Day Camp image of kid running outside towards an orange cone
camphead

ADVENTURE CAMP PHILOSOPHY

At Adventure Camp, campers are encouraged to step beyond their comfort zone and into their growth zones. Through hands-on, outdoor games and activities, campers will learn to face challenges with perseverance and confidence, develop leadership skills, foster a

greater sense of curiosity and reinforce the YMCA’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Responsibility, and Respect.

Campers will explore survival skills, gain comfort in natural environments, and engage in peer teaching, all while fostering a “just ask” mindset. This approach empowers campers to shape their own experience, allowing curiosity and discovery to guide each week’s direction.

ADVENTURE CAMP INFORMATION SESSIONS

VIRTUAL:

Thursday March 5th from 12:00pm - 1:00pm

REGISTER HERE

IN PERSON (If unable to attend virtual):

May - Exact date/time TBD

Girl looking through a green magnifying glass
Adventure Camp Design:

YMCA Adventure Camp design is a 10-week summer program from June 8th through August 14th for campers ages 5 to 13. Campers will be grouped by age into three cohorts to ensure age-appropriate activities and experiences:

· Explorers (Ages 5-7)

· Voyagers (Ages 8-10)

· Expeditioners (Ages 11-13)

Each day begins with a morning meeting where all age groups come together for community building and daily kickoff. Campers then rotate through various learning and activity stations, take on group responsibilities (e.g., lunch prep, clean-up, and camp maintenance), build a sense of ownership and teamwork.

The day concludes with an all-camp closing circle, where we celebrate achievements, recognize individuals who exemplify YMCA values, and reflect on the day before dismissal.

ADVENTURE CAMP GENERAL SCHEDULE

STATION DESCRIPTIONS

ADVENTURE CAMP DETAILS

Location: West Cook YMCA | 255 S Marion St. Oak Park IL, 60302

Dates: June 8th – August 14th (No Program June 19th in honor of Juneteenth)

Ages: 5-13 years old

· Explorers (Ages 5-7)

· Voyagers (Ages 8-10)

· Expeditioners (Ages 11-13)

Day and Time: Monday – Friday from 9:00am – 4:00pm | Before Care: 7:00am – 9:00am | After Care: 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Y Member Cost/week: $250 | Non-Member Cost/Week: $325

Extended Care Cost/Week: $50 (includes before and after care needs)

Non-Refundable Deposit: $25 per camper/week due on January 31st 2026

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate drop-ins, but you can always register midway into the summer.

Yes! Each Tuesday in the summer the camp will participate in a field trip.

Yes, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, campers will get the chance to swim at the YMCA.

Yes, all campers will need to complete a swimming test so that Aquatics staff will know the camper’s swimming ability. They will receive a colored band after the test.

Green = good swimmer, can go in the deep end without a life jacket

Yellow = ok swimmer, cannot go in the deep end. Will not need a life jacket in the shallow end

Red = not a strong swimmer, will not be allowed in the deep end and will need a life jacket in the shallow end.

All campers will have the option to retake the swimming test at the beginning of the week, but not throughout the week.

You can bring your own non-inflatable Coast guard approved life jacket.

We ask that all personal belongings stay at home during Adventure Camp.

The YMCA will still be operational during camp time. Counselors will be supervising and monitoring campers at all times to ensure their safety.

Each camper will need to bring their own nut-free lunch each day to camp, a snack will be provided during the day by the YMCA

1:10, there will be at least two YMCA camp counselors per group

Our team will review the information you provide in the registration packet and determine if our staff can accommodate your camper’s needs.

Transportation to and from field trips and off-site program locations only is provided. There is no transportation for program drop off or pick up.

With our dedication to Child Safety, the West Cook YMCA will not allow campers to walk home alone after camp. Picture ID is required for pick up (age 18 or older) and must be on the authorized pick-up sheet for their camper.

All YMCA staff have up to date safety certifications. Any allergies should be noted on your camper’s registration form. These allergies will then be noted for YMCA counselors.

Any camper who requires medication, epi-pens, and inhalers will have medical disperse form that needs to be completed ahead of time, and all emergency allergy equipment will be housed with a YMCA staff member in our medical bag during the program day, and in a locked box outside of program hours.