Summer is time for kids to explore and expand the limits of their imagination. At the YMCA of Greater Des Moines’ summer day camp, every day is a new adventure!

Our camps focus on three of the critical dimensions of children’s well-being: achievement, belonging and developing relationships while also having a fun, action-packed, safe summer! Our staffing, instruction and programs are built around the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

Safety is our first priority for children and staff. We will continue to follow guidelines set forth by local health officials and the CDC. A current immunization form must be uploaded in order to complete their registration for camp.

Hours: Pre and Post Camp care is provided at no additional cost. Drop-off begins at 6:30am. Pick-up is available until 6:00pm. Core hours of camp are 9am to 4pm.

Ages: All children who have completed kindergarten through 5th grade.

Payment Details: Paying the deposit will hold your child’s space in camp. The deposit is non-refundable and will be applied towards the balance due for that week of camp. The deposit will increase from $10 to $20 on Monday, March 18. During the registration process you can pay for each week in full or elect to pay the Tuesday before each camp week. If you need to make changes to the camp weeks you have selected, please notify us two weeks prior to the camp starting to avoid paying for that week of camp.

Financial Assistance

Through generous contributions from YMCA and community members, no one is turned away due to the inability to pay. If you think you qualify for assistance, please contact Heather Jackson, Youth Program Support Coordinator 

Brookview Elementary will be the only location accepting childcare assistance through the state of Iowa.

Themes and Descriptions

June 3 – 7, 2024 Let’s Have A Ball
• Let’s play the games we love and can’t wait to master! Let’s have a ball, whether on a field, court, or board game.

June 10 – 14 Summer By Design
• Join us as we discover the dazzling world of color. We will be messy and creative working with all the colors in the rainbow!

June 17 – 21 Full Steam Ahead
• Call all campers to hop on the Y train and join us this summer as we explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math all week!

June 24 – 28 Express Yourself
• At camp, we believe every camper has star power. Join us as we get silly and creative with art, theater, dance, and more!

July 1 – 5 Bippity Boppity Boom
• Rockets, planets, and aliens, oh my! Join us as we blast off into space and discover the wonders of our universe!

July 8 – 12 Force Of Nature
• Join us this week as we discover what it means to be a force of nature!

July 15 – 19 Not All Heroes Wear Capes
• Do you ever wonder if you have met a real super hero without even knowing it? This week, we are going to learn about all the different kinds of superheroes that serve our community!

July 22 – 26 Let’s Make Waves With The Y
• Summer is hot, but we will stay cool all week long! Join us in making waves while we stay cool with fun water activities and games!

July 29 – August 2 The Eras Tour (The Y’s Version)
• This week, campers better be ready to travel back in time and discover all the most extraordinary things each era has to offer!

August 5 – 9 Campfire Chronicles
• We are so sad it is the last week of camp. Let’s celebrate by enjoying our favorite summer activities and reminisce about our incredible summer around a campfire!