Find Your Adventure

Experience the amazing natural world through exciting adventures in environmental education with Outdoor Day Camp. Days fly by as campers make new friends while exploring the wonders of the great outdoors. Caring and trained Y staff lead skill development and team-building activities in small groups that will instill an interest in investigation and love of learning in your budding environmentalist.

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Find the Info You Need to Know

Learn more about Outdoor Day Camp hours, registration, financial aid, and fees below. Read the complete list of answers to Summer Day Camp Frequently Asked Questions here.

What days and hours is Outdoor Day Camp offered?

Outdoor Day Camp runs Monday–Friday from 9:00 am–4:00 pm.

  • We also offer Extended Camp at no additional cost to participants which consists of supervised activities and structured programs before and after the camp dayHours for Extended Camp start at 7:30 am and end at 5:30 pm.
  • For the Camp Terry option with drop-off and pick-up at the Coal Creek Family YMCA, there is a window for drop-off and pick-up on either end of the bus route.   
    • In the morning, campers can be dropped off between 8:00 am and 8:15 am with the bus departing no later than 8:30 am.  If a camper misses the bus, the family will be responsible for transportation to Camp Terry in Preston that day. 
    • In the afternoon, campers will arrive back at the Coal Creek Family YMCA between 4:30 pm and 4:45 pm.  Campers must be picked up by 5:00 pm.

Important Dates: 

  • Most camps run from June 26 - August 30.
  • There is no Outdoor Day Camp on July 3 or 4, however many Outdoor Day Camp locations offer a special single-day camp on July 3. Register >>
  • For programs in Shoreline or Edmonds School District, camp starts June 28.
  • For programs in Seattle Public Schools, camp starts July 5.
  • For programs in the Snoqualmie School District, camp ends August 25.

 

Is my child the right age for Outdoor Day Camp?

If your child is entering grades 1-4 or 6 this fall, then yes, they can be a Outdoor Day Camp camper! At some locations where we serve kids entering grades 1-4, we offer Trek Camp for kids entering grades 5-6.

  • Auburn Valley Y | Grades 1-4 at Outdoor Day Camp, Grades 5-6 at Trek Camp
  • Camp Keller | Grades 1-6 at Outdoor Day Camp
  • Camp Terry | Grades 1-4 at Outdoor Day Camp, Grades 5-6 at Trek Camp
  • Cottage Lake Park  | Grades 1-6 at Outdoor Day Camp
  • Lincoln Park | Grades 1-4 at Outdoor Day Camp, Grades 5-6 at Trek Camp
  • Magnuson Park | Grades 1-6 at Outdoor Day Camp
  • Shoreview Park | Grades 1-4 at Outdoor Day Camp, Grades 5-6 at Trek Camp

If your child turns age 6 after June 26, you will need to call our registration team for an override at (206) 382-5022 as our system recognizes ages by the start of summer in June rather than specific weekly sessions. 

 

How soon can I sign my camper up for Outdoor Day Camp?

Registration for day camp will open in March as follows:

  • March 1 at 6:00 am: 2022 Day Camp participants, current Before & After-School Enrichment and Early Education participants
  • March 8 at 6:00 am: Facility members of the YMCA of Greater Seattle
  • March 22 at 6:00 am: Open to all, including interest list

Weekly camp registration closes on the Wednesday prior to the camp session at 5:00 pm. For example, for camp starting on July 10, registration would close on July 5 at 5:00 pm.

Does the Y offer financial assistance for Outdoor Day Camp?

Yes, the Y is committed to ensuring all families have access to quality and enriching camp programs. The Y provides financial assistance and a sliding fee schedule.

Please complete this short two minute form to learn more about financial assistance. Our staff we be in contact with you within 3-5 business days once the form is received. 

What is the fee to participate in Outdoor Day Camp?
  • Five-day weekly fees: $335 for Y members or $385 for Community members.
  • July 5-7, August 28-30 three-day weekly fees: $200 for Y members or $230 for Community members

A deposit of $15 per week, per camper is due upon registration. Payments draft on the Saturday two weeks prior to each camp session. For example, for camp starting on July 10, payment would be draft on July 1.

The Y is committed to ensuring all families have access to quality and enriching camp programs. The Y provides financial assistance and a sliding fee schedule. Please complete this short two minute form to learn more about financial assistance. Our staff we be in contact with you within 3-5 business days once the form is received. 

What happens if there are school schedule changes from snow or strike days?

We recognize that these schedules are ever evolving.  We will adjust camp program dates and fees if needed and communicate any changes with you. Thanks for your patience and flexibility.

What can I expect this summer for field trips at this camp?

Each one of our locations has different options for enrichment activities like climbing walls, archery, GaGa Ball courts, and more. Campers will have access to these skill-building camp rotations with their small group. There may be limited field trips to local parks and beaches. 

Why are there different grades served at different locations?

In locations where we also have a Trek Camp for kids entering grades 5-6, we reduce the grades for Outdoor Day to entering 1 to 4. 

  • Auburn Valley Y | Grades 1-4 at Outdoor Day Camp, Grades 5-6 at Trek Camp
  • Camp Keller | Grades 1-6 at Outdoor Day Camp
  • Camp Terry | Grades 1-4 at Outdoor Day Camp, Grades 5-6 at Trek Camp
  • Cottage Lake Park  | Grades 1-6 at Outdoor Day Camp
  • Lincoln Park | Grades 1-4 at Outdoor Day Camp, Grades 5-6 at Trek Camp
  • Magnuson Park | Grades 1-6 at Outdoor Day Camp
  • Shoreview Park | Grades 1-4 at Outdoor Day Camp, Grades 5-6 at Trek Camp
Will there be bus transportation between Camp Terry and local YMCA facilities?

We are excited to share that we are able to offer transportation between the Coal Creek Family YMCA in Newcastle and Camp Terry in Preston. Registration for this option will open May 3. 

There is a window for drop-off and pick-up at the Coal Creek Family YMCA on either end of the bus route.   

  • In the morning, campers can be dropped off between 8:00 am and 8:15 am with the bus departing no later than 8:30 am.  If a camper misses the bus, the family will be responsible for transportation to Camp Terry in Preston that day. 
  • In the afternoon, campers will arrive back at the Coal Creek Family YMCA between 4:30 pm and 4:45 pm.  Campers must be picked up by 5:00 pm.

We are continuing to seek qualified bus drivers and may offer transportation to other local Y facilities in the future. 

What is your cancellation or change policy?

For cancellations, changes, or transfers, we require written notice via this form by end of day on Wednesday, 12 days prior to the start of the session week. For example, for camp starting on July 10, cancellations must be made by June 28.

Camp deposits are non-refundable and may not be transferred to account balances except for other camp programs. The Y reserves the right to charge a $25 fee for multiple registration changes. No refunds or credits will be given for absences, withdrawals, disciplinary suspensions, or removal of a camper.

Failure to complete requirements for attendance, including paperwork and payment, that result in days missed from camp will not be refunded or credited.

Who can I contact with registration questions?

Please email us at registration@seattleymca.org or call (206) 382-5022 and press 3. Our registration team is available between the hours of 7:00 am–5:00 pm, Monday–Friday.

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Great Summers Start at the Y

Join the Y

The Y is where families thrive, communities come together, and whole person health is achieved - for all. Join today and enjoy discounted members-only rates for day camp, swim lessons, and sports!

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