Days at Camp. Nights at Home.
YMCA Day Camps fill your child’s day with new friends, new skills, and a connection to nature through meaningful outdoor experiences
All summer day camp options feature 'traditional' camp activities such as archery, swimming, paddling, field games, outdoor education, arts and crafts, and/or team building. The specific 'traditional' camp activities that will make up your camper's schedule will vary by location and age.
Participants may register for Traditional Day Camp or choose a 'specialty camp' to register for. With our specialty options, campers spend more time on their chosen activity each day.
Day Camp Christmas Tree
First purchased in 1958, Camp Christmas Tree is just 30 minutes west of Minneapolis in Mound, MN. We are on 30 acres of land with horse pasture, an animal barn, garden archery ranges, a playground, and a climbing tower. We are fortunate to be on a peninsula, strutting out into beautiful Dutch Lake, where campers enjoy swimming, canoeing, and kayaking.
Day Camp DayCroix
DayCroix is a beautiful place for your child to experience fun summer outdoor adventures! New and returning participants thrive during a packed week of exciting, structured activities. They'll learn new skills and build self-esteem while practicing the YMCA way.
Day Camp Gathering Pines
Situated on 225 acres of woods, prairies, and pastureland with five lakes, YMCA Gathering Pines offers year-round outdoor programming, including Summer Day Camp (Formerly Day Camp Kici Yapi), Nature Retreats, Outdoor Learning, Private Events, Team Building, and more.
Day Camp Heritage
YMCA Day Camp Heritage is a beautiful place for your child to experience summer outdoor adventures! New and returning participants thrive during a packed week of exciting, structured activities where they build self-esteem and learn new skills.
Day Camp Ihduhapi
Located on the shore of Lake Independence outside of Loretto, Minnesota, Day Camp Iduhapi offers 175 beautiful acres of woods, prairie, and wetlands for kids to learn new skills and build self-esteem while practicing the YMCA way.
Day Camp Manitou
YMCA Camp Manitou is a place to learn new skills, develop character, and make friends. Located within Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park – with access to Lake Bertram and Long Lake – Camp Manitou is full of exciting outdoor activities for day participants and aquatic center visitors.
Day Camp Oxbow
We will not be running Day Camp at Oxbow for summer 2025. Please check back later to see if registration is available for other opportunities.
Day Camp Spring Lake
At Dakota County's Spring Lake Park Reserve, Day Camp Spring Lake provides exciting and structured activities in a beautiful park setting with spectacular views of the Mississippi River.
Day Camp Streefland
Located at beautiful Lake Kingsley in Lakeville, participants engage in small-group structured activities with other participants in their age group.
YMCA day camps offer many traditional outdoor activities, including archery, swimming, paddling, camp cookouts, and more. Participants can also register for a specialty camp to spend part of each day pursuing a favorite activity or theme. Programs vary by location.
Arts and Imagination
Kids are encouraged to express themselves, increase self-awareness, and embrace their creative spirit.
Programs include Arts and Crafts, Mystery Quest, Superheros, and Theater.
Horses
Participants in our horse program develop from novice riders to young adults experienced in many aspects of equine care, grooming, riding, and training.
Nature and Science
Kids are inspired to explore our natural environment and delight in the wonders of discovery.
Programs include Critters and Crawlers, Farm and Garden, Lake Exploration, and more.
Outdoor Adventure
Kids enjoy learning about rules, equipment, technique, and sportsmanship in the fresh air.
Programs include archery, climbing, outdoor cooking, outdoor games, and more.
Teen and Leadership
Young people build self-confidence and leadership skills through new adventures and experiences.
Programs include Teen Artist, Teen Climbing, Teen Farm, Leaders-In-Training, and more.
Traditional Day Camp
Traditional camp is about exploration and discovery. It exposes participants to various activities, including archery, fort building, swimming, nature studies, paddling, arts and crafts, cookouts, group games, and more.
Water Adventure
Young people develop life-long skills with opportunities for water safety and recreation.
Programs include canoeing, kayaking, fishing, sailing, and more.
Wee Backpackers
The Wee Backpacker program aims to continue fostering a love and appreciation for the outdoors. Campers sing songs, tell stories, and play games with a low staff-to-child ratio.
Contact Us
Whether you have a question or are ready to plan, we have the answers and are prepared to assist.
Financial Assistance
The YMCA offers need-based financial assistance to help people access the programs that are important to them.
Special Accommodations
We are committed to improving access to our programs and spaces for all.