Youth Camps

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Spring Camp

Summer Camp

Get your kids outside this summer! Sign up for a week of trying new things: hiking, group games, fishing, archery, canoeing, kayaking, crafts, Gaga ball, and much more! YMCA Summer Day Camp at Camp Pawnee is a great place for kids to explore, learn, and grow mentally, physically, and spiritually. You don’t want to miss this summer!

There is a daily option if you can’t make a full week of camp but still want to attend one or a few days during the week.

Sign up by April 8 for $10 off a week of camp!

Multiple child discount: Save $5 for your second child in the same week of camp. $10 for your third child in the same week of camp. Only applies to multiple campers in the same week of camp.

Drop off between 7:45-8:15am and pick up by 5:00pm unless otherwise noted.

Chipmunk Camp (Ages 4–5 and must be 4 by June 28, 2022) HALF-DAY CAMP | Mornings Only: 8 AM–Noon
Introductory camp experience for younger campers. Campers will get to experience fun camp activities at Camp Pawnee.
Dates: July 6-8, 2022
Cost: Member – $60 (week), $20 (day)
Non-Member – $80 (week); $25 (day)

Deer Camp (ages 6-11, Must be 6 by June 7, 2022)
All-day camp experiences at Camp Pawnee and swimming at the Y!
Dates: June 6-10; June 27-July 1; July 11-15; July 18-22; August 1-5 (Horses), 2022
Cost: Member – $150 (week), $35 (day), $175 (Horses week), $45 (Horses day)
Non-Member – $180 (week), $45 (day), $205 (Horses week), $55 (Horses day)

Adventure Camp (Ages 8–12)
Traditional camp meets out of camp adventure! Campers will go to Camp Pawnee Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Tuesday’s adventure is to the Platte River and Wildlife Safari and Thurday’s is to Island Oasis.
Dates: June 20-24, 2022
Cost: Member – $200 (week), $55 (T/Th), $35 (M/W/F)
Non-Member – $230 (week), $65 (T/Th), $45 (M/W/F)

Sports Camp (Ages 8–12)
Camp starts Monday with a trip to Werner park for an Omaha Storm Chasers game. The other four days will be spent playing a variety of sports/games including basketball, volleyball, spikeball, bowling, frisbee golf, pickleball, gaga ball, and more!
Dates: July 25-28, 2022
Cost: Member – $130 (week), $20 (trip only)
Non-Member – $160 (week), $40 (trip only)

How do I register?

You have two options! Register online at columbusy.org by clicking “Online Registration” in the bar at the top of the page or come register at the front desk at the YMCA.

Is there financial aid available?

Yes. Please contact the YMCA for more information if you would like to request financial assistance.

Who will be taking care of my child?

Camp counselors are 16 or older. They are selected for their willingness to work with children and experience a pre-camp orientation period prior to the first week of camp. Character references and background checks are conducted on all camp staff. The overall day camp program is supervised by a YMCA professional director. All of our staff are First Aid and CPR certified. Camper groups will be up to 10 campers for each staff member except for our Chipmunk camps, which will have camper groups of 8.

What will my child do all day?

All campers will be assigned to a specific camper group and camp staff member. They will meet with their group each morning for games at the Y before riding the bus with all of the campers to Camp Pawnee. At camp, we will have a chapel service, then various activities throughout the day including games, archery, canoeing, hiking, and more. In the mid-afternoon campers will ride the bus back to the Y where they will have time to swim.

Where and when do I pick up and drop off my child?

All pick-up and drop-off is at the Columbus Family YMCA in the youth gym. Please accompany your campers and check in with camp staff. Campers will not be released unless an adult on their authorized pick-up list is there to pick them up. Drop-off is between 7:45 and 8:15am. The bus will leave no later than 8:30am each day. Pick-up is between 4:30 and 5:00pm for Deer campers and 11:45-12:00pm for Chipmunk campers.

Does this camp have a religious affiliation?

The Columbus Family YMCA’s mission is “To put Christian Principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.” Because of this mission, we are a faith-based day camp and will reinforce Christian values and teaching during daily chapel time and opening and closing each day. We seek to be examples of God’s love toward our campers and camp families. We are open to all campers regardless of religious affiliation.

What if my child is not a good swimmer?

Every camper who wants to swim will take a swim test on their first day of camp! Their results will determine how deep of water they can swim in. If your child does not want to swim, we will have camp staff leading other games and activities. Chipmunk campers will not have time in their day to swim at the Y.

What does my child need to bring?
  • BRING:
    • Tennis shoes that can get dirty or sandals with a back strap (no flip-flops, tennis shoes are preferred)
    • Daypack to hold items
    • Water bottle
    • Wear clothes that can get dirty
    • Sunscreen and bug spray
    • Non-perishable lunch (we will not have refrigeration or microwaves so please plan accordingly)
    • Swimsuit and towel
    • Book or journal for quiet time
    • Rain jacket
  • DON’T BRING
    • Electronics, including cell phones
    • Weapons
    • Valuable items or money
    • Clothes or shoes that cannot get dirty
What if I need to get a hold of my child while they are at camp?

We encourage campers to have independent experiences while at camp. If you have an emergency and need to communicate with your camper, please call the YMCA at 402-564-9477 and they will contact camp staff to relay a message.

What will the campers due if there is severe weather or another emergency?

Camp staff are trained in emergency protocols for severe thunderstorms, tornado warnings, and other possible emergencies.

Parent Brochure

Winter Camp

This camp is for ages 6-12. Kids can join in many activities such as field trips, swimming, gym, activities, and guest speakers. Kids can arrive as early as 7:30am and leave no later then 5:30pm. They will need to bring their own lunch. You can sign up for a specific day or all 4 days.

Cost:
Member: $30 per day, $100 week
Non-member: $40 per day, $125 week

When: TBD

Ages: 6-12 years old