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Register by Feb 28, 2026 - Don’t Miss Out!

Finding a Place to Thrive: How to Choose a Summer Camp​
Choosing a summer camp is a big decision and can feel overwhelming. It's not just about filling time on the calendar – it's about finding a place where your child will be safe, supported, engaged and able to grow.
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​Physical and Emotional Safety​
Look for summer camps with appropriate age-based ratios, thorough background checks, comprehensive staff training, clear child protection policies and relevant certifications for staff, including CPR, First Aid and water safety.

Summer Camps can take extra steps to prioritize safety by pursuing optional certifications and accreditations. For example, accreditation through the American Camp Association is a strong indicator of quality and accountability – requiring Summer Camps to meet 290+ safety standards to earn accreditation.

The best camps offer opportunities for children to build friendships, try new activities and create lasting memories. A high-quality camp balances fun with intentional youth development, helping kids grow socially, emotionally and physically through activities like sports, arts, STEM, nature exploration and swimming.

Accessibility and Affordability
​Families should also consider accessibility and affordability. Many camps, including the YMCA, offer financial assistance to ensure camp is available to all children. Summer camp is often worth the investment—children gain independence, confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging that extends well beyond summer.

Inclusion and Belonging​
Finally, the right camp values inclusion and belonging, working closely with families to support children of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. When evaluating summer camp options, be sure to ask if they can accommodate medical, behavioral and sensory needs so every child has the chance to thrive.

Summer at Camp UMLY

YMCA campers build friendships and discover their passions through a variety of summer camps – with NEW field trips added for added for Traditional Camps for Summer 2026!

☀️ Traditional Summer Camp The quintessential summer experience for ages 5 – 12. Includes weekly themes, swimming, field games and more. PLUS! Includes field trips during weeks 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10!

🖍️ Preschool Summer Camp ​ Woody’s Pals is our popular half-day Preschool summer camp for children who will turn five by the end of the summer.

🎨🎭 Arts, STEM & Theater Ideal for campers ages 5 – 14 who enjoy Cooking, Nature, STEM, Theater and more!

🐝 Bumblebee Adaptive Summer Camp ​ Designed for campers ages 6 – 16 with disabilities and developmental delays, Bumblebee Adaptive Day Camp includes a higher ratio of specially trained counselors to provide support and regulation throughout the day.

⚽🏀🏈 Sports Summer Camps Ideal for campers ages 5 – 12 who love to be active. Choose from Pickleball, Tennis and our sports sampler camps!

😎 Teen Summer Camps Teen and Tween campers ages 12 – 15 will learn leadership skills, build friendships and have a blast in our camps designed to help them become confident and independent. Campers especially love our Teen Trek Camp, featuring four field trips per week!

A Summer They Love. A Summer You Trust.

With recreational swimming, weekly themes, in-house events, field trips and our commitment to safety, there's no place like this place. Camp UMLY at the Upper Main Line YMCA earned accreditation by the American Camp Association - meeting more than 290 safety standards!

PLUS – Camp registration fees include PM extended care through 6 PM. Need morning care? Add our Morning Spark time from 7AM – 9PM for just $25 per week.

Register by Feb 28 to Save 10%