Summer Camps

Whether you’re considering a traditional day camp or a specialty camp, summer at the Y is always filled with excitement, adventure, and most of all fun! Your child will become part of a community. Developing skills that build character and promote leadership as they make friends, and memories that will last a lifetime.

There are few experiences as unique and special as camp.

YMCA Camps are firmly based in our core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. At the Keene Family YMCA, we provide affordable, quality summer experiences for youth in grades 1-8.

There are few experiences as unique and special as camp. At camp, children become part of a community and form friendships as they learn how to be more independent and contribute to a group. Amidst all the fun of sports, crafts, outdoor adventures and more, children develop skills that build character and promote leadership.

Each year we publish a camp and parent guide to help families prepare for the summer. You’ll find this year’s Summer Camp Guide, and the 2024 Parent Handbook below.

Camp Registration

Registration for 2025 summer camps opens on February 1st. Registration is offered on a first-come-first-served basis. We highly recommend early registration, as space is limited.

At the time of registration, payment will be automatically scheduled to post to your account 14 days prior to the first day of camp. Please plan accordingly. If you have any questions about payments, please contact Kelly Fleuette at kfleuette@keene-ymca.org.

All camp registration is done online. If you are unable to complete your registration online from home, please contact our welcome center at 603.352.6002 to make an appointment with one of our camp directors. They would be happy to assist you!

Health Forms & Care Plans

Keene Family YMCA uses CampDoc, an electronic, web-based health record system. CampDoc helps us ensure the health and safety of our campers, and streamlines the registration process for our families.

Once you have completed your camp registration through the online registration portal, you will receive an email invitation to set up your camper(s) profile in CampDoc. For detailed instructions about how to set up your profile, watch CampDoc’s Accept Invite Video.

Please note: you can only click the ACCEPT INVITE link once before it expires. If you had trouble accepting your invitation the first time, you can right-click the ACCEPT INVITE button, then copy the link into your browser.

Because we are concerned about security and privacy, you must use the most updated version of the Chrome, Mozilla, Microsoft Edge, or Safari browsers to accept the invitation and use the app. If you need further information about supported browsers, please visit the Browser Requirements article on the CampDoc Support Site.

If you need help setting up your CampDoc profile or submitting your health forms, the CampDoc Support Team can be contacted at 734-619-8300, ext 2 or via email at support@campdoc.com.

You can also refer to their support page by clicking here.

Please Note:

Camp registrations are not complete until all required documentation has been submitted. In order to do this you must complete your CampDoc profile. The required forms include:

Health Assessment Record
Medication Form
(if applicable)
Allergy Action Plan
(if applicable)

All of the above will be available through CampDoc.

Your Child's Safety

Camper safety is our top priority. Our staff are highly trained and highly engaged in all aspects of Youth Development. All Y staff undergo reference and criminal background checks before being hired. Our counselors have competencies in team building, character development, conflict resolution, emergency procedures, and child abuse awareness and prevention.

Financial Assistance

At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to join and participate at the Y. As part of our mission as a non-profit the Y offers financial assistance through our Membership for All program, made possible through the generosity of donors to our Annual Campaign.

To apply, download the application here, or visit our Welcome Center. The Y’s Financial Assistance Representative will contact you within two weeks to discuss your application. All information will be kept confidential.

Changes to your registration

A $10 fee will automatically be charged to your account if, after registering, you require any alteration to your camp selections including but not limited to switching programs or weeks. No changes can be made after the Wednesday prior to the first day of camp.

Camp Information

NEW! Before care

Before Care will be offered from 7:30-9:00 am in the Multipurpose Room for campers from any Keene Family YMCA camp. When Before Care closes, the children will be brought to their respective camps.

2025 Before Care Pricing

Camp Wakonda: $15/week (Camp start time 8:00 am)
Specialty & Gymnastics Camps: $30/week (Camp start time 9:00 am)

Camp Wakonda

Camp Wakonda is a traditional day camp that offers a variety of weekly themes throughout the summer. Each day your camper will be engaged through active group games, STEM projects, creative arts and team-building exercises. Camp programming is intentional in its effort to build self-esteem and positive relationships amongst campers.

Campers will be grouped by grade, and together each group will engage in age-appropriate activities throughout the day. Groupings are subject to change to ensure the best possible experience for all campers.

Chickadees & Hummingbirds (Entering grades K-1)
Blue Jays, Robins & Purple Finches (Entering grades 2, 3 & 4)
Blackbirds (Entering grade 5)

At Camp Wakonda your camper will find their home away from home. Daily team huddles bring campers together to build trust, respect, and a sense of social responsibility. We weave the Y’s four core values of Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, and Caring into everything we do. Whether your child attends Camp Wakonda for one week, or all eight, each week will be a unique experience that creates memories and friendships to last a lifetime!

2025 Weekly Themes

Week 1 | June 23-June 27 | Y Olympics
We’ll be kicking off camp by challenging ourselves to try new games, activities, and more. During the Y Olympics, we will focus on our strengths by ourselves, and our strengths while working together.

Week 2 | June 30-July 3 | Backyard Palooza
Happy Fourth of July! As we celebrate the holiday, we will be breaking out our best backyard games, festive arts and crafts, and celebrating Independence Day!

Week 3 | July 7-11 | Ooey Gooey Mad Science
It’s time to get our gloves and googles on as we head into Ooey Gooey Mad Science week. This week we will spend each day exploring different science experiments, creating and talking about our hypothesis, and playing with our creations. Science is EVEWRYWHERE from the science “lab” to the big field!

Week 4 | July 14-18 | Wakonda Spirit
Join us as we conquer each day filled with Wakonda Spirit! Monday-Hat Day Tuesday-Counselor Look-a-like day Wednesday- Super Hero Day Thursday-Tie-dye day Friday-Funky Friday.

Week 5 | July 21-25 | Around the World
During week five we will soar through as many countries and cultures as we can, to learn about different places around the world!

Week 6 | July 28-August 1 | Under the Big Top
Step right up and join us week six for the Wakonda Circus with circus challenges, crafts, games and more!

Week 7 | August 4-8 | Superhero
Time to call in your favorite superhero! We will be channeling our inner superhero’s as we fly through week seven at camp Wakonda. This week we will practice our best superhero acts and dig deep into our talent boxes.

Week 8 | August 11-15 | Color Wars
During week eight we will celebrate friendships, teamwork, camp spirit, and community! The week ends with our famous Color Run on Friday 8/16 as we run around the block and celebrate eight awesome weeks at camp!

Week 9 | August 18-22 | Wacky Wakonda Mini Camp (Max 30 Campers)
Spend your last week of the summer with us at camp Wakonda as we blast through camp favorite activities. This week camp will be a bit smaller in size but just as big in camp spirit!

Gymnastics Camps

The Gymnastics Program at the Y offers three different camps, each with a different focus. There are options for those who are just beginning in the sport and for more experienced gymnasts interested in advancing their skills.

Gymnastics & More Camp
June 23-27 | 9:00 am-4:00 pm
July 21-25 | 9:00 am-4:00 pm
August 11-15 | 9:00 am-4:00 pm

Experience a little bit of everything the Y has to offer! Campers will play in the gymnastics area, enjoy water activities including the pool and sprinklers, and create arts & crafts with plenty of time spent outdoors as well.

Obstacle Challenges & More
June 30-July 3 | 9:00 am-4:00 pm
July 28-August 1 | 9:00 am-4:00 pm

Campers will challenge themselves to conquer timed obstacle courses and navigate through agility tracks while learning techniques like safety rolls and falls in our Gymnastics area. They will collaborate to design and build their own creative challenges, incorporating balance beams, tunnels, climbing elements, and problem-solving tasks. In addition to these activities, campers will enjoy water play in the pool and sprinkler, arts & crafts, reading, and outdoor time for a well-rounded, active experience.

Gymnastics Skills Camp
July 7-11 | 9:00 am-4:00 pm
August 4-8 | 9:00 am-4:00 pm

This camp is designed for seasoned gymnasts looking to improve their skill base in our gymnastics facility. Campers will have the chance to build their strength and flexibility while enjoying the company of other gymnasts. Campers will be grouped by skill level and will rotate through the events each day. We’ll also enjoy water activities including the pool
and sprinkler, reading, arts & crafts and outdoor time. At the end of each week, campers will perform their newly improved or developed skills for friends and family.

Adventure Camp

Adventure Camp is perfect for kids who love the outdoors! Campers will be out and about each week, experiencing and exploring local hiking trails, mountains, beaches and more. Each day, weather permitting, we will be outside, active and often offsite on an adventure! Field trips may include activities such as zip lining, tubing, and hiking. For each outing, campers will be transported by bus from the Y.

2025 Adventure Camps include:

Sports Camps

Sports Camps at the Y are led by counselors who play the sport themselves, and who have a passion for coaching kids. Campers will be immersed in sports each day and will have some swim time in the pool as well!

2025 Sports Camps include:

Soccer Camp
July 14-18 | 9:00 am-4:00 pm | Ages 5-8
July 21-25 | 9:00 am-4:00 pm | Ages 9-12

Perfect for players of all skill levels, this camp is designed to develop soccer fundamentals, improve athleticism, and foster a love for the game in a fun, supportive environment.

Lacrosse Mini Camp
June 30-July 3 | 9:00 am-12:30 pm | Ages 5-8
August 11-14 | 9:00 am-12:30 pm | Ages 9-12

Join us for an exciting and skill-packed half-day Lacrosse Camp designed for players of all experience levels! This camp provides a fun and supportive environment where young athletes can learn the fundamentals of lacrosse, develop their skills, and grow their love of the game.

Ninja Mini Camp
June 30-July 3 | 12:30-4:00 pm | Ages 5-8
August 11-14 | 12:30-4:00 pm | Ages 9-12

Unleash your inner ninja at our action-packed half-day Ninja Camp! This exciting camp is perfect for kids who love adventure, challenges, and high-energy fun. Designed to build strength, agility, and confidence, our Ninja Camp offers a unique blend of physical activities and teamwork exercises in a safe and supportive environment.

Mini Camp Combo Special!
We will have limited spots available for youth who would like to stay all day and attend both the Lacrosse and Ninja Mini Camps!

SpECIALTY CAMPS

Each of our Specialty Camps focuses on a different theme

2025 Specialty Camps include:

Teen Excursion Camp
June 30-July 3 | 9:00 am-4:00 pm | Grades 6-8

Every day is a new excursion to a new place or a past favorite! Campers can pick and choose what excursions they want to participate in. We encourage all campers to come daily with a bagged snack, lunch, water bottle, sunscreen, and whatever else they may need for the day and trip they pick! Prices will vary by day.

STEM Camp
July 14-18 | 9:00 am-1:00 pm | Grades 4-6

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. This camp is an educational program designed to provide campers with hands-on experience in these disciplines. STEM Camp offers a unique learning environment where campers can explore, experiment, and engage with various STEM concepts. Activities will include circuit building, working with solar energy, Lego building challenges, and building waterproof cardboard boats! This camp is focused solely on STEM and is intended for youth who enjoy just that!

Art Camp
August 4-8 | 9:00 am-1:00 pm | Grades 4-6

Campers will be given the opportunity to explore different arts and crafts mediums throughout the week. Some mediums campers will be working with are fluid art pours, resin art jewelry, infusible ink designs, sculpting with polymer clay, and more. This camp is focused on the arts and is intended for youth who enjoy just that!

Pride Camp
July 28-August 1 | 9:00 am-1:00 pm | Ages 11-18

At the Y we believe every camper is an individual and has the right and opportunity to be authentically themselves. We encourage youth to join us in a small camp setting with town trips, art projects, rock climbing, connection, and more.

Chill Skate Clinic
Date & time to be announced!

Ride. Inspire. Lead. We are partnering with the Chill Foundation again this summer to bring you this incredible positive youth development program. Chill inspires youth to overcome challenges through board sports – building resiliency through targeted lessons and challenging physical activities. All gear and services necessary to participate are included in the registration fee.

Counselors in Training (CIT)

The Counselors in Training program for youth in grades 6-8 develops participants into positive role models for younger campers through games and activities that CITs assist with planning for Camp Wakonda. CITs will participate in team building exercises, walking field trips, and volunteer work. At the conclusion of the program, CITs receive their Safe Sitter Certification, and upon request, a letter of recommendation that can be used for future employment applications.

CIT Program Dates: July 7-11 | 9:00 am-1:00 pm

Leaders in Training (LIT)

The Leaders in Training program for youth in grades 9-12 emphasizes the development of confidence, responsibility and leadership. Program staff will lead LITs in Teen Mental Health First Aid that teaches teens how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among their friends and peers. Program staff will also lead LITs in First Aid/CPR/AED training with videos, practice scenarios, and hands on practice with manikins.

At the conclusion of the program, LITs will receive their First Aid/CPR/AED Certifications, TMHFA Certificate, and a letter of recommendation that can be used for college or future employment applications.

LIT Program Dates: July 7-11 | 2:00-5:00 pm

Kinder Camp

Kinder Camp is designed to fill the gap between summer and the start of the school year for children entering kindergarten by providing a flexible transition. Kinder Camp will operate from 8:00 am-5:30 pm, with dates to follow once published by SAU29.

Vacation Camps

Vacation Camps at the Y offer families a flexible solution for school vacation weeks, holidays, workshops and early release days. Campers will be immersed in a wide range of activities designed to complement their educational journey. They’ll also have a chance to make new friends in a safe and supportive environment.

Registration is by the day, giving families the flexibility to send their child to camp for as many or as few days as is needed to fit their schedule.

This program serves youth in grades K-5.

Vacation Camp Prices

School-age Program Participants: $200/week
YMCA Members: $225/week
Guests: $280/week

Payment is due two weeks prior to the start of camp. If payment is not received by the due date, you will forfeit your spot. Deposits are non-refundable, and cannot be transferred to another day.

Financial assistance is available. Click here to learn more.

2025 summer Camp Registration is now open!

Tagged Youth Development