Save 10% on 2026 Summer Camp | Monroe County YMCA

Their Best Summer Ever Starts Here

Unforgettable adventures, new friendships, and safe fun at the Monroe County YMCA.

⏰
Camp Hours

9 am-4 pm
Before & After Care Available from 7 am-6 pm

🗓
Camp Dates

May 26 - August 14

🏷
Weekly Rates

$165 Y Members | $205 Non-Members

Jump to Dates:

June July August

MAY & JUNE CAMPS

🎸 TRADITIONAL CAMP (Rockin' Into Camp)

⚠️ Note: No Camp Monday (Memorial Day)

Get ready to jam out and kick off an amazing week of fun! During Rockin' Into Camp, we'll turn up the excitement with music-inspired games, creative crafts, and plenty of rockin' adventures. Campers will splash into swimming, groove through cool crafts, and enjoy chill story time during our reading sessions. The fun keeps rolling as we lace up our skates and glide to the beat for an awesome skating day! Whether you're a future rock star, artist, or athlete, this week is all about teamwork.

Who: Ages 6-12 | Price: $132 Mem / $164 Non
Includes: Swimming, field trips, and daily activities.

Register for Rockin' Week

🦁 TRADITIONAL CAMP (Safari Adventure)

Pack your bags, explorers—we're heading out on a wild adventure! During Safari Adventure Week, campers will journey through the jungle of fun with animal-themed games, creative crafts, and exciting outdoor challenges. We'll cool off with swimming, enjoy relaxing reading time, and create safari-inspired art projects. The highlight of our adventure will be a field trip to the zoo, where we'll see amazing animals up close and learn all about their wild habitats. Get ready to roar with laughter!

Who: Ages 6-12 | Price: $165 Mem / $205 Non
Includes: Swimming, field trips, and daily activities.

Register for Safari Week

🐴 SPECIAL INTEREST: Equestrian (Week of June 1)

📍 HELD OFFSITE: Redwing Farm LLC
3607 Red Wing Farm Rdg, Waterloo, IL 62298

Saddle up for an unforgettable summer! Our Equestrian Camp gives young riders the chance to learn, grow, and explore in a supportive, adventure-filled environment. Campers learn grooming, tacking, barn care, and riding techniques—while building confidence, responsibility, and teamwork with expert instructors.

Who: Ages 8-12 | Price: $225 Mem / $265 Non
Includes: Riding instruction, equipment use, and barn activities.

Register for Equestrian Camp

🏅 TRADITIONAL CAMP (Game On!)

It’s time to lace up your sneakers and bring your best game face because this week, we're all about sports, teamwork, and fun! During Game On!, campers will jump into friendly competitions, creative sports-themed crafts, and exciting outdoor challenges that build confidence and team spirit. We'll cool off with swimming, enjoy some relaxing reading time, and keep the energy going all week long. The highlight will be a field trip to see the Grizzlies, where campers will see a game up close.

Who: Ages 6-12 | Price: $165 Mem / $205 Non
Includes: Swimming, field trips, and daily activities.

Register for Game On Week

👨‍🍳 SPECIAL INTEREST: Cooking

📍 HELD OFFSITE: Hope Christian Church
9273 Coach Stop Rd, Columbia, IL 62236

Who: Ages 5-12 | Price: $190 Mem / $230 Non
Includes: Ingredients, supplies, and daily activities.

Register for Cooking Camp

🏁 TRADITIONAL CAMP (Gear Up for Fun!)

Start your engines and get ready for an action-packed week of adventure! During Gear Up for Fun!, campers will cruise through exciting car-themed games, creative crafts, and team challenges that put their problem-solving skills in the driver's seat. We'll take pit stops for swimming, enjoy some relaxing reading time, and build our own cool creations inspired by cars, roads, and racing. The highlight of the week will be a field trip to the Museum of Transportation.

Who: Ages 6-12 | Price: $165 Mem / $205 Non
Includes: Swimming, field trips, and daily activities.

Register for Gear Up Week

🏆 SPECIAL INTEREST: Sports of All Sorts (Week of June 15)

Let your athlete explore all sports and show off their skills! In this camp, campers will play various sports, learn new skills, and have fun competing within the group! It's the perfect way to stay active, build teamwork, and discover a love for new games.

Who: Ages 5-12 | Price: $195 Mem / $235 Non
Includes: Equipment, coaching, and daily activities.

Register for Sports Camp

🧱 SPECIAL INTEREST: Block Construction

📍 HELD OFFSITE: Columbia Public Library
106 North Metter Avenue, Columbia, IL 62236

Get ready for a week full of creativity and hands-on building fun! At Block Construction Camp, kids will design and build amazing structures using a variety of interlocking bricks and construction materials. From tall towers to creative contraptions, every day is a new opportunity to dream big and build even bigger! Campers will work together to create new projects and participate in fun building challenges.

Who: Ages 5-12 | Price: $190 Mem / $230 Non
Includes: Building materials and daily activities.

Register for Block Camp

🌴 TRADITIONAL CAMP (Paradise Week)

Get ready to escape to a week of sun, sand, and splash-tastic fun! During Paradise Week, campers will enjoy tropical-themed games, creative crafts, and relaxing reading time in our sunny paradise camp setting. We'll dive into swimming, make island-inspired art, and soak up all the summer fun. The highlight of the week will be a field trip to Riverchase Water Park, where campers can slide, splash, and ride the waves like true island adventurers. Grab your sunglasses and sunscreen—it's time for paradise!

Who: Ages 6-12 | Price: $165 Mem / $205 Non
Includes: Swimming, field trips, and daily activities.

Register for Paradise Week

JULY CAMPS

🌺 TRADITIONAL CAMP (Aloha Summer)

Say Aloha to a week full of sun, fun, and tropical adventures! During Aloha Summer Week, campers will enjoy Hawaiian-inspired games, crafts, and reading time while soaking up all the summer vibes. We'll cool off with swimming, make festive island-themed creations, and celebrate the spirit of aloha every day. The highlight of the week will be a field trip to St. Genevieve YMCA Water Park, where campers can splash, slide, and ride the waves like true island explorers.

Who: Ages 6-12 | Price: $165 Mem / $205 Non
Includes: Swimming, field trips, and daily activities.

Register for Aloha Week

🪄 TRADITIONAL CAMP (Magical Adventures)

Step into a world of wonder and enchantment during Magical Adventures Week! Campers will explore spellbinding games, create magical crafts, and enjoy storytime that sparks imagination and curiosity. We'll splash into swimming, make mystical creations, and take on fun challenges that bring teamwork and creativity to life. The highlight of the week will be a field trip to the Magic House, where campers can explore hands-on exhibits and discover the science and magic behind amazing illusions.

Who: Ages 6-12 | Price: $165 Mem / $205 Non
Includes: Swimming, field trips, and daily activities.

Register for Magic Week

🏀 SPECIAL INTEREST: Basketball (Week of July 6)

Get ready for the best summer ever! Our Summer Basketball Camp is packed with energy, fun, and nonstop basketball action. Learn cool new moves, improve your shot, and play in awesome team games with new friends. Each day brings exciting drills, challenges, and prizes, plus tons of encouragement from our awesome coaching staff!

Who: Ages 5-12 | Price: $195 Mem / $235 Non
Includes: Coaching, drills, and daily activities.

Register for Basketball Camp

🧪 TRADITIONAL CAMP (Science Explorers)

Get ready to put on your lab coats and dive into a week of discovery! During Science Explorers Week, campers will conduct hands-on experiments, tackle fun STEM challenges, and create science-inspired crafts that spark curiosity and creativity. We'll cool off with swimming, enjoy engaging storytime, and explore problem-solving in exciting ways. The highlight of the week will be a field trip to the Science Center, where campers can explore interactive exhibits and uncover the wonders of science.

Who: Ages 6-12 | Price: $165 Mem / $205 Non
Includes: Swimming, field trips, and daily activities.

Register for Science Week

👨‍🍳 SPECIAL INTEREST: Cooking (Week of June 8)

📍 HELD OFFSITE: Hope Christian Church
9273 Coach Stop Rd, Columbia, IL 62236

Get ready for a tasty adventure! During this week-long summer camp, young chefs will roll up their sleeves and learn the basics of cooking in a fun and supportive environment. Campers will learn essential kitchen safety and hygiene skills, practice simple cooking techniques they can use at home, make easy, delicious meals and snacks, explore new ingredients and build confidence in the kitchen. They will work together, taste their creations, and have plenty of fun! By the end of the week, campers will be proud to show off their new cooking skills — and might even surprise their families with a homemade meal!

Who: Ages 5-12 | Price: $190 Mem / $230 Non
Includes: Ingredients, supplies, and daily activities.

Register for Cooking Camp

🐠 TRADITIONAL CAMP (Under the Sea)

Dive into a week of ocean adventures and aquatic fun! During Under the Sea Week, campers will explore marine-themed games, create ocean-inspired crafts, and enjoy storytime that takes them beneath the waves. We'll splash into swimming, make creative sea creature projects, and discover the mysteries of the deep. The highlight of the week will be a field trip to the aquarium, where campers can see fascinating fish, sharks, and other ocean animals up close.

Who: Ages 6-12 | Price: $165 Mem / $205 Non
Includes: Swimming, field trips, and daily activities.

Register for Sea Week

🏐 SPECIAL INTEREST: Volleyball (Week of July 20)

Bump, set, spike — and have a blast this summer! Our Summer Volleyball Camp is the perfect place for players of all levels to learn new skills, practice their game, and enjoy fun competition with friends. Campers will take part in exciting drills, team games, and challenges that build confidence, coordination, and teamwork. With plenty of play time and a supportive, active atmosphere, this camp is all about having fun, improving your game, and making great summer memories!

Who: Ages 5-12 | Price: $195 Mem / $235 Non
Includes: Coaching, equipment, and daily activities.

Register for Volleyball Camp

🔮 TRADITIONAL CAMP (Enchanted Illusions)

Step into a world where nothing is quite as it seems! During Enchanted Illusions Week, campers will explore mind-bending games, create magical crafts, and enjoy storytime that sparks curiosity and imagination. We'll dive into swimming, tackle fun optical puzzles, and discover how science and magic combine to create amazing illusions. The highlight of the week will be a field trip to the Museum of Illusions, where campers can experience interactive exhibits that trick the eye and amaze the mind.

Who: Ages 6-12 | Price: $165 Mem / $205 Non
Includes: Swimming, field trips, and daily activities.

Register for Illusions Week

🐴 SPECIAL INTEREST: Equestrian

📍 HELD OFFSITE: Redwing Farm LLC
3607 Red Wing Farm Rdg, Waterloo, IL 62298

Who: Ages 8-12 | Price: $225 Mem / $265 Non
Includes: Riding instruction, equipment use, and barn activities.

Register for Equestrian Camp

🧙‍♂️ SPECIAL INTEREST: Wacky Wizards (Week of July 27)

📍 HELD OFFSITE: Columbia Public Library
106 North Metter Avenue, Columbia, IL 62236

Grab your robes and wands — it’s time for an unforgettable week at Wacky Wizards Camp! Young witches and wizards-in-training will step into a world of magic, mystery, and imagination as they mix bubbling potions, learn whimsical “spells,” and take part in enchanting games and challenges.

Who: Ages 5-12 | Price: $190 Mem / $230 Non
Includes: Supplies, crafts, and daily activities.

Register for Wizards Camp

AUGUST CAMPS

🪐 TRADITIONAL CAMP (Outer Space Week)

Blast off into a week of cosmic adventures and interstellar fun! During Outer Space Week, campers will explore the mysteries of the universe through space-themed games, creative crafts, and storytime that takes them to distant planets and galaxies. We'll cool off with swimming, build rockets and starry creations, and tackle fun challenges that inspire teamwork and curiosity. The highlight of the week will be a field trip to Scott Air Force Base, where campers can learn about the Air Force.

Who: Ages 6-12 | Price: $165 Mem / $205 Non
Includes: Swimming, field trips, and daily activities.

Register for Space Week

🎒 TRADITIONAL CAMP (Back to School Week)

As summer comes to a close, it's time to celebrate a final week of fun, friends, and memories before heading back to school. During Back to School Week, campers will enjoy school-themed games, creative crafts, and storytime that sparks imagination and reflection on all the amazing summer adventures. We'll splash into swimming, create fun DIY projects, and tackle team challenges that make the last days of camp extra special. The highlight of the week will be an exciting skating day.

Who: Ages 6-12 | Price: $165 Mem / $205 Non
Includes: Swimming, field trips, and daily activities.

Register for Back to School Week

Download Family Handbook (PDF)

👤 Contact: Brandon Schroeder, Camp Director at brandon.schroeder@gwrymca.org or 618-281-9622

📍 Camp is located at the Monroe County YMCA

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.

Apply Now

Give every child the gift of Y Summer Camp. Make a meaningful difference in a child's life with your tax-deductible donation.

Donate Today

Inclusion Services

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.

Two camp counselors holding hands with child as they walk down the street

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

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! ☀️

Apply Today

🏕️ 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.

Learn More