Empowering Future Leaders
The Community Development YMCA is a unique "Y without walls." We partner with schools, community organizations, and fellow YMCA branches to bring impactful programming directly to where it's needed most.
Our summer camps are designed specifically for teens (ages 11-14) to foster civic engagement, STEM skills, and global leadership.
📍 Important Note on Locations:
Because we partner with facilities across the region, our camps are hosted at different YMCA branches. Please check the specific location listed in the title of each camp below to ensure it works for your family's travel needs.
2026 Camp Sessions
🤖 ROBOTICS: Underwater Robotics (at the O'Fallon Illinois Y)
Location: O'Fallon Illinois YMCA
Calling all future engineers! This camp is an engaging experience that fosters curiosity and exploration. Throughout the week, participants will build and fly their own underwater robot. Campers will learn about real-world jobs involving Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and operate different varieties of underwater tech.
Who: Ages 11-14 | Price: $180 Mem / $225 Non
Includes: Robot building, ROV piloting, and engineering challenges.
🌍 TEEN LEADERSHIP: Civics & Service (at the East Belleville Y)
Location: East Belleville YMCA
Campers jump headfirst into civic engagement and global relations! This unique programming focuses on the Model UN's 17 sustainable development goals. In addition to typical summer camp fun, campers will engage in games, crafts, and hands-on activities focused specifically on Goal Number 2: No Hunger.
Who: Ages 11-14 | Price: $180 Mem / $225 Non
Includes: Service projects, Model UN activities, and leadership training.
🌍 TEEN LEADERSHIP: Civics & Service (at the Chesterfield Y)
Location: Chesterfield Family YMCA
Campers jump headfirst into civic engagement and global relations! This unique programming focuses on the Model UN's 17 sustainable development goals. In addition to typical summer camp fun, campers will engage in games, crafts, and hands-on activities focused specifically on Goal Number 2: No Hunger.
Who: Ages 11-14 | Price: $180 Mem / $225 Non
Includes: Service projects, Model UN activities, and leadership training.
🌍 TEEN LEADERSHIP: Civics & Service (at the Wildwood Y)
Location: Wildwood Family YMCA
Campers jump headfirst into civic engagement and global relations! This unique programming focuses on the Model UN's 17 sustainable development goals. In addition to typical summer camp fun, campers will engage in games, crafts, and hands-on activities focused specifically on Goal Number 2: No Hunger.
Who: Ages 11-14 | Price: $180 Mem / $225 Non
Includes: Service projects, Model UN activities, and leadership training.
Questions?
For more information on Teen Camps or Teen Programming, contact:
Jacob Henderson
Community Development YMCA Director of Civic Engagement
Financial Assistance
For families who need additional support, we are happy to offer financial assistance opportunities.
At the Y, we stand by the belief that everyone should have the chance to be part of the Y, irrespective of their financial means. To make this possible, we offer financial assistance to those who qualify, supported by the generous contributions to our Annual Campaign. Access the application below. We encourage you to apply early to allow processing time. Following processing, we communicate the approved amount to applicants, which is then applied to their accounts.
Give every child the gift of Y Summer Camp. Make a meaningful difference in a child's life with your tax-deductible donation.
YMCA Camp Counselors are One-of-a-Kind!
If you have talent, knowledge, and passion for working with children - and you want to work in an organization where you will be rewarded with opportunities to serve, it's time to learn more about what the Gateway Region YMCA has to offer. We offer a variety of excellent opportunities in Early Childhood Education, Y Club Before & After School Enrichment, and Summer Camp.
At the Y, counselors aren't just staff, they're role models and mentors who help campers have their best summer ever! ☀️
🏕️ Overnight Camp Lakewood
The Y's overnight summer camp in Potosi, MO is an experience like no other. YMCA Camp Lakewood brings kids ages 6-17 from all walks of life together to try new things without judgment. With a sprawling 5,000 acre campus and a private 360-acre lake, Camp Lakewood becomes a summer sanctuary accommodating various interests, ranging from paddle boarding to horseback riding to campfires and more.
