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Mankato Family YMCA Overnight Camp

LEARN. PLAY. GROW.

At YMCA Summer Camp, every day is a new adventure filled with laughter, learning, and lifelong memories! Our campers don’t just pass the time- they discover who they are, build lasting friendships, and explore a world of exciting possibilities in a safe, supportive, and fun-filled environment.

From hands-on art and STEM projects to music, literacy, and nature exploration, every activity is designed to spark creativity, boost confidence, and uncover talents. Campers will dive into swimming play sports, and take part in weekly field trips and unforgettable theme days that make each week feel brand new.

No two weeks are the same with endless opportunities to grow, connect, and have a summer like no other! Whether it’s your camper’s first summer or their favorite tradition, YMCA Camp is the place where kids shine, stories begin, and memories are made to last a lifetime.

98%

of families recommend our program to others.

What are others saying?

  • “I am so impressed how the staff and team can stay organized all while helping every single kid be their best self! I am utterly impressed.”
  • “As we walk up to the sign in table each morning, the staff calls my daughter by name. They know her likes and who she’s friends with. They know her and don’t have to even look to see who she is; they just know. She gives many hugs every day and looks forward to see them after the weekend.”
  • “Camp means so much to our family as we rely on them to make sure our daughter is having a fantastic summer while we have to continue to work. They plan everything and make sure our child is having the time of her life, while keeping her safe. We know she is in good hands and we appreciate everything the YMCA does to make sure that our daughter has the most enjoyable summer. We always look forward to hearing all the exciting things about camp from our daughter when she gets home!”
  • “Our daughter has had nothing but positive experiences at the YMCA camps. She always comes home with exciting stories to share and is always thrilled to go to camp! We are always comfortable leaving her with the faculty there.”
  • “It quite simply helps us function in the summer. Our family would be in trouble without this safe, fun, engaging, educational place for our kids to go in the summer. They are tired every day after a fun active day outside, which is so important – not just sitting around in front of a screen. This program is so essential for us!! It just has met our needs so well every year.”
  • “All the staff are quite amazing. I am so happy how happy my daughter is. She never once woke up and didn’t want to go. When I picked her up she was never wanting to go. Seriously cannot put into words how amazing this camp is especially for double working families. Thank you!!!!!!”
  • “We chose the YMCA for summer camp because of all of the activities available such as swimming and the variety from week to week. We wanted our child to remain actively engaged and the Y was a good fit for that.”
  • “I greatly appreciate the communication. Remind is easy. I really appreciate the Sunday night plans and the reminders throughout the week.”
  • “We are continuously impressed with the organization and care of summer camp! The program is run with excellent communication, my child loves the fantastic weekly field trips to places we wouldn’t normally go and most importantly I have peace of mind knowing she is safe and loved and my child looks forward to going to camp every day.
  • Our daughter got to work on teamwork through every camp she attended at the Y. They built teams every Monday and had a team name. This helped them build teamwork skills, leadership, sportsmanship, and how to be a good friend. It really helped my daughter break out of her shell as she is a little shy. She definitely opened up a lot after attending the Y camps!”
  • “Beloved. By all of our family. My kids have favorite counselors and anxiously follow announcements to see who will be back. They know so many by name and love seeing them back. The counselors look after my kids like they are their own family, and I love to see them joke back and forth through the summer. They are genius at organizing fun for our kids. All staff are incredibly responsive to concerns on the rare occasions that these come up. Communication is fantastic using the Remind app. If there are bus delays, we know about it right away. This program is phenomenal.”
Camp’s Purpose: The purpose of the Mankato Family YMCA Summer Camp program is to create a safe, fun, and inclusive environment where every child has the opportunity to develop and feel valued.

 

  1. Promote a sense of self-confidence, self-efficacy, and independence.
  2. Build positive relationships with peers and other adults.
  3. Provide a variety of activities that develop skills in the fields of arts, STEM, and games.
  4. Teach character development using the core values; caring, honesty, responsibility, respect and faith.

 

  • Caring- Show sincere concern for others
  • Honesty-Be truthful in what you say and do
  • Responsibility- Be accountable for your promises and actions
  • Respect-Treat others as we’d all like to be treated
  • Faith- Deep trust and confidence in someone or something

BUILD YOUR OWN SUMMER EXPERIENCE

Our summer programs are fully customizable, giving families the flexibility to pick and choose the weeks that work best and the type of camp your child wants to attend each week. Mix and match Adventures, Explorers, Voyagers, Sports, and more to create a summer that’s perfect for your child’s interests and schedule. With endless combinations, you can design the ultimate summer experience filled with fun, learning, and unforgettable memories!

PACKING LIST

We encourage all camper items to be labeled with a first and last name!

The Mankato Family YMCA Summer

Camp Program does not provide sunscreen or bug spray for campers.

  • Backpack/Bag
  • Filled Water bottle
  • Sunscreen & Bug Spray
  • Swim suit & Towel
  • Sweatshirt/Rain Coat

CAMP IS FOR EVERYONE

We believe that every family should experience the power of Summer Camp. Financial assistance is available to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in our programs and services. We are committed to making our offerings accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances. Our financial assistance decisions are made by a team of staff who thoughtfully review each application and collaborate to award support in a fair and consistent way. If you or your family need assistance, it can be requested during the registration process or by contacting our Director of Youth Development.

OUR CAMP

Adventurers Ages 3-5

YMCA Adventurers Camp is the perfect place for our youngest campers to explore, play, and grow! Each week is packed with fun, theme-based activities including games, art, music, and stories, along with swimming, outdoor play, snacks, and so much more excitement. Our staff create a safe and nurturing environment where little ones can discover new skills, make friends, and have a wonderful time.

Full and half-day options are available to fit your family’s schedule.

Discoverers Entering Kindergarten

At Discoverers Camp, every day is an adventure filled with exploration, creativity, and discovery! Campers dive into a variety of engaging, age-appropriate activities designed to spark curiosity and build confidence. With new weekly themes, children are encouraged to try new things, strengthen friendships, and grow in their character while developing the values of Caring, Honesty, Responsibility, Respect, & Faith. Most importantly, they’ll discover that learning can be fun and rewarding!

Explorers Grades 1-3

Explorers Camp is a high-energy, action-packed program where adventure meets learning! Each week’s theme immerses campers in exciting hands-on experiences—from STEM experiments and creative crafts to outdoor exploration, team challenges, field trips, and swimming. Every activity is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and encourage campers to try new things, make friends, and create memories that last long after camp ends.

Voyagers Grades 4-5

Voyagers Camp is all about adventure, learning, and fun! Campers will dive into exciting activities like team challenges, games, hands-on projects, and outdoor adventures that keep every day full of energy. They’ll try new things, build confidence, make lasting friendships, and discover what they’re capable of—all while having an amazing time and creating memories that last long after camp ends.

Pathfinders Grades 6-8

Pathfinder Camp is designed for young adults ready to grow, challenge themselves, and take on new experiences. Our counselors lead intentional, hands-on activities that teach important life skills and encourage personal growth. Campers enjoy a supportive, safe environment where they can be themselves, form meaningful friendships, and learn from both successes and setbacks in group challenges and social experiences. Camp is a place to gain confidence, practice teamwork, and create memories that prepare them for next chapter in their life.

Sports Grades 2-5

Sports Camp is all about taking your game to the next level! Campers follow a progressive curriculum that builds technical skills, game strategies, and sports knowledge while learning important life lessons like teamwork, respect, and responsibility. With drills, scrimmages, and exciting challenges every day, campers of all levels can improve their abilities, compete with confidence, and have a blast doing it.

Chesley Camp Grades 1-8

One full week of skateboarding! Improve your skills and learn more, meet new friends and have fun! Please note: Bring your own lunch Monday – Friday.
Refrigeration and microwave available for bagged lunches.
Extended Care will be offered from 1:00pm – 2:00pm for $3. If you wish to stay at the Park past 2pm, you will need to pay the admission fee.

“I appreciate that they incorporate so many activities for the kids during the summer. The kids are always going on fun field trips and exploring new things. There is always something new and exciting for the kids to look forward to throughout each week!”

“Our child became much more independent after going to camp at the Y which was very helpful for when he began Kindergarten. In preschool, he would be scared to leave us but at the Y he would just run in to go play. The environment was welcoming and active and a great place for a child to get all their wiggles out.”

“This program is just excellent – year after year! The counselors know my children by name, and are beloved by my kids. There’s variety and fun, and it meets our needs perfectly every year.”

“The daily schedule was great! He loved knowing what was going to happen the next day and always got excited about swim days and field trips.”

“This program isn’t static – it changes to meet needs, to innovate and evolve, and add more fun. It gets better every year – the start and end times, the activities, the field trip days for the kids to be excited about, the return of familiar counselors that kids know and love, and the phenomenal communication (Remind app). I love that the counselors know my kids by name and really to get to know them over the summer.”

91%

of campers feel safe & supported at camp

FAQs

Payment & Registration

  • Member: February 16
  • Non Member: March 2

Registration opens at 8:00am on the dates listed above. Registration occurs online through your YMCA account. A $25 non-refundable deposit per camp session is required to reserve camper’s spot(s). Each deposit is applied to the final camp balance.

A non-refundable & nontransferable deposit of $25 is required for each week your camper plans to attend. The deposit is deducted from the overall weekly fee and secures your spot unless the remaining balance is not received by the 15th of the month prior to attending.

Camp payments are due in full by the 15th of the month prior to the camp beginning. If a camp week extends into two months, the balance is collected according to when the camp began.

    • June Camps: Due May 15th
    • July Camps: Due June 15th

August Camps: Due July 15th

Yes, click the “Register” icon at the top of the website homepage. Click “log in / register online”. On the left side you will see “My Programs and Balances”.

We do offer financial assistance. Applications open the first Monday in February each year. Those in need must apply once each camp season. If you receive assistance for your YMCA membership, you must still apply for summer camp assistance. Our funding is different from the membership department and varies from year to year. To apply, download the application below, fill in the appropriate information, and email it to our Director of Youth Development, Dustin ([email protected]). Once received, the application is reviewed by our team and a decision is made within 5-10 business days. Award letters are emailed to the email listed on the application. If you have questions, contact our Director of Youth Development, Dustin at [email protected]

Those who wish to withdraw their registration for a camp must do so no later than two (2) full weeks before the camp is scheduled to start. No refunds will be given after the two (2) week policy prior to the start of camp.  The $25 deposit used to register per session is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Membership withdrawal notice: If you are registered for a program and you cancel your membership, you will be billed for the nonmember rate of the program.

Planning For Camp

Our counselors undergo an extensive interview process and a background check before being carefully selected to be apart of the camp team. Counselors are trained in CPR, First Aid, child abuse prevention, bloodborne pathogens, emergency procedures, water safety, and our camp curriculum including songs and games that incorporate values and education.

Please label all your campers’ items with their first and last name.

  • Filled Water Bottle
  • Sunscreen (not provided)
  • Bug Spray (not provided)
  • Backpack
  • Tennis Shoes
  • Swimsuit & Towel
  • Cold Lunch

  • Electronic Devices (Phones, Smart Watches, Tablets, etc.)
  • Toys/Trading Cards
  • Drugs, Tobacco, Vapes
  • Weapons
  • Alcohol
  • Money
  • Inappropriate Clothing

If these items are found, these items will be confiscated and given back at the end of the camp day.

Campers/families are responsible for packing a cold lunch every day for camp. We encourage well balanced and healthy meals to ensure campers have enough nutrition to get through the day. Campers will not have access to a refrigerator or microwave. The YMCA will provide an afternoon snack to all campers. Campers will have the option of two different options each day. They may have both or one or the other for snack. The major food allergies are accounted for and can be accommodated.

If your camper has food allergies, note them on the camper’s health form. We work as diligently as possible to ensure all needs are met. The YMCA will provide snack options to accommodate the major food allergies such as gluten, diary, and fish. Contact the Director of Youth Development with concerns.

The Mankato Family YMCA Summer Camp program uses best-practices for our readiness standards. Campers should be developing social-emotional learning skills through self-management, social awareness, relationship building, self-awareness, and responsible decision making. YMCA school-age child care programs are not designed for one-on-one care. Therefore, evaluate if the program is appropriate for your camper.

  • Camper can model independence (transition to and from locations, ability to dress, eat, and maintain hygiene independently).
  • Camper demonstrates the ability to regulate emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
  • Camper can express and recognize their emotions and thoughts.
  • Camper exhibits the ability to empathize and respect others including those of diverse backgrounds.
  • Camper displays the ability to establish and maintain healthy relationships. This includes effective communication, listening, cooperation, and resisting inappropriate actions.
  • Camper shows the ability to make safe, healthy, and respectful choices for themselves and others.
Campers to wear whatever they are most comfortable in. However, we do play outside, get dirty, and are busy! Therefore, we encourage campers to wear tennis shoes, and active clothes! Although campers have a designated swim day as to when they should bring their swim suit, it is never a bad idea to bring one every day as we do sometimes surprise water activities.

Camp Communications

We utilize a variety of platforms to keep people informed throughout the camp season. A welcome email is sent out the Friday BEFORE your camp session. This email consists of the parent handbook, key reminders, and the REMIND codes needed for further communication. From there, we use a free texting service called REMIND. This is our primary platform of communication. On the Sunday before your camp session, you will receive a weekly snapshot that gives an overview of our week (activities, field trip, etc.). Then, throughout the week, reminders about swim days, field trips, and other information is sent via REMIND. We also utilize REMIND to communicate behavior issues, minor injuries, and other updates about campers. This information goes directly to the parent/guardian. Lastly, we have a Youth Facebook page called Mankato Family YMCA Youth (@YMCAMankatoYouth) and a Youth Instagram account (@mankatoymcayouth) for promotional purposes. Make sure to check out our social media platforms for photos of your camper!

 

Once you register for camp, an email confirmation will be sent to you. Within that email, there will be a list of the REMIND codes. You will text the code to whatever camp you registered for to the number 81010. If you have the REMIND app, you will click on the 3 lines in the upper left hand corner, click on “Add a class”, and type in the class code that was sent in the confirmation email.

If you registered for multiple different camps (such as Explorers and Sports Camp) you will need to text both codes in order the updates for each individual camp.

Our confirmation and welcome emails are sent out using the same platform as other YMCA emails such as newsletter, updates, etc. If you have opted out of that communication, you have also opted out of getting the confirmation and welcome email. To opt back in,

    1. Login to their Online Account and go to the Dashboard
    2. In the top left-hand corner, there is a box with their picture and information.
    3. Inside that box is an ‘Edit Profile’ button and next to that a Settings button with the picture of a gear.
    4. Click the Settings button and select ‘Email Settings’
    5. A window will pop up that says “We will send you an email where you can edit your preferences. Click the button that says ‘Send Email’
    6. You will get an email where they can update what type of emails they want to receive from the Y.

 We encourage you to communicate with us via REMIND. The communication you send, only goes to the leadership team. The leadership teams are the staff who are hands on with the kids every day. They should be able to address any concerns you might have. However, if you feel as if you are not getting an answer or the information you need, please do not hesitate to email the Director of Youth Development.

At Camp

If your camper is going to be absent from camp on any given day, please communicate with camp staff via REMIND. Our policy states, if campers arrive late to the YMCA (after 8:30am),and the camp in which the camper is registered for has already departed, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to get their camper to the location of the camp. If a camper needs to be picked up prior to end of day (before 4:30pm), it is the responsibility of the parent/ guardian to meet the camper at the location in which their camp resides. The program does not contact parents if a child was never dropped off to us.

Yes! The Summer Camp program’s Lost & Found is located right inside Door A. This is where we will place items if we know it was found within the camp program. If the item you are looking for is not found there, you can ask the YMCA Front Desk to access the main YMCA lost & found. To minimize the chance of misplaced clothing and other items, please label all clothing and other property clearly. We are not responsible for lost or missing items.

The Mankato Family YMCA Summer Camp program follows the Minnesota Department of Health’s guidelines and recommends campers be excluded from activities when not feeling well. If a Camper becomes sick while in our care, the camper will be isolated and supervised to prevent the spread of illness. Parents/Guardians will be contacted and will be required to pick up within 30 minutes. Campers must be away from camp for a minimum of 24 hours if sickness came on while at camp or at home.

In cases of communicable diseases such as chicken pox, lice, impetigo, and strep, we will notify other parents in writing the same day, so they may be alerted of the incubation period and symptoms.  Please notify us if your camper has contracted or been exposed to any of the above illnesses or diseases. We must all do our part to minimize the spread of any type of illness. Moderate injuries will also be communicated to the parent once proper first aid has taken place. In the case of a severe injury needing professional medical attention, the parent or guardian will be contacted immediately. For more information relating to illness or injuries, please see our parent handbook.

At the first sign of inclement weather during our outdoor activities, campers will be brought indoors or to the nearest shelter until further instructions. We do our best to continue regularly scheduled camp activities. However, this is not always possible. On rain days, we might have to adjust activities, locations, and timing. We appreciate parent understanding as we make the best of weather situations. The Camp Administration will send out communication if there is an emergency.

Visiting your camper is not recommended during the camp day as it often disrupts the flow of not only your camper but other campers as well. If you feel a visit is necessary, contact the Director of Youth Development to discuss.

Parents/Guardians are expected to park their vehicle and check in or check out campers from camp staff at Door A between the hours of 7:30-8:30am and 4:30-5:30pm. If campers are arriving late to the YMCA and the camp in which the camper is registered for has already departed, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to get their camper to the location of the camp. If a camper needs to be picked up prior to the dismissal time, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to meet the camper at the location in which their camp resides. A photo ID is required to pick up your camper. Campers will not be released to someone other than the parent/guardian. If someone other than the parent/guardian plans on picking up camper, that person must be listed on the camper’s registration or have written authorization provided from the parent/guardian to the camp after registration.

If your camper brings medications to camp including over the counter medications, we require it to be turned into the check in staff upon check in. The check in person will get the medication to the campers lead staff. We ask that clear and concise directions are written out. Do not pack medications into the camper’s luggage or backpack.

 

  • The goal of the Mankato Family YMCA Summer Camp program is to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for its campers and staff. The YMCA teaches the core values of caring, honesty, responsibility, respect, and faith. The campers who attend the program are expected to follow the behavior guidelines and to interact appropriately in a group setting. Behavior considered inappropriate at the YMCA are listed below.
    • Forms of aggression such as hitting, kicking, pushing, biting, choking, throwing objects, verbal threats, disrespectful language, inappropriate gestures, inappropriate touching, sexualized behavior, etc.
    • Behavior that intentionally causes destruction to YMCA or fellow participant/staff property.
      • Graffiti, malicious destruction of property, intentional misuse of equipment, etc.
      • Parent/Guardians are financially responsible for any damages caused from destruction
    • Behavior that results in a consistent disruption to the YMCA Summer Camp environment
      • Leaving the program area/building without permission, refusal to follow directions, inability to stay on schedule or transition to and from activity.
    • Any additional behavior that does not align with the Mankato Family YMCA Core Values
      • Caring, Honesty, Responsibility, Respect, & Faith

 

  • All behavior issues are documented. If behavior occurs, the following steps are followed:
    • Staff redirect the camper to more appropriate behaviors and are reminded of guidelines and rules
    • If behavior continues, parents will be notified and informed of behavior and redirecting instructions given, and how behavior is affecting the camp program.
    • If behavior continues, a meeting will be scheduled to discuss the campers behavior and expectations to move forward
    • If behavior continues, camper will be suspended or dismissed from YMCA Summer Camp.

Although the above steps may be implemented in sequential order, YMCA administrative staff retains the right to take immediate action if the child’s behavior poses a threat to their own safety or the safety of other children/staff. No refund of any amount will be given if a camper is dismissed due to behavioral issues.

Summer Camp is filled with active play, creativity, and team work! Most camps are compiled of arts & crafts, games, physical movement, STEM, social-emotional learning, and character development. Campers will also experience problem solving, activities that can only happen at Camp. Activities are designed to be age-appropriate and engaging for campers of different interest and to expose them to new ideas and concepts!

Summer Camp participants will get at least one if not more opportunities to swim within their camp session. Each designated camp is assigned a day in which they will be swimming. Swimming occurs in the afternoon of their assigned day. All campers are encouraged to participant as there is no other activities offered during this time. Each year, campers must undergo a swim test to ensure the pool is a safe space for all. Campers will be divided into swimming abilities: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Every participant gets one attempt per camp session. Campers may retry the swim test the next camp session they attend. Campers are not required to take the swim test but will then be required to swim in the zero-depth swim area. Discoverers Campers do not swim test and are required to stay in the zero-depth area. Campers often grow in their swimming abilities if they participant in swimming throughout the summer.

 

Field Trip Day is Thursday for most camps! This opportunity is often a highlight the week for campers and staff. Field trips include museums, amusement parks, theatres, water parks, and more! The cost of the field trip is already built into the over all cost of camp. No additional money should be sent with campers for gift shops, concessions, etc. Campers are expected to wear their field trip on field trip day. Field Trip shirts are given out before camp begins on T-shirt Pick Up Days. If you do not pick your shirt up prior to camp, campers will receive their shirt on Wednesday night of their first camp week with us at Check Out. If you would like to purchase another field trip shirt for $10, please contact the Director of Youth Development.

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