Workforce Development. Community Outreach. Financial Freedom.
Designed for ages 13-16, teens will get the opportunity to network, partificate in mock interviews, and will be honored in a program graduation. This program balances fun field trips with impactful service projects.
Financial assistance and scholarships are available to teens wanting to participate.
2025 Summer Teen Academy is run out of the Bayer YMCA.
2025 Offerings by Week
June 9-13
June 16-20
July 7-11
July 14-18
Workforce Development (Ages 13-16)
Civics & Service Academy: Through interactive workshops and guest speakers, participants will develop skills in advocacy, public service, and organizational leadership - preparing them for future roles in government, policy, and nonprofit work.
Emotional Wellness & Skillbuilding: Designed to help teens become their best selves by discovering their strengths, leadership style, and unlocking their personal growth path. Through hands-on experiences, they will also focus on relationship-building, emotional regulation, and exploring entrepreneurship ventures.
Counselor in Training (Ages 13-15)
The CIT program offers teens ages 13-15 the opportunity to gain practical experience working with campers while cultivating essential skills and knowledge. The program's primary goal is to empower teens with leadership abilities that extend to their school, home, and community life. Applications should be submitted by April 11, 2025. Applicants undergo an interview and screening process.
Additional Camp Information
We are devoted to creating unforgettable camping experiences, and we have designed our Camp Parent Handbook to be a helpful guide for you.
Contact Us:
Jacob Henderson, Community Development
314-521-1822
Camps are run out of the Bayer YMCA. Click here for directions.
5555 Page Blvd,
St. Louis, MO 63112
Welcome to Inclusion & Adaptive Support Services, whether you're a returning or first-time Summer Day Camp participant. Fostering a supportive and enriching environment for children with diverse abilities is the primary focus of inclusive and adaptive programs. The Gateway Region YMCA provides trained staff and accessible spaces to help ensure camp opportunities for every child. When you register online for Summer Day Camp, indicate any needs your child may have and the branch will email you more information and the required forms.
Key Points to Note:
- Registrations are processed based on the order of receipt at the branch and subsequently by the organization's Inclusion & Adaptive Support Services department
- To avoid delay in the registration process, fully complete and provide all requested documents.
- Please allow at least two weeks for processing, especially during peak Summer Day Camp enrollment times.
- Your child's start date depends on the staffing and capacity situation at the branch, regardless of their support needs.
- We ensure information is securely handled per HIPAA guidelines.
- Additional information may be requested.
The Gateway Region YMCA is committed to serving individuals without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected factor. Our goal is to provide inclusive opportunities for all community members in our programs. While we make every effort to accommodate, there may be situations where a child's needs exceed the scope of our recreational, non-therapeutic programs.
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.
See what our camper parents say!
She has been happily at camp for four summers now! Not only has she made new friends, she has learned new skills and has a boosted confidence with all of the YMCA skills she has learned throughout the years.
— YMCA Camp Parent
All of the counselors over the years have been wonderful to my daughter and have made a big impact on her life from an early start. It really does take a village and the YMCA is a big help.
— YMCA Camp Parent
I am a single mom and the YMCA helped me with Summer Camp costs for several summers. My son had fantastic, fun-filled summers!
— YMCA Camp Parent
Overnight YMCA 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.
Become a Counselor
If you have talend, 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.