps @ Partnered Locations $285/child/week $315/child/week $50/child/week $25/wk $228 (Y Member); $252  (Guest)
Full-Day Outdoor Adventure Camp $340/child/week $375/child/week $50/child/week $25/wk $272 (Member); $400 (Guest)
Half-Day Y Camps – Ages 3 – 4 $145/child/week $160/child/week TBD N/A TBD
Half-Day Y Camps – Ages 5+ $135/child/week $150/child/week TBD N/A TBD

PAYMENT & CANCELLATION SCHEDULE

This handy chart will help you keep on top of all of our billing due dates!

Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Week 9 Week 10
Session Dates 5/27 – 30 6/2 – 6 6/9 – 13 6/16 – 20 6/23 – 27 6/30 – 7/3 7/7 – 11 7/14 – 18 7/21 – 25 7/28 – 8/1
Billing Date 5/13 5/20 5/27 6/3 6/10 6/17 6/24 7/1 7/8 7/15
Due Date 5/15 5/22 5/29 6/5 6/12 6/19 6/26 7/3 7/10 7/17
Cancellation Date 5/9 5/16 5/23 5/30 6/6 6/13 6/20 6/27 7/4 7/11

 

ENROLLMENT POLICIES

Registration Fee: $35 per child; Registration fees are Non-Refundable/Non-Transferable and are due at the time of registration. (Waived until May 31st)

Deposits: $50 per child / per week, due at the time of registration to hold your child’s spot at camp. Camp deposits are Non-refundable / Non-Transferable.

(Example: If you are registering for three camp sessions, a $150.00 deposit will be required to hold your spot for those sessions of camp.) The $50.00 deposit comes out of the weekly camp fee. The remainder of the camp fee will be due on payment due dates (see camp payment schedule tab).

Cancellations, Transfers and Refunds Policy

Registration fees and camp deposit(s) are non-refundable, non-transferable.

To cancel a camp session, please submit a cancellation request using the following link: 2025 Summer Camp Cancellation Form.

Cancellation and transfer requests must be submitted to the EAC YMCA Customer Service team at least 17 calendar days prior to the start of camp to ensure you are not charged for the program week(s) you are cancelling.

Make sure to use our online cancellation form or transfer request form. These requests can take 3-5 days to complete. Transfers subject to availability.

Cancellation or transfer requests will not be accepted on or after the 16th day before the start of the camp session. No refunds will be given. You will be held responsible for the full amount of camp fees, regardless of whether or not your child attends camp.

Emergency Registration: An emergency registration is defined as any registration occurring Thursday or Friday before the desired camp session. The emergency registration will only be accepted up until 10am on Friday with an additional $50.00 Emergency Registration fee. You must contact the EAC YMCA customer service department to request an Emergency Registration.

Refund Policy: Refund and/or credits are NOT issued under the following circumstances:

  • Your child is absent,
  • Your child is suspended,
  • If there is a unexpected camp closure announced by the school district that does not exceed 1 day of camp,
  • If there is an unexpected camp closure due to weather, an emergency or natural disaster that does not exceed 1 day of camp.

Partial credits and/or pro-rations WILL be applied under the following circumstances:

  • Unexpected camp closures announced by the school district, and/or due to weather, an emergency or natural disaster exceeding 1 day of camp;

Camps will use a PIN system for checking your camper in and out every day. If you are new to the EZChildTrack parent portal, you will be able to create a unique PIN number for you and everyone on your account designated as a pickup person, once your registration for summer is approved.

To create your PIN:

  1. You will see the option to set up/change a PIN on the left-hand side of your home screen in the EZChildTrackParentPortal.
  2. If using a mobile device, you will need to click on the three lines on the left-hand corner next to the home icon.
  3. Your PIN must be a 4-10 digit number unique to our database. 
  4. Please note: The system will alert you if the PIN you have entered is already in use. Please try entering 5-6 digit PINs to avoid entering a PIN already in use.

Late Pick Up Fees: The system is set to automatically charge late pick up fees based on the time stamp of your check out. Late pick up fees will start accruing 5 minutes after the program’s end time. The fee is $1/minute.

Example: you pick up 10 minutes after the program ends. You will be invoiced a $5 late pick up fee.

The Greater Austin Y programs and activities are designed to benefit persons of all backgrounds, and fees are based on the cost of providing each program. While participants are expected to pay their fair share, when financial assistance dollars are available, the YMCA will assist any individual or family that wants to participate but cannot afford the fee.

Financial Assistance is awarded on a first come, first served basis. Only completed applications will be accepted and reviewed. Funds are limited, and we recommend applying early.

We require a completed camp application form and 2 recent pay stubs.

For any questions about Financial Assistance, contact EACYMCA@AustinYMCA.org

  • 4-day weeks for Full-Day Camps are holiday weeks during the weeks of Memorial Day (May 26th), Juneteenth (June 19th), and July 4th.
  • 4-day weeks YMCA Camp Moody will be Juneteenth (June 19th) and July 4th week.
  • All other Full-Day camp weeks will be 5-day weeks with the rate listed in the top column.

Only the primary parent/guardian (or secondary if authorized) is able to submit a request to Extend-A-Care YMCA to identify an adult who is authorized to pick up the child. Authorized pick up contacts are also added to your Emergency Contacts and must be 16 years old or older.

Please provide the full name and full contact information of the person you wish to add when submitting request. Please also contact us with plenty of time before the person picks up to ensure we are able to notify the site staff and Program Director. If you have any questions, or have a last minute changes please call us directly (512-236-9622) during business hours.

Our ratios are smaller than state licensing requirements. Our summer camps are group child care facilities and are not in the business of providing individual one-on-one child care. (Exceptions include: injuries, immediate disciplinary issues, and certain personal care needs customarily provided to all children).

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at EACY@AustinYMCA.org.

A $25.00 fee is charged for all non-sufficient funds and declined charges. Children will not be allowed to attend camp unless payment for the camp session and fees have been received and posted to your account by the EAC YMCA Customer Service team. If two consecutive payment returns occur due to insufficient funds, a different form of payment will be required for future payments.

ASSESSMENTS

Y Camp is open to ALL children, and the YMCA will work with children of all abilities. Parents have a duty to disclose significant medical, physical, or behavioral needs at the time of enrollment.

The Greater Austin Y will make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities unless taking such steps would fundamentally alter the nature of its services, programs, or activities, or would result in an undue burden or hardship on The Greater Austin Y.

To better serve your child, please allow extra processing time for our staff to conduct an individual assessment. The purpose of an assessment is to determine if the program design and staff can meet the needs of the child. Greater Austin Y centers are group child care facilities and are not in the business of providing individual one-on-one child care. This type of program may not be suitable for some children due to their need for individual care or attention, aversion to loud and/or busy settings.

ENROLLMENT FORMS

Please make sure to check the boxes for special needs and/or allergies on the enrollment forms. There is a line on the form to include details about your child’s allergy or special condition. Please keep in mind that Y staff cannot be with a child one-on-one as camp operates in a large group format. If you have questions about this, then please email Extend-A-Care YMCA or the Program Director over the camp.

Our licensing requires that children enrolled in our programs who have indicated food allergies have a Food Allergy Emergency Plan prepared by their health care professional before they can attend. 

This Food Allergy Emergency Plan must:

1) List your child’s full name and date of birth

2) List each food your child is allergic to, possible symptoms if exposed to the food on the list, and the steps to take if your child has an allergic reaction

3) Be signed and dated by your health care professional

4) Be signed and dated by you

If you are an Afterschool participant and we already have a copy of your allergy plan for this year, then you do not need to submit a new form for camps.

The allergy plan must be renewed every year.

Most health care professionals have their own format for this information, which we can accept as long as it meets the above criteria. If you need a copy of the form, we are happy to provide you with one. Just call us at 512-236-9622 or email us. Please email the allergy form to Extend-A-Care YMCA.

We do our best to ensure that we can provide childcare to as many families as possible, while also keeping the safety of the children in mind in accordance with site capacities set by the Department of Health. If a camp is at capacity, we will recommend another camp nearby that still has space.

If you are not interested in attending an alternate camp location, you may be added to a waitlist. Spaces become available for a variety of reasons including cancellations. Spaces are offered to those on the waitlist on a first come, first served basis. Spaces are not guaranteed for those on the waitlist and registration will be pending available space for all programs.

The best guarantee of getting a spot at your preferred camp is registering early.

Save $35 by registering by May 31st!

Y Members save an extra 10% off of their weekly camp fees.

SUMMER CAMP LOCATIONS

See a Google Map of all 2025 summer camp locations.

SUMMER CAMP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Each day will be filled with enriching crafts, a diverse selection of literature, STEAM activities, Social Emotional Learning activities, and organized games all based on the theme of the week! Topics can be found on each summer camp page for Theme, Sports, and Infant-Preschool Camps.

Campers attending YMCA Camp Moody will enjoy a variety of outdoor and survival activities such as crafts, team building, archery, fishing, kayaking, challenge course, hiking, swimming, and more.

Trained camp staff will help lead campers in character development activities and team building games. The EAC YMCA desires for each and every child to gain a sense of accomplishment, build relationships, and find their sense of belonging. 

Y staff is trained on many procedures to ensure your child’s safe participation in camp and recognize that active supervision is important in all aspects of child care programs.

Camp staff will divide the kids into small manageable groups by age and assign Youth Development Leaders to each group. Your child will notice that we like to count and will be conducting head counts frequently — during the activity, before lunch, bathroom breaks, after lunch, etc.

WHO WILL SUPERVISE MY CHILD(REN)?

Our camp staff are enthusiastic and motivated to lead your child(ren) through fun themed activities, games, and songs!

All staff are required to be at least 18-years-old and a high school graduate upon being hired. YMCA Site Leads are required to be at least 21 years of age, graduates of high school, and must have at least one year of licensed childcare experience. The vast majority of staff hired has previous childcare experience.

At hiring, our staff is trained extensively through HHSC-mandated week-long Pre-Service training, First Aid/CPR training, new-hire orientation, child abuse sexual prevention training, and blood borne pathogens training. Staff must continue to participate in training and staff development seminars once employed. Staff accompanying children to swim trips are certified in Basic Water Safety as well.

Each child needs to bring:

  • A labelled, refillable water bottle.
  • Swimsuit & towel for swim days.
  • Sunscreen to reapply throughout the day.
  • Change of clothes on swim days. For 4-5 year-olds an extra set to keep handy in case of accidents.
  • An insulated lunchbox with an ice pack for items that need to remain cold or a sack lunch (no microwave meals). Nutritious morning and afternoon snacks will be provided.

Please have your camper wear:

  • Sunscreen (especially on days when campers will spend a lot of time outside — Camp Moody campers will be outside frequently.)
  • Casual clothing that is appropriate to do art projects and daily activities.
  • Comfortable, secure tennis shoes for safety. Sandals, flip-flops and Heelys (shoes with wheels) are not allowed.

Additional Notes:

  • Swim wear will be sent home to wash every Friday.
  • Please regularly check the camp’s Lost and Found for any items left behind.
  • Do not send money, toys, or other personal belongings with your child.
  • The Y does not allow children to carry any electronic devices, such as cell phones, Gameboys, Playstation Portable Devices, etc. during operational hours. Please leave valuable items at home.
  • The Greater Austin Y is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • Your camper should have a labelled backpack/bag to keep all of his/her/their belongings inside.
  • Please label all of your child’s belongings, and make sure to take everything belonging to your camper home with you weekly.

Summer Food Programs:

Summer Food Programs collaborate with the Greater Austin Y to provide children with free lunch (at selected schools). Understand that Greater Austin Y staff members are not responsible for the nutritional value or for meeting the child’s daily food needs for the meal provided by this vendor. The summer food meals are optional to parents.

Camp opens each morning at 7:00 AM. Children will place their belongings in their proper place (i.e. personal tubs organized by age group). Between 7:15 and roughly 8:30 am, centers will be available for all campers. Centers may include board games, manipulatives, books, and table activities.

Following centers is usually morning snack, and then the beginning of rotations. Campers are grouped by age and will do character development activities and games related to the weekly theme. While group 1 is playing an organized game in the gym or playing outside, group 2 will be doing an activity such as craft, a STEM activity, or team building.

Lunch is usually between 11-1pm. It is required to send your child to camp with a healthy lunch and a refillable water bottle (labeled with your child’s name) each day. ollowing lunch is more engaging curriculum activities including: Einstein Time, SEL (Social Emotional Learning) Group Meeting, Tinker Time, team building, Creative Writing, physical activity, and more!

The end of the day is usually winded down with a daily reflection of the day and table activities.

At the Y, safety is of the utmost importance, especially around the pool. Each child will be swim tested and monitored closely by certified lifeguards before and during swimming. Any child who needs a lifejacket will be provided a Coast Guard approved lifejacket by us. Feel free to provide your own Coast Guard approved lifejacket on swim days. Lifeguards will be watching the children with a ratio of 1/10, and camp staff will also be supervising in and out of the pool.

Camp counselors will have Basic Water Rescue certification, on top of the First Aid/CPR training that all counselors receive when hired. 

A sign will be posted outside with the center phone number. Please looks for our signs and ring the doorbell for a staff to let you and your child into the center. Please refer to the check in/check out tab under the registration and payments information section above for information about setting up your pin.

Anyone picking up (Primary and Secondary Guardians and authorized pick-ups) should bring a photo ID to present to staff every day, for the child(ren)’s security and safety. Staff may differ each day, so authorized pick-ups must be prepared to present ID any time they go to pick up.

Authorized pick-ups must be on the pick-up list in order to sign out and leave with the child(ren). If the Primary Parent/Guardian needs to add an authorized pick up, they should email Extend-A-Care YMCA prior to pick up with as much notice as possible.

Please include the full name and contact information of any new authorized pick-ups/emergency contacts.

For health and safety, specific information will be emailed to you via a welcome email after registration is complete regarding drop off and pick-ups. 

The Greater Austin Y contracts with local school districts and use their buses and drivers for transportation to transport the camps to their swim and field trip locations.  

Having our camps at schools grants us more space for activities with use of the cafeteria, playground, gym, and classrooms to enhance the curriculum and schedule we have planned for the kids’ enjoyment. The schools we use for camp are also used for some of our Afterschool sites, so we are familiar with them and their wonderful staffs. Most of the Y branches don’t provide a lot of space for our camps, unfortunately (with East Communities being an exception due to its exterior portables). At schools we are also able to operate camp without interfering with members who want to work out and swim. 

Our Site Leads and Youth Development Leaders are passionate about their role in your child’s life while at the Greater Austin Y, and we welcome communication with parents. Please feel free to share any questions, suggestions, allergy information, medical needs, etc. for your child to any on-site camp staff.

All key program information such as the site phone number and email address of the Program Director for the camp will be listed in your Summer Camp Family Packet.

Email Extend-A-Care YMCA or call 512-236-9622 for general questions and help with your registration, camp billing, financial assistance, and Y online account.

Save $35 by registering by May 31st!

Y Members save an extra 10% off of their weekly camp fees.

WHAT’S THE WORD ABOUT GREATER AUSTIN Y CAMPS?

Testimonials are from Summer 2023 and 2024 camp parents who were surveyed via Listen360.

“Engaging. Lots of options of activities that were thoughtfully planned. Our kids brought home art, told stories, and had a great balance of physical activity and quieter play.”

Parent, 2024 Full-Day Y Summer Day Camp

,
“My child has had a great summer with YMCA. All the swimming activities and all the field trips have been such a delight. Will be with YMCA again next summer!”

Parent, 2024 Full-Day Y Summer Camp

“Energetic and attentive Camp counselors welcomed my son everyday. He came home everyday thrilled to explain the new activity he had tried that day. Activities were age appropriate and well structured. Such a wonderful deal for the price.“

Parent, 2023 Full-Day Y Summer Outdoor Adventure Camp

“My daughter LOVES going to YMCA Camp Moody. It has been such a healthy and positive way to spend her summer. The counselors are doing such an amazing job.“

Parent, 2023 Full-Day Y Summer Outdoor Adventure Camp

“Wonderful counselors and great programming! I love that the kids had lots of outdoor time, learned about nature, and had no screen time.“

Parent, 2023 Full-Day Y Summer Outdoor Adventure Camp

“The counselors and staff are patient but also run a tight ship. My son loves it there and is always asking to stay until the absolute latest possible pick up time.”

Parent, 2024 Full-Day Y Summer Camp

“The counselors are all amazing, thoughtful, caring, and just awesome all around.”

Parent, 2024 Full-Day Y Summer Camp

,
“Small groups, attentive staff, tight pick up security procedures, heat plan, and amazing activities! Oh, and the photos. Thanks so much for taking the time to snap and upload those. My kids would love to come back next summer.“

Parent, 2023 Full-Day Y Summer Outdoor Adventure Camp

“Weekly themes with field trips both onsite and offsite, as well as a weekly swim day is a huge value and I don’t know of another summer camp that offers that kind of variety of experience during the week.”

Parent, 2024 Full-Day Y Summer Camp

,

“Very well-organized. The staff at the door were professional and friendly, kids knew where to go and what to do. The routines were clear and helped kids feel secure. I’ve already recommended the camp to others and look forward to next year.”

Parent, 2024 Full-Day Y Summer Camp

“Supportive. The staff and kids were respectful and friendly to each other, there was an environment that promoted acceptance and dignity, and even minor issues were raised in an appropriate way – with the aim of helping every kid to thrive.”

Parent, 2024 Full-Day Y Summer Day Camp

,
“YMCA day camp has been a great fit for our summer needs. The staff are kind and courteous. Our daughter has made friends and really enjoys the field trips.”

Parent, 2023 Full-Day Y Summer Camp

,
“YMCA Camp Moody is the best camp my daughter has ever attended. She has gone to a few camps this summer, and always looks forward to Moody the most.”

Parent, 2023 Full-Day Y Summer Outdoor Adventure Camp

“Visible. I liked the cafeteria-based setup, where parents could help their kids get situated, see some of the activity stations, etc. Helped me have confidence in the program.”

Parent, 2024 Full-Day Y Summer Day Camp

,

“The amount of fun on site activities and field trips were great. I felt like my daughter really looked forward to camp each week.”

Parent, 2024 Full-Day Y Summer Camp

“My daughter had so much fun at camp, each day when I picked her up, she wanted to stay longer. It was so nice to see my usually shy child come out of her shell at camp.”

Parent, 2024 Full-Day Y Summer Camp

,
“The programs are well structured (but not too rigid), fun, engaging and enriching.”

Parent, 2024 Full-Day Y Summer Camp

“My 6 1/2 year old had the most amazing time this summer. I had peace of mind knowing how safe she was as well. The staff is well-trained and I personally know the kind of safety precautions and standards the Y adheres to. I’d highly recommend Y summer day camp to anyone!”

Parent, 2024 Full-Day Y Summer Camp