WELCOME TO DAY CAMP AT JOHN A. DAVIS FAMILY YMCA

Your family can count on John A. Davis Family YMCA to ensure your child is having fun in a safe, nurturing environment. The Y offers single-day, weekly and specialty camps to meet the needs of parents and match the interests of our campers.

Since 1882, our camps have inspired kids with countless opportunities to laugh, lead and make lasting friendships.

FIND YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE!

REGISTER TODAY

Register Online — We have invested in new technology, and signing up online is the best way to secure your top picks. Make sure your new account is ready to register.
Register in Person — Directions Here
Register by Phone — (619) 464-9622
View the digital version of our branch camp guide here.

MEMBERS SAVE

To receive the Y member rate for any program, your membership must be active throughout the duration of the registered program session(s), otherwise the non-member fee will be applied. Learn more about the benefits of becoming a Y member, and join us today!

Y COMMUNITY PLUS MEMBERSHIP

Up to 15% off day camp and up to 10% off overnight camp. This rate also applies to active members who have not yet upgraded to one of our new membership plans.

Y COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP

Up to 10% off day and overnight camps.

TIPS FOR A SMOOTH SIGN-UP

Please note that you must create a My Y account in order to register. If you are new to the Y, you can set up your account now. If you already have an account, please log in prior to registering to make sure your profile is complete with payment method, valid email address, child's birth date and full name, etc

SAVE TIME WITH SEARCH CODES

When you're ready to fill your cart, open a tab to our program finder, and log in to your My Y account. Find your camp selections quickly by typing in (or copying/pasting) the SEARCH CODE (e.g. CPSPEC22).

YOUR GUIDE TO DAY CAMP

Learn more about our day camps! Check out the camp descriptions below.

SUMMER 2024 TRADITIONAL CAMPS

camp girl

Traditional camps are ultra-spirited, fun-filled camps with weekly themes that guide activities for the week. New experiences, skill building, a sense of community and lasting friendships are all part of traditional day camp experience. When you're ready to register, here's a shortcut to all traditional camps at John A. Davis Family YMCA, or go straight to the program finder and type or copy/paste a search code (e.g., CPTRAD22) into the search bar to zero in on your camps.

❯ ❯ TRADITIONAL CAMP DESCRIPTIONS (CLICK TO EXPAND)

CHALLENGERS

Age 10-13 | SEARCH CODE: CPCHL22 FIND SESSIONS
Join our Y day camp for a week of fun with all the onsite activities our camp has to offer! Campers will build self-confidence, meet new friends, and create lasting memories through different activities like sports and games, arts and crafts, science experiments and more, all based on the weekly theme and interests of the campers. Day campers will be divided into small groups by age and will participate in activities appropriate to the interests and needs of their group.

Nonmember: $328 | Y Community Member: $296 | Y Community Plus Member: $279

CLUB 6/7

Age 6-7 | SEARCH CODE: CPCL22 FIND SESSIONS
Join our Y day camp for a week of fun with all the onsite activities our camp has to offer! Campers will build self-confidence, meet new friends, and create lasting memories through different activities like sports and games, arts and crafts, science experiments and more, all based on the weekly theme and interests of the campers. Day campers will be divided into small groups by age and will participate in activities appropriate to the interests and needs of their group.

Nonmember: $333 | Y Community Member: $300 | Y Community Plus Member: $287

DISCOVERY

Age 8-9 | SEARCH CODE: CPDSC22 FIND SESSIONS
Join our Y day camp for a week of fun with all the onsite activities our camp has to offer! Campers will build self-confidence, meet new friends, and create lasting memories through different activities like sports and games, arts and crafts, science experiments and more, all based on the weekly theme and interests of the campers. Day campers will be divided into small groups by age and will participate in activities appropriate to the interests and needs of their group.

Nonmember: $328 | Y Community Member: $296 | Y Community Plus Member: $279

HIGH FIVES

Age 5 | SEARCH CODE: CPHF22 FIND SESSIONS
High Fives is a perfect fit for our younger campers. With staff supervision at low ratios, campers will spend their action-packed days doing arts and crafts, science projects, playing games and learning new skills.

Nonmember: $360 | Y Community Member: $324 | Y Community Plus Member: $306

CIT/LIT TRAINING

Ages 13-17 | SEARCH CODE: CPLCITT22 FIND SESSIONS
The CIT and LIT program is designed for older campers to obtain the skills they need to become a camp leader. Teens will learn what it takes to work with campers and gain real world work and life experience through communication skills, management techniques and building their self-confidence. CIT and LIT’s will also receive CPR and First aid training.

*LIT – Ages: 13-15 | CIT – Ages: 16-17

Nonmember: $341 | Y Community Member: $307 | Y Community Plus Member: $290

CIT FIELDWORK

Ages 16-17 | SEARCH CODE: CPCITF22 FIND SESSIONS
LIT Fieldwork is an opportunity for teens who have successfully completed our training course to use their leadership skills in the field of camp and enjoy the rewards of working with the YMCA’s incredible staff. Teens will experience various camp programs, assist in the daily operations of camp, and receive valuable on-the-job experience that will help build a strong foundation for either a recreational or child care career. Teens will be placed into age-appropriate camps prior to the start of the fieldwork week. Join our team in making a difference in the lives of many young campers this summer while earning school-required or volunteer service hours!

Nonmember: $50 | Y Community Member: $0 | Y Community Plus Member: $0

LIT FIELDWORK

Ages 13-16 | SEARCH CODE: CPLITF22 FIND SESSIONS
LIT Fieldwork is an opportunity for teens who have successfully completed our training course to use their leadership skills in the field of camp and enjoy the rewards of working with the YMCA’s incredible staff. Teens will experience various camp programs, assist in the daily operations of camp, and receive valuable on-the-job experience that will help build a strong foundation for either a recreational or child care career. Teens will be placed into age-appropriate camps prior to the start of the fieldwork week. Join our team in making a difference in the lives of many young campers this summer while earning school-required or volunteer service hours!

Nonmember: $117 | Y Community Member: $106 | Y Community Plus Member: $99

SUMMER 2024 SPECIALTY CAMPS

Does your child have a specific interest or hobby? Looking for a camp that specializes in sports or STEM? Browse through the specialty camps section for camps that combine the traditional fun of YMCA day camps with the more specialized skills by providers or YMCA experts. When you're ready to register, here's a shortcut to all specialty camps at John A. Davis Family YMCA, or go straight to the program finder and type or copy/paste a search code (e.g., CPSPEC22) into the search bar to zero in on your camps.

❯ ❯ SPECIALTY CAMP DESCRIPTIONS (CLICK TO EXPAND)

ANIMAL EXCURSIONS

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPAEX22 FIND SESSIONS
From ocean, zoo and farm animals to pets, Animal Excursions is sure to make your campers ROAR with excitement. Campers will travel for four days to visit their favorite finned, furry, and feathered friends! Highlighted field trips include the San Diego Zoo, Birch Aquarium, Living Coast Discovery Center and more!

Nonmember: $529 | Y Community Member: $477 | Y Community Plus Member: $450

Archery

Ages 8-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPARCH22 FIND SESSIONS
Bullseye! This summer, take a shot at a fun sport with archery experts. With steady hands and straight aim, our little archers will be learning about equipment, shooting and technique. Campers will also participate in themed craft activities and games. All equipment needed to participate will be included.

Nonmember: $370 | Y Community Member: $333 | Y Community Plus Member: $315

Big Messy Art

Ages 7-12 |SEARCH CODE: CPBMA22 FIND SESSIONS
Allow your campers to fully engage in art projects that involve unique painting techniques, creative creations and hands-on messy fun. They will also gain insights into the artists behind these techniques — some of whom are even scientists!

Nonmember: $350 | Y Community Member: $315 | Y Community Plus Member: $298

Bugs and Slugs

Ages 6-10 |SEARCH CODE: CPBAS22 FIND SESSIONS
This week-long camp gives kids the opportunity to engage in slimy experiments that can resemble that of a slug trail! It will also allow them to interact with live bugs, facilitating learning about the beneficial roles certain insect species play in our environment. Additionally, this camp teaches children how to care for these creatures, enabling them to fully appreciate the benefits they offer, all while enjoying a fun-filled experience.

Nonmember: $370 | Y Community Member: $333 | Y Community Plus Member: $315

Build, Test & Battle

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPBTB22 FIND SESSIONS
This week campers will prepare for battle! Using the engineering design process campers will create a life-size wooden catapult. Each camper will measure, cut and build each piece needed to create their very own take-home catapult. They will discuss tool safety and then be able to use real tools to build a catapult. This includes handsaws with miter boxes, drills and electric sanders. At the end of the week campers will test their catapults by creating forts and launching water balloons!

Nonmember: $363 | Y Community Member: $327 | Y Community Plus Member: $309

Ceramics

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPCER22 FIND SESSIONS
Do you like sculptures? Do you like to be creative and get a little messy at the same time? Then Ceramics camp is for you! We will create art as well as useful items like pinch pots, jewelry boxes and piggy banks. Campers will get to take home their projects every day to show family and friends. Ceramic camp is great for campers who like to make gifts to give to their family, like a “World’s Greatest Dad” coffee mug or a heart with “Mom” engraved on it. Plus, we have all new ceramic figurines for our campers to paint and take home as well.

Nonmember: $363 | Y Community Member: $327 | Y Community Plus Member: $309

Cooking Top Chef

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPCKTC22 FIND SESSIONS
Our young culinary artists will be loaded with helpful tips and tricks after spending a week with our talented YMCA chefs. Each day, your sous chef will learn to create delicious, tasty treats combining traditional favorites with out-of-the-box creative concoctions. Campers will create their own recipe books, plus bring back projects and treats they can enjoy at home.

Nonmember: $350 | Y Community Member: $315 | Y Community Plus Member: $298

Dance

Ages 6-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPDNC22 FIND SESSIONS
Campers will have daily dance lessons to learn several styles of dance and perfect their technique and coordination. Throughout the week, campers will work together with our qualified staff to create a routine to be performed at the end of the week for parents, family and friends!

Nonmember: $363 | Y Community Member: $327 | Y Community Plus Member: $309

Funster Chefs

Ages 5-6 | SEARCH CODE: CPFCHF22 FIND SESSIONS
Do you know what we call our youngest campers who have the most fun? FUNSTERS! These specialty camps are designed just for our campers who are ages 5 to 6 (grades K-1). Campers will experience the perfect introduction to cooking. Your little funster will learn how to mix, spread and create fun snacks and starters. They will participate in taste testing and can create their own kid- friendly snack book.

Nonmember: $421 | Y Community Member: $379 | Y Community Plus Member: $358

Funster Disney

Ages 5-6 | SEARCH CODE: CPFDSN22 FIND SESSIONS
Do you know what we call our youngest campers who have the most fun? FUNSTERS! These specialty camps are designed just for our campers who are ages 5 to 6 (grades K-1). Welcome to the most magical place at camp! This camp is perfect for all Disney, Marvel and Star Wars enthusiasts. Campers will spend the week playing games, making art and cooking recipes from all the best Disney movies – classic to current!

Nonmember: $365 | Y Community Member: $329 | Y Community Plus Member: $311

Funster Ooey Gooey Science

Ages 5-6 | SEARCH CODE: CPFOGS22 FIND SESSIONS
Do you know what we call our youngest campers who have the most fun? FUNSTERS! These specialty camps are designed just for our campers who are ages 5 to 6 (grades K-1). This camp is perfect for funsters that love to get their hands dirty! Funsters will dig and experiment in the slimiest, gooiest, ickiest and stickiest stuff they can get their hands on. This STEM based camp is sure to be slimy yet satisfying.

Nonmember: $219 | Y Community Member: $198 | Y Community Plus Member: $187

Funster Zookeeper

Ages 5-6 | SEARCH CODE: CPFZK22 FIND SESSIONS
Do you know what we call our youngest campers who have the most fun? FUNSTERS! These specialty camps are designed just for our campers who are ages 5 to 6 (grades K-1). Calling all our Funster animal lovers! If you love to learn about animals and care for them, this camp is just for you. Campers will get up close and personal with the animal kingdom and will get hands on experience learning from our animal advocates. Get ready for a ROAR-ing good time in Funster Zookeeper camp!

Nonmember: $421 | Y Community Member: $379 | Y Community Plus Member: $358

Gamers Paradise

Ages 8-13 | SEARCH CODE: CPGP22 FIND SESSIONS
Gamers unite and get geared up for a week of non-stop gaming fun! Campers will travel to local arcades and gaming venues to challenge, compete, play and strategize. They will also have the ultimate gaming bus experience to cap off the week. Challenge your friend or beat your personal best, but whatever you do, play hard!

Nonmember: $529 | Y Community Member: $477 | Y Community Plus Member: $450

Ice Skating

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPIS22 FIND SESSIONS
This camp is designed to be a fun and educational experience for beginner and intermediate ice skaters. Traveling to San Diego Ice Arena, campers will get 30-minutes of instructional lessons every day. Lessons are followed by a two-hour public session where they will skate to the latest tunes. Parents are invited to a basic skills show on Friday. Only skates are provided. However, campers may bring their own skates and gloves. Please be sure your camper wears/packs a pair of socks.

Nonmember: $529 | Y Community Member: $477 | Y Community Plus Member: $450

Jr. Veterinarian

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPJRVET22 FIND SESSIONS
This camp is perfect for any animal lover. Campers will meet, greet and interact with an array of domesticated animals and will have the opportunity to learn and experience basic animal care.

Nonmember: $363 | Y Community Member: $327 | Y Community Plus Member: $309

LEGO WeDo Robotics

Ages 6-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPLGWDR22 FIND SESSIONS
Explore the world of robotics with the LEGO WeDo system! Learn about physics concepts like friction, explore gear ratios, energy sources and more! Build a Lunar Rover or a helicopter, all while learning about different sensors. Once you finish building your project, learn block coding to make your robot come to life!

Nonmember: $346 | Y Community Member: $312 | Y Community Plus Member: $295

Muggles are Magic

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPMM22 FIND SESSIONS
Welcome to the magical world of Harry Potter! In this camp inspired by Harry Potter, campers will be sorted into their houses and learn spells and potions. They will even make and eat fun magical treats! The fun doesn’t stop there — our young wizards will also learn about magic wands and participate in their own quidditch tournament. No need to worry about your camper having fun here, because our staff will make sure that all the mischief is managed.

Nonmember: $359 | Y Community Member: $324 | Y Community Plus Member: $306

Munchin’ on STEM

Ages 6-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPMOS22 FIND SESSIONS
This innovative camp will combine cooking and science to create one power-packed experience. Campers will create edible structures, design edible cars and learn about multiple scientific processes. Munchin’ on STEM is a fun and delicious way to introduce your camper to the world of science!

Nonmember: $363 | Y Community Member: $327 | Y Community Plus Member: $309

Pokémon

Ages 6-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPPKM22 FIND SESSIONS
Campers, we choose you! Discover the wonderful world of Pokémon, full of mysterious creatures and plenty of adventures. In this camp you’ll learn about newly released Pokémon and brush up on facts about the classics, while learning the craft of battling, creating new Pokémon and so much more! Please note that trading cards are permitted at camp; however, we encourage you to keep super special cards at home.

Nonmember: $359 | Y Community Member: $324 | Y Community Plus Member: $306

Radical Reptiles & Friends

Age 6-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPRRF22 FIND SESSIONS
Campers will be introduced to a menagerie of live animals including snakes, frogs, tortoises, turtles, lizards, bugs and other creepy crawlies. As campers explore the smaller critters of the animal kingdom, they will have a unique hands-on experience enhanced by art, games and various projects related to these animals. Nature walks and “bug hunts” are included in this camp.

Nonmember: $370 | Y Community Member: $333 | Y Community Plus Member: $315

SeaWorld

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPSWLD22 FIND SESSIONS
Visit SeaWorld free for the rest of the calendar year if you sign up for one of our most popular camps! Animal enthusiasts have a chance to see virtually all the aquatic wildlife and exciting shows that SeaWorld has to offer, including dolphins, walruses, sharks and sting rays. Find out how these animals survive in their watery habitats and how humans impact those habitats. If you love to learn about marine life, then this camp is sure to make a splash!

Please note: A SeaWorld Fun Card is included with the camp at the end of the week.

Nonmember: $529 | Y Community Member: $477 | Y Community Plus Member: $450

Slime Factory

Ages 6-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPSF22 FIND SESSIONS
Slime factory is the scientific study of all that’s NOT allowed at the dinner table. Campers will spend part of their day getting their hands dirty by using different ingredients such as glue, glitter, starch and paint to make the thickest, ooey-gooiest slime around! You won’t want to miss this one — it’s slime time!

Nonmember: $363 | Y Community Member: $327 | Y Community Plus Member: $309

Splash

Ages 6-8 | SEARCH CODE: CPSPLSH22 FIND SESSIONS
Splash camp will focus on swim instruction for beginner and intermediate swimmers. Campers will be taught how to perform basic strokes and gain confidence in the water. Campers will receive one 35-minute swimming lesson and one-hour of free swim each day combined with active games, crafts and other fun camp activities.

Nonmember: $359 | Y Community Member: $324 | Y Community Plus Member: $306

Sports Galore

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPSG22 FIND SESSIONS
Why pick one sport when you can play them all? Each day will focus on a different sport such as soccer, basketball, football, dodge ball and more. Sports galore camp is designed to teach campers recreational sports and the value of exercise. Focus will be placed on team play and skill development.

Nonmember: $342 | Y Community Member: $308 | Y Community Plus Member: $291

Star Wars

Ages 6-10 | SEARCH CODE: CPSW22 FIND SESSIONS
Our campers will have an out-of-world experience as they learn how to become a Jedi Master! They will attend Jedi training every day, where they will use the force to sharpen their agility, strength and wisdom. They will also learn how to control their lightsabers in a fun and safe environment. Do you have what it takes to become a Jedi Master? Come find out in our amazing force-filled camp!

Nonmember: $211 | Y Community Member: $190 | Y Community Plus Member: $180

Zoo Camp

Ages 7-12 | SEARCH CODE: CPZOO22 FIND SESSIONS
Lions, tigers and bears – oh my! Come travel to the San Diego Zoo with Davis Family YMCA camp staff. Spend the week exploring the hundreds of species at the zoo, while building friendships that will last a lifetime.

Nonmember: $529 | Y Community Member: $477 | Y Community Plus Member: $450

About Us

Our Branch

JOHN A. DAVIS FAMILY YMCA
Address: 8881 Dallas St, La Mesa, CA 91942
Phone: (619) 464-9622

Camp Locations and Hours of Operation

John A. Davis Family YMCA
Address: 8881 Dallas St, La Mesa, CA 91942
Camp Hours:

Full-day: 8:00am-5:00pm
- Drop-off: 8:00-9:00am
- Pick-up: 4:00-5:00pm

Directors and Supervisors

Melanie Navarro
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (619) 449-9622 x1906

About Our Staff

The John A. Davis Family YMCA takes pride in hiring the best people to fill our camp staff. Each camp leader was hand-selected through an extensive hiring process to ensure the safest environment for everyone. Staff training includes CPR and First Aid certification, transportation safety, behavior management and bully prevention, child protection and abuse prevention, field trip and off-site safety procedures, risk management/prevention and more.

PAYING FOR CAMP

At the time of registration, you may choose to:

Pay in full (includes a $60 non-refundable deposit).
Place a $60 non-refundable deposit at the time of registration. Deposit discounts may apply based on membership type.
Balances will be due three weeks prior to the first day of camp.
An active membership is required at the time of the program start date to receive the member pricing discount.
Financial assistance is available through the Y's ACCESS scholarship program or through third party payment support.

Deposits are non-refundable but can be immediately applied as a deposit for another camp if space is available or applied to an already existing camp balance within the same season. See our Refund/Voucher/Transfer Policies for more information.

Here's what our parents tell us:

"My child came home so happy and didn’t want to leave at the end of the day. He said it was the best camp EVER and loved all his camp counselors!"

REQUIRED FORMS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTS

Day Camp Parent Manual

Check out our Day Camp Parent Manual for easy reference on what to expect and how to best prepare your camper for day camp. Additional information can be found on the YMCA of San Diego County Day Camp page.

UPDATED SAFETY GUIDELINES:

Your family's safety is our top priority. We have implemented safety protocols that follow state and local guidelines. It's our priority to help your children enjoy a safe and fun program that builds lasting friendships.

Medical Release Form - Required

In order to register, all campers must have a current medical release form updated and submitted to the YMCA. Medical release forms can be updated through your My Y account in our Community Portal.

Vendor Waivers

Some specialty camps, particularly those that travel to an off-site location, require an additional vendor waiver. Camps that require a waiver to be completed will be contacted and provided the waiver before the start of camp.

ADAPTIVE CAMP

Our Adaptive  Camp Program is a designed to support youth with behavioral and developmental needs as it adapts the camp experience to your child's needs and abilities, allowing opportunities for all campers to learn new skills, form new friendships and create lifetime memories. Campers will participate in activities with our traditional and specialty camps based on their interests at a pace that works for them. Our smaller camper-to-staff ratio for Adaptive Camp supports positive inclusion and/or one-on-one support as needed. Space is limited.

PLEASE NOTE: Contact the Camp Director and/or Coordinator to initiate an enrollment request and help us prepare a great experience for your camper. We begin accepting enrollment requests on March 4, 2024 and strive to provide at least one week of camp to all interested families.

Camp Scholarships

Financial assistance is available to families who qualify. Applications are available at the service desk and online. Assistance is based on verified income and completed applications.

Apply for a Program Scholarship

More Policies

For more information about YMCA Day Camp policies, expectations and helpful information, visit our Day Camp Policy page.

Giving Back

For every session of camp, the Y provides program scholarships for families seeking financial assistance. This is made possible through the generosity of our community. If you wish to help a child go to camp, please see our Camp Director for information.

Feedback

We love to hear from our campers and parents! Camp leadership teams use your feedback to make positive changes to our program. Please feel free to contact Melanie Navarro at [email protected], with any questions, comments or concerns!