Find Your Passion
Does your kiddo have a special interest they want to explore more? From all things LEGO® and super-sized science to making magic and jump roping, we've partnered with local organizations to bring specialty half-day camps to your neighborhood.
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 for three different themes including learning to design comic strips, discovering printmaking, and exploring a variety of art techniques and materials with a focus on animals. Learn new artistic skills in these fun and exciting creative camps.
Locations: Central Washington University Campus in Sammamish, Coal Creek Family Y in Newcastle, Northshore Y in Bothell, and Snoqualmie Valley Y
The Art of Jump 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: West Seattle Family 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: Auburn Valley Y, Central Washington University Campus in Sammamish, Coal Creek Family Y in Newcastle, Dale Turner Family Y in Shoreline, and Matt Griffin Y in Seatac
LEGO® Engineering
This hands-on LEGO® mechanical engineering camp from LEAP4Kidz™ offers an integrated STEM curriculum that includes history, language arts, and team decision-making. Using LEGO® bricks and motors, we will build and design working machines and get introduced to levers, gears, and pulleys using batteries and motors while learning the principles of physics, engineering, invention, and innovation.
Locations: Central Washington University Campus in Sammamish, Coal Creek Family Y in Newcastle, and Matt Griffin Y in SeaTac
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: Auburn Valley Y, Central Washington University Campus in Sammamish, Dale Turner Family Y in Shoreline, and Northshore Y in Bothell
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: Coal Creek Family Y in Newcastle, Matt Griffin Y in Seatac, and West Seattle Family Y
Magic Camp
In this spectacular Magic Camp with Sterling Dietz, get ready to make things appear, vanish, switch places, and levitate! Learn at least five new and exciting magic tricks every day that will blow friends and family members away.
Locations: Central Washington University Campus in Sammamish and Dale Turner Family Y in Shoreline
Motorized STEM LEGO®
Learn, explore, and experience STEM concepts with Young Engineers as you build a variety of motorized LEGO® models. Learn how counterweights help an elevator operate, how centripetal forces make things spin, and so much more. There are over 90 robotic models to dive into!
Locations: Central Washington University Campus in Sammamish, Northshore Y in Bothell, and Snoqualmie Valley Y
Find Your Specialty Camp
Y Day Camps are always nearby at your local elementary schools, churches, and Y facilities. We offer a variety of Specialty Camps across King and south Snohomish counties. Find yours below.
Central Region
West Seattle Family Y
Address: 3622 SW Snoqualmie St, Seattle
The Art of Jump Rope
- July 31-August 4 at the West Seattle Family Y
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LEGO® STEM Exploration
- July 17-21 at the West Seattle Family Y
East Region
Central Washington University (CWU) Sammamish Campus
Address: 120 228th Ave NE, Sammamish
Coal Creek Family Y
Address: 13750 Newcastle Golf Club Rd, Newcastle
Snoqualmie Valley Y
Address: 35018 SE Ridge St, Snoqualmie
Amazing Art
- July 17-21 at the Snoqualmie Valley Y (Printmaking)
- August 14-18 at the CWU Sammamish Campus (Animal Art)
- August 21-25 at the Coal Creek Family Y (Cartooning)
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Crazy Chemworks
- July 10-14 at the Coal Creek Family Y
- July 31-August 4 at the CWU Sammamish Campus
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LEGO® Engineering
- July 17-21 at the CWU Sammamish Campus
- July 31-August 4 at the Coal Creek Family Y
- August 21-25 at the CWU Sammamish Campus
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LEGO® Robotics
- July 24-28 at the CWU Sammamish Campus
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LEGO® STEM Exploration
- June 26-30 at the Coal Creek Family Y
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Magic Camp
- July 10-14 at the CWU Sammamish Campus
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Motorized STEM LEGO®
- July 31-August 4 at the Snoqualmie Valley Y
- August 7-11 at the CWU Sammamish Campus
North Region
Dale Turner Family Y
Address: 19290 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline
Northshore Y
Address: 11811 NE 195th St, Bothell
Amazing Art
- July 10-14 at the Northshore Y (Animal Art)
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Crazy Chemworks
- August 21-25 at the Dale Turner Family Y
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LEGO® Robotics
- July 24-28 at the Northshore Y *
- July 31-August 4 at the Dale Turner Family Y
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Magic Camp
- July 17-21 at the Dale Turner Family Y
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Motorized STEM LEGO®
- August 14-18 at the Northshore Y *
* This program is currently full with the waiting list open.
South Region
Auburn Valley Y
Address: 1620 Perimeter Rd SW, Auburn
Matt Griffin Y
Address: 3595 S 188th St, SeaTac
Crazy Chemworks
- July 24-28 at the Auburn Valley Y
- August 14-18 at the Matt Griffin Y
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LEGO® Engineering
- July 10-14 at the Matt Griffin Y
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LEGO® Robotics
- August 7-11 at the Auburn Valley Y
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LEGO® STEM Exploration
- August 7-11 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.
Is my kiddo 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 age 7 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 Specialty 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 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 we be in contact with you within 3-5 business days once the form is received.
What is the fee to participate in Specialty Camp?
Five-day weekly fees: $250 for Y members or $300 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 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!
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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