Find Your Passion
Do you have a special interest that you want to explore more? From all things LEGO® and super-sized science to making art and jump roping, we've partnered with local organizations to bring specialty half-day camps to your neighborhood.
Encourage campers to explore their interests and develop new skills in Specialty Camps for kids entering grades 2-5. Warning: side effects may include a huge boost in confidence and more fun than you can imagine.
Find Your Specialty
Specialty Camps give kids the chance to dive deep into an interest or try something new!
Amazing Art
Join Smart with Art to learn new artistic skills in these fun and exciting creative camps. Choose from three themes: All About Animals, ArtMania, and Out of this World.
Locations: Bellevue Family Y, Carol Edwards Center in Woodinville, Sammamish Community Y, and Snoqualmie Valley Y.
The Art of Jumping Rope
Learn to jump rope with the Ropeworks team! Try single-rope tricks and partner routines along with long rope and double-dutch jumping. Campers are challenged at their own skill level as they learn to build skills in a success-oriented environment. Build coordination, timing, foot speed, and endurance while having a blast creating a performance for friends and family.
Location: Fauntleroy Y in West Seattle
Climbing
This challenge and climbing camp takes adventure to the next level on the alpine climbing tower. Under the guidance of the expert YMCA Outdoor Leadership team, you will gain climbing skills and confidence in just a week.
Location: Auburn Valley Y
Crazy Chemworks
Create surprising concoctions, break molecules with ease, and shake up a flask full of fun with Mad Science. Use the tools, safety procedures, and laboratory techniques of real chemists as you investigate solids, liquids, and gases at the atomic level. Craft chemical combinations to create super sticky stuff and discover properties of light. Exploring the elements has never been so much fun!
Locations: Bellevue Family Y, Dale Turner Family Y in Shoreline, Matt Griffin Y in Seatac, and Sammamish Community Y
Hip Hop
Dive into the vibrant world of hip-hop dance, where rhythm meets expression! Unleash your creativity as you master the latest moves, grooves, and freestyle techniques guided by our experienced instructors at Expoie Dance. Join us for an electrifying experience where every step tells a story, and the dance floor becomes your canvas.
Locations: Carol Edwards Center in Woodinville, Dale Turner Family Y in Shoreline, Sammamish Community Y, and Snoqualmie Valley Y
LEGO® Engineering
Learn, explore, and experience STEM concepts with Young Engineers as you build various motorized LEGO® models. Learn how counterweights help an elevator operate, how centripetal forces make things spin, and more. There are over 90 robotic models to dive into!
Locations: Carol Edwards Center in Woodinville, Sammamish Community Y
LEGO® Robotics
Build incredible LEGO® robots with Robot U! From complex walking elephants with working trunks to alligators that bite softly, get ready to learn robotic engineering and programming. Build array robots from a huge selection of plans or create your own with the help of our knowledgeable instructors. Learning has never been so fun!
Locations: Bellevue Family Y, Carol Edwards Center in Woodinville, Dale Turner Family Y in Shoreline, Fauntleroy Y in West Seattle, Sammamish Community Y, and Snoqualmie Valley Y
LEGO® Space Engineering
Dive into advanced mechanical engineering with LEAP4Kidz™ using multiple models, types of motion, and challenges. This is a hands-on camp where you will build and design with LEGOs® and receive an introduction to gear ratio, cranks, and more using batteries and motors. The emphasis is on space vehicles and machines used in space exploration, including the centrifuge, International Space Station, Lunar Rover, robots, space shuttle, and more.
Locations: Carol Edwards Center in Woodinville, Sammamish Community Y
LEGO® STEM Exploration
Master your engineering skills with Play-Well TEKnologies and tens of thousands of LEGO® parts! Apply real-world concepts in physics, engineering, and architecture through engineer-designed projects. Join us to design and build as never before and explore your craziest ideas.
Locations: Bellevue Family Y, Fauntleroy Y in West Seattle, Matt Griffin Y in Seatac
STEAM Art
LEAP4Kidz™ offers an introduction to STEM using great works of art. Explore the structure in the world around us, create art in styles from throughout history, and learn art theory, history, and anthropology.
Locations: Carol Edwards Center in Woodinville, Dale Turner Family Y in Shoreline, and Sammamish Community Y
Find Your Specialty Camp
YMCA Day Camps are always nearby at local elementary schools, churches, and Y facilities. We offer a variety of Specialty Camps across King and south Snohomish counties.
Central Region
Fauntleroy Y
9140 California Ave SW, Seattle
The Art of Jump Rope
- August 12–16
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LEGO® Robotics
- August 5–9
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LEGO® STEM Exploration
- July 15–19
East Region
Bellevue Family Y
14230 Bel-Red Rd, Bellevue
Sammamish Community Y
831 228th Ave SE, Sammamish
Snoqualmie Valley Y
35018 SE Ridge St, Snoqualmie
Amazing Art
- July 22–26 at the Snoqualmie Valley Y - All About Animals
- July 29–August 2 at the Bellevue Family Y - Artmania
- August 12–16 at the Sammamish Community Y - All About Animals
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Crazy Chemworks
- July 15–19 at the Bellevue Family Y
- August 5–9 at the Sammamish Community Y
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Hip Hop
- July 8–12 at the Sammamish Community Y
- July 29–August 2 at the Snoqualmie Valley Y
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LEGO® Engineering
- August 19–23 at the Sammamish Community Y
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LEGO® Robotics
- July 8–12 at the Snoqualmie Valley Y
- July 15–19 at the Sammamish Community Y
- July 22–26 at the Bellevue Family Y
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LEGO® Space Engineering
- July 29–August 2 at the Sammamish Community Y
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LEGO® STEM Exploration
- July 8–12 at the Bellevue Family Y
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STEAM Art
- July 22–26 at the Sammamish Community Y
North Region
Carol Edwards Center
17401 133rd Ave NE, Woodinville
Dale Turner Family Y
19290 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline
Amazing Art
- August 5–9 at the Carol Edwards Center - Out of this World
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Crazy Chemworks
- July 22–26 at the Dale Turner Family Y
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Hip Hop
- July 15–19 at the Carol Edwards Center
- August 5–9 at Dale Turner Family Y
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LEGO® Engineering
- August 12–16 at the Carol Edwards Center
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LEGO® Robotics
- July 29–August 2 at the Carol Edwards Center
- August 19–23 at the Dale Turner Family Y
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LEGO® Space Engineering
- July 22–26 at the Carol Edwards Center
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STEAM Art
- July 8–12 at the Carol Edwards Center
- July 15–19 at the Dale Turner Family Y
South Region
Auburn Valley Y
1620 Perimeter Rd SW, Auburn
Matt Griffin Y
3595 S 188th St, SeaTac
Climbing
- August 5–9 at the Auburn Valley Y
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Crazy Chemworks
- July 8–12 at the Matt Griffin Y
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LEGO® STEM Exploration
- August 5–9 at the Matt Griffin Y
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Find the Info You Need to Know
Learn more about Specialty 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 Specialty Camp offered?
Specialty Camp runs Monday–Friday from 9:00 am–1:00 pm.
There is no Extended Camp available for Specialty Camp.
What are the themes for Smart with Art?
- All About Animals: Explore new art techniques, develop your artistic skills, work with a variety of art materials, and learn all about animals! From printmaking to watercolor painting, we will discover the beautiful art of animals as we create a new masterpiece every day.
- ArtMania: Create, create, and create some more! Explore a variety of materials and mediums while learning about artists and cultures in art history.
- Out of this World: 3…2…1… blast off! Explore the universe as we create art and learn about the planets and stars that fill our sky. Create your own alien sculpture, design your outer space works of art, and more. Beam me up for a fantastic time!
Is my child the right age for Specialty Camp?
If your child is entering grades 2-5 in the fall, then yes, they can be a Specialty Camp camper!
If your child turns seven after June 24 and you would like to sign them up, you will need to contact our registration team for an age override, as our system recognizes ages by the start of all summer programs on June 24 rather than specific weekly camp sessions. Please call (206) 382-5022 and press three for support.
How soon can I sign my camper up for Specialty Camp?
Registration for day camp will open in February as follows:
- February 1 at 6:00 am: 2023 Day Camp participants, current YMCA Before and After-School Enrichment participants, and current YMCA Early Education participants
- February 6 at 6:00 am: Facility Members of the YMCA of Greater Seattle
- February 13 at 6:00 am: Open to all, including interest list
Weekly camp registration closes on the Wednesday before the camp session at 5:00 pm. For example, for camp starting on July 8, registration would close on July 3 at 5:00 pm.
Does the Y offer financial assistance for Specialty 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 will contact you within 3-5 business days once the form is received.
What is the fee to participate in Specialty Camp?
Five-day weekly fees: $275 for Y members or $325 for Community members.
A deposit of $15 per week per camper is due upon registration. Payments will be drafted on the Saturday two weeks before each camp session. For example, for camp starting on July 8, payment will be drafted on June 30.
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 will contact you within 3-5 business days once the form is received.
What is your cancellation or change policy?
For cancellations, changes, or transfers, we require written notice via this form by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, 12 days prior to the start of the session week. For example, for camp starting on July 15, cancellations must be made by July 3.
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.
Weekly day camp fees will not be pro-rated, refunded, or credited for missed days of camp in a week.
Learn more about our Cancellation and Refund Policy.
Who can I contact with registration questions?
Please email us at registration@seattleymca.org or call (206) 382-5022 and press three. 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!
Overnight Camp
Camp Colman and Camp Orkila offer kids and teens the chance to explore their individuality, become a part of their own community, and enjoy outdoor experiences like archery, rock climbing, and s’mores over the campfire.
Teen Outdoor Expeditions
Boys & Girls Outdoor Leadership Development expeditions inspire youth ages 11 to 18 to be their most courageous and confident selves as they learn new skills, make lifelong friends, and run towards adventure.
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