Over 170 years of Summer Adventure in Metro Detroit
At Y Summer Day Camp, kids make new friends, accomplish goals and learn new skills, and experience belonging in a way that only the Y can provide. Every new experience comes with a chance to learn and grow. At the Y, we strive to give every child and teen opportunities to test their own limits and explore their potential.
Financial assistance may be provided to eligible families, based upon need and available donor support. Contact us via email daycamp@ymcadetroit.org for more information.
Metro Detroit Day Camp Locations
Birmingham YMCA Day Camp
Sign In & Out Location: The end of the Y parking lot. Please park your car and walk your child to the pop-up tent! If it rains campers can be dropped off at the double doors located by the bike rack in the parking lot.
Lisel Scranton, Camp Director
Boll YMCA Day Camp
Sign In & Out Location: Outside the playground of the Y. Parents are able to park in the child care lot on Farmer Street for drop-off and pick-up.
Judnard Henry, Camp Director
Carls YMCA Day Camp
Sign In & Out Location: Follow the signs along the outer road of the parking lot to the check-out table, where a member of staff will greet you.
Andrew McInerney, Camp Director
Downriver YMCA Day Camp
Sign In & Out Location: Inside the Y in the Welcome Center
Jacqueline Ford, Camp Director
Farmington YMCA Day Camp
Sign In & Out Location: Weather permitting, outside the Y in the Corral or in inside the Y in the Gymnasium
Camp Director
Macomb YMCA Day Camp
Sign In & Out Location: Inside the Y in the Welcome Center
Landon Laffin, Camp Director
Plymouth YMCA Day Camp
Sign In & Out Location: At the day camp pavilion next to the tennis courts located in the back parking lot of the PARC building off of Adams Street. For inclement weather we will be located inside the PARC gym
Marit Olsen, Camp Director
South Oakland YMCA Day Camp
Sign In & Out Location: Weather permitting, outside the Y in the back of the parking lot, or inside the Y in the Welcome Center
Chimere Ansley, Camp Director
YMCA Camp Nissokone
Sign In & Out Location: the Camp Nissokone office
Ryan Mertz, Camp Director
YMCA Camp Ohiyesa
Sign In & Out Location: Follow the signs to enter camp, and turn left at the stop sign towards Base Camp/Horse Barn
Ryan Mertz, Camp Director
Day Camp Dates & Weekly Themes
Week A (June 8-12): Summer Blast Off
Launch into summer with high-energy games, creative crafts, and all your favorite camp activities to start the season off right. We’ll set the tone for an unforgettable summer adventure!
Week B (June 15-19): Core Values
Discover the heart of camp through fun games, team challenges, and activities that highlight caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and inclusion.
Week C (June 22-26): Back in Time
Travel through the decades with themed games, music, and crafts from the past. From the roaring ‘20s to the funky ‘80s, it’s a time-traveling adventure!
Week D (June 29-July 3 ): Red, White, & Blue
Celebrate all things USA with patriotic games, festive crafts, and star-spangled fun. This week ends with a bang—just in time for Independence Day.
Week E (July 6-10): Animal Kingdom
Explore the wild side of camp with animal-themed games, crafts, and adventures. From the jungle to the ocean, we’ll celebrate creatures big and small!
Week F (July 13-17): Color Wars
Teams will face off in friendly competition through games, relays, and challenges. Show your spirit and let the best team win!
Week G (July 20-24): Wacky Water
Stay cool at camp with water balloons, splash games, and aquatic adventures all week long!
Week H (July 27-31): Wild Holidays
Why wait for December or October? Celebrate a different holiday each day with themed games, crafts, and activities from all seasons throughout the year.
Week I (August 3-7): Treasure Hunter
Join the quest for hidden treasures with scavenger hunts, maps, and adventure games. Sharpen your skills to unlock the week’s ultimate prize!
Week J (August 10-14): Spirit Week
From crazy costumes to camp chants, we’ll pack the week with energy and enthusiasm. Get ready to show your camp pride every single day!
Week K (August 17-21): Best of Camp Week
All your favorite games, crafts, and activities from the summer packed into one amazing week. It’s the ultimate camp greatest hits collection!
Week K (August 24-28): Goodbye Summer
Celebrate the final week of camp with the activities you love most. We’ll wrap up summer with smiles, laughter, and memories to last until next year.
Day Camp Activities
How to Prepare for Day Camp
List items may vary by location. If you’re unsure what your camper needs every day please contact your local Y.
What to Bring from Home
- Be sure to dress for the weather and label all belongings.
- A sturdy backpack for belongings is recommended.
- Closed-toed shoes are mandatory. For safety reasons, open-toed shoes or sandals are not permitted at Day Camp.
- Please pack 1-2 healthy snacks each day.
- Swimsuit and bath or beach towel—labeled with camper’s first and last name.
- Extra clothes (T-shirt, shorts, and shoes) highly recommended for children 6 and younger.
- Leak proof, non-breakable water bottle—labeled with camper’s first & last name.
What to Leave at Home
- Gum, candy, sugar-sweetened beverages (pop, sports drinks, energy drinks)
- All toys All electronic devices
- Any type of cards: magic, trading, Pokemon, etc.
- Pocket knives/weapons
- Expensive items Cell phones, phone watches, tablets, computers, etc.
- Fireworks (firecracker, sparklers, etc.)
- Any additional items or clothing deemed inappropriate
About Y Day Camp
Safe, Licensed Program
Safety is our motivation at the Y. We hold our programs to the very highest standards through internal assessments and external inspections. Many of our summer day camps voluntarily fulfill with third party requirements and regulation, including state-licensing and/or ACA accreditation. This helps further ensure a safe, healthy and worthwhile camping experience.
Certified, Well-Trained Staff
Y counselors are dedicated to making sure summer day camp is an amazing experience for every camper. Each “Professional Role Model” has the knowledge and training to make each moment of your camper’s summer fun and enriching. Our staff believes in developing youth through nurturing the potential of every camper.
Camper-Counselor Ratios at Camp
- 6 campers : 1 counselor for ages 4-5
- 8 campers : 1 counselor for ages 6-8
- 10 campers : 1 counselor for ages 9-13
Staff Qualifications
All Y staff meet the following criteria before joining our team:
- CPR certification
- First Aid certification
- Child Safe certification
- Background check
- Drug screen
Financial Assistance Available to Qualified Families
We work hard throughout the year so everyone can be a part of the Y. Our Annual Campaign makes financial assistance available for those who qualify.