Half-Day Summer Youth Programs - School Age (Ages 6-11 Years)
Summer provides the perfect opportunity for kids to explore and ignite their imaginations. With the Waukee Family YMCA’s dynamic Half-Day Enrichment Programming, children can dive into their passions each day! The programs are carefully crafted with a focus on a weekly theme, ensuring that kids are fully immersed in the topic throughout the morning. From drop-off to pick-up, youth will enjoy a fun, engaging experience in a safe, supportive environment. They’ll have a blast in a creative, exciting environment that fosters growth, learning, and fun! It will be a summer experience full of discovery and excitement.
The programs below are available to children who have completed kindergarten through fifth grade. The Y offers programs for children ages 3 – 5 years old who are in Preschool or will be entering kindergarten in the fall of 2025; please find more information and register here.
Please note: A $20 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration. The deposit will be applied towards the balance due for your week of half-day enrichment programming. The remaining balance will be due on the Tuesday before the program begins.
(1) Apron Adventures
Young chefs will embark on a delicious journey into the world of food! Youth will dive into hands-on cooking lessons making everything from simple snacks and creative finger foods to tasty, healthy desserts. With each delicious recipe, children will get to chop, bake, and saute their way through a week of exciting new flavors and culinary techniques. By the end of the week, they’ll have a collection of easy-to-make recipes and a newfound love for cooking!
Dates: June 2 – 6, 2025
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cost: $135/Y Member or $160/Non-Member
Location: Waukee Family YMCA Makerspace
Contact: [email protected]
A $20 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration. The deposit will be applied towards the balance due for your week of Half-Day Enrichment Programming. The remaining balance will be due on the Tuesday before the program begins.
Registration Information
Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2/27/25 | 8/31/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 135.00 | $ 160.00 |
Available Sessions
Date(s) | Minimum Deposit | ||
---|---|---|---|
06/02/25 - 06/06/25
Apron Adventures - Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
|
$ 20.00 | Register |
(2) Grossology
This messy adventure explores the weirdest and grossest sides of science through hands-on experiments that will make you squirm with excitement! From frothy, bubbling, gooey slime to squelchy, sticky, stink-filled goop, kids will discover the science behind all the things that make you say “YUCK!” Don’t worry, it’s all part of the fun – get ready for a sticky, stinky, and utterly hilarious week that’s guaranteed to make you shout “Eeeewwwwwww!” in the best way possible!
Dates: June 9 – 13, 2025
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cost: $135/Y Member or $160/Non-Member
Location: Waukee Family YMCA Makerspace
Contact: [email protected]
Please Note: A $20 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration. The deposit will be applied towards the balance due for your week of Half-Day Enrichment Programming. The remaining balance will be due on the Tuesday before the program begins.
Registration Information
Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2/27/25 | 8/31/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 135.00 | $ 160.00 |
Available Sessions
Date(s) | Minimum Deposit | ||
---|---|---|---|
06/09/25 - 06/13/25
Grossology - Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
|
$ 20.00 | Register |
(3) Oodles of Doodles
Unleash a world of creativity as we explore a wide range of artistic projects – from painting and drawing to sculpture, collage and beyond! With each day bringing new projects and techniques, kids will develop their artistic skills while expressing themselves in fun and unique ways. Whether it’s creating colorful masterpieces or experimenting with new materials, every child will have the opportunity to let their imagination run wild!
Dates: June 16 – 20, 2025
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cost: $135/Y Member or $160/Non-Member
Location: Waukee Family YMCA Makerspace
Contact: [email protected]
Please Note: A $20 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration. The deposit will be applied towards the balance due for your week of Half-Day Enrichment Programming. The remaining balance will be due on the Tuesday before the program begins.
Registration Information
Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2/27/25 | 8/31/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 135.00 | $ 160.00 |
Available Sessions
Date(s) | Minimum Deposit | ||
---|---|---|---|
06/16/25 - 06/20/25
Oodles of Doodles - Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
|
$ 20.00 | Register |
(4) Mad Scientist Training Academy
Get ready to mix, bubble, and (safely) explode your way through the world of science! This program is the ultimate laboratory for young scientists to discover a world of wild, mind-blowing experiments. From mixing potions that bubble and fizz to creating explosive reactions, we’ll unlock the mysteries of science while having tons of fun. With endless creativity and a dash of madness, it’s the perfect place for curious minds to experiment, problem-solve, and let imaginations soar!
Dates: June 23 – 27, 2025
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cost: $135/Y Member or $160/Non-Member
Location: Waukee Family YMCA Makerspace
Contact: [email protected]
Please Note: A $20 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration. The deposit will be applied towards the balance due for your week of Half-Day Enrichment Programming. The remaining balance will be due on the Tuesday before the program begins.
Registration Information
Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2/27/25 | 8/31/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 135.00 | $ 160.00 |
Available Sessions
Date(s) | Minimum Deposit | ||
---|---|---|---|
06/23/25 - 06/27/25
Mad Scientist Training Academy - Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
|
$ 20.00 | Register |
(5) Muscles In Motion
This high-energy program is all about moving, playing, and staying active. Youth will tackle obstacle courses, try out silly versions of their favorite sports, and engage in wild games that get them jumping, balancing, leaping, and swinging with excitement. Along the way, they’ll build important life skills such as teamwork, fitness, and a positive mindset for health and well-being. With so much fun in every activity, they won’t realize they’re getting stronger, faster, and healthier – just a ton of fun, every step of the way! It’s an action-packed week full of adventure, fun, and building confidence – all designed to get kids moving and feeling their best!
Dates: June 30 – July 3, 2025
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cost: $108/Y Member or $128/Non-Member
Location: Waukee Family YMCA Makerspace
Contact: [email protected]Please Note: A $20 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration. The deposit will be applied towards the balance due for your week of Half-Day Enrichment Programming. The remaining balance will be due on the Tuesday before the program begins.
Registration Information
Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2/27/25 | 8/31/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 135.00 | $ 160.00 |
Available Sessions
Date(s) | Minimum Deposit | Special Rate | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
06/30/25 - 07/03/25
Muscles In Motion - Mo,Tu,We,Th - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
|
$ 20.00 | $108 - $128 | Register |
(6) Xtreme Steam
Brace yourself: this is not your average week – it’s an electrifying experience where Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math collide in the wildest, most thrilling ways possible! We’ll design astounding inventions, create stunning art using innovative methods, and solve mind-bending challenges. With interactive experiments, ingenious projects, and a ton of fun, it’s the perfect place for curious kids to unleash their imagination and hop into a world of endless possibilities. If you think you are ready to take your creativity and skills to the next level, then buckle up because this week is going to be XTREME!
Dates: August 11 – 15, 2025
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cost: $135/Y Member or $160/Non-Member
Location: Waukee Family YMCA Makerspace
Contact: [email protected]Please Note: A $20 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration. The deposit will be applied towards the balance due for your week of Half-Day Enrichment Programming. The remaining balance will be due on the Tuesday before the program begins.
Registration Information
Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2/27/25 | 8/31/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 135.00 | $ 160.00 |
Available Sessions
Date(s) | Minimum Deposit | ||
---|---|---|---|
08/11/25 - 08/15/25
Xtreme Steam - Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
|
$ 20.00 | Register |
(7) Sayonara Summer!
Bummer . . . it’s the end of summer! Don’t worry – we’re here to turn the last days into a fantastic, unforgettable adventure! It’s a week of unpredictable, legendary fun where kids take the reins and the fun never stops. With laughter echoing through every activity, this is the grand finale of summer – packed with joy, excitement, and moments that will be remembered long after summer fades away. The end of summer has never been so exciting, and who knows what wild surprises are in store? It’s a mystery waiting to unfold!
Dates: August 18 – 22, 2025
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cost: $135/Y Member or $160/Non-Member
Location: Waukee Family YMCA Makerspace
Contact: [email protected]
Please Note: A $20 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration. The deposit will be applied towards the balance due for your week of Half-Day Enrichment Programming. The remaining balance will be due on the Tuesday before the program begins.
Registration Information
Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2/27/25 | 8/31/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 135.00 | $ 160.00 |
Available Sessions
Date(s) | Minimum Deposit | ||
---|---|---|---|
08/18/25 - 08/22/25
Sayonara Summer - Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
|
$ 20.00 | Register |
1-Plot Twist!
Get ready to unleash your imagination with Plot Twist!, where dragons, magic, and legendary heroes come to life! This week, we’ll dive into epic stories, exploring realms like Hogwarts, Percy Jackson, and the Star Wars galaxy, while uncovering the secrets of these magical worlds. With science experiments and daring adventures inspired by our favorite stories, every day will be a new plot twist as we explore what it means to be brave, creative, and ready for anything.
Registration Information
Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1/1/25 | 8/31/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 135.00 | $ 160.00 |
Available Sessions
Date(s) | Minimum Deposit | Special Rate | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
07/07/25 - 07/09/25
Half week - Mo,Tu,We - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
|
$ 20.00 | $81 - $96 |
Register Closes 07/04/2025 |
2-STEMtastic Summer
Come along with us on a summer adventure where creativity meets technology! STEMtastic Summer is a dynamic program designed to foster a love for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through activities and engaging projects.We will be emphasizes teamwork, critical thinking, and innovation, allowing kids to unleash their inner inventors while making new friends.
Registration Information
Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1/1/25 | 8/31/30 | Online / Front Desk | $ 135.00 | $ 160.00 |
Available Sessions
Date(s) | Minimum Deposit | ||
---|---|---|---|
07/14/25 - 07/18/25
Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
|
$ 20.00 |
Register Closes 07/11/2025 |
3-Snack Attack!
Get ready to cook up some fun! Snack Attack! is an exciting hands-on cooking program designed for young chefs to build confidence in the kitchen. Throughout the week, kids will learn essential kitchen skills, from reading and following recipes to measuring ingredients and practicing safe knife skills—all while creating tasty and healthy snacks.
Registration Information
Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1/1/25 | 8/31/30 | Online / Front Desk | $ 135.00 | $ 160.00 |
Available Sessions
Date(s) | Minimum Deposit | ||
---|---|---|---|
07/21/25 - 07/25/25
Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
|
$ 20.00 |
Register Closes 07/18/2025 |
4-Mad Science Mayhem
Mad Science Mayhem is an exhilarating program designed for curious minds! Jump into a world of wacky experiments and explosive discoveries that will ignite your passion for science. From creating colorful chemical reactions that fizz and pop to exploring the wonders of slime and squishy substances, this program is all about embracing the messy and the mysterious.
Registration Information
Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1/1/25 | 8/31/30 | Online / Front Desk | $ 135.00 | $ 160.00 |
Available Sessions
Date(s) | Minimum Deposit | ||
---|---|---|---|
07/28/25 - 08/01/25
Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
|
$ 20.00 |
Register Closes 07/25/2025 |
5-Games Galore
Welcome to Games Galore, where the excitement never ends! This week, children will have an action-packed schedule filled with thrilling games designed to boost teamwork and creativity. Throughout the week we will participate in classic gym games like dodge ball, escape rooms, and team challenges that encourage collaboration and friendly competition, ensuring everyone gets involved and has a blast. Let the adventures begin!
Registration Information
Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1/1/25 | 8/31/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 135.00 | $ 160.00 |
Available Sessions
Date(s) | Minimum Deposit | ||
---|---|---|---|
08/04/25 - 08/08/25
Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
|
$ 20.00 |
Register Closes 08/01/2025 |
6-Express Yourself
“Express Yourself” is a vibrant and engaging arts program designed to encourage children to explore their creativity and individuality through various artistic mediums. This dynamic program nurtures self-expression, fosters imagination, and builds confidence in young artists while providing a fun and inclusive environment. Together your child can discover their unique voice through the magic of the arts!
Registration Information
Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1/1/25 | 8/31/30 | Online / Front Desk | $ 135.00 | $ 160.00 |
Available Sessions
Date(s) | Minimum Deposit | Special Rate | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
08/11/25 - 08/13/25
Half week - Mo,Tu,We - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
|
$ 20.00 | $81 - $96 |
Register Closes 08/08/2025 |