YMCA Day Camp Guidelines
Participant Requirements
- Stay with the group at all times – For safety and proper staff-to-child ratios, children cannot leave the group.
- Participate in structured activities and transitions independently – We cannot provide one-on-one or small group support. Ratios are 12–15 children per staff member.
- Be toilet trained and use the bathroom without assistance – Staff cannot assist with bathroom needs or changing clothes.
- Engage in outdoor activities for extended periods – Most programming is outdoors, even in light rain. In severe weather (lightning/thunder), we will move indoors. Campers should be prepared for hiking, bugs, and varying temperatures.
Day camp is all about fun and friendship. If you’d like your children to be in the same group, please indicate this on the registration form. They will remain together for the entire week.
Special Needs & Support
Locations
- Essentia Wellness Center (EWC) – 4289 Ugstad Road, Hermantown
- North Star Academy (NS) – 3301 Technology Drive, Duluth
Most campers bring a backpack or bag to camp that contains the following items:
- Closed-toe shoes that attach to the foot (please no sandals or shoes with heels)
- Water bottle(s)
- A hat
- Change of clothes
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Healthy lunch, extra snacks & drinks (no sugary drinks or soda permitted at camp) LUNCH AND SNACK IS NO LONGER PROVIDED AT EITHER DAY CAMP
- Campers should wear OLD CLOTHES to camp.
- A towel
- On swim days, a swimsuit and extra towel
- A nylon/parachute material hammock
- Rain gear
- A book
Drop off and pick up will be curbside-only from 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Only Duluth YMCA employees and registered campers will be permitted into the buildings. Caregivers must sign their child in and out daily. At this time, we are not offering early drop-off or late pick-up. Late pick-ups will result in a late pick-up fee of $1 per minute per child.
We believe every child should experience Day Camp. Thanks to the generous support of our donors, we are able to offer financial assistance to families in need. Families must apply for Child Care County Assistance prior to applying for financial assistance.
Financial Assistance is awarded to qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.
Families are responsible for all child care payments until financial assistance has been awarded. Financial assistance is awarded at a discounted rate based on qualifications and applies only to future enrollments, not past-due balances. Families should wait to receive their financial assistance award notification before registering their child for the program.
Financial assistance applications are available by contacting kcorbett@duluthymca.org or 218-722-4725 x 124.
Remaining balances are due Monday, two weeks prior to the week of attendance. Payments can be made by automatic bank draft or credit card.
If payment is not made by the deadline, your child will be unenrolled, and you will lose your spot for that week. Cancellations and changes must be made at least 17 days prior to the start of the camp week. No refunds will be given for missed days.
Day Camp Dates: | Payment Due Date: |
June 16-June 21 | June 2 |
June 23-June 28 | June 9 |
June 30- July 3 | June 16 |
July 7-July 11 | June 23 |
July 14- July 18 | June 30 |
July 21- July 25 | July 7 |
July 28-August 1 | August 14 |
August 4- August 8 | July 28 |
August 11- August 15 | August 4 |
August 18- August 22 | August 11 |
Registration and schedule changes must be made by calling the registration office at 218-722-4745 ext. 140 or ext. 103, or emailing ar@duluthymca.org. Families must contact us at least 17 days prior to the camp week to drop or change day camp dates. After this deadline, weeks cannot be cancelled for a refund, but an existing registration can be transferred to a later week. A $10 change fee will apply for transfers made within two weeks of the camp week. Please note that accommodations cannot be guaranteed.
No refunds will be issued after the deadline for summer programming. Refunds will only be issued if proper notification is given and contract commitments are met.
For assistance with any changes or cancellations, please contact the Billing and Registration department.
Summer 2025 Day Camp Dates: | Last Date to Cancel (-$52 deposit per week): |
June 16 - June 20 | Friday, May 30 |
June 23 - 27 | Friday, June 6 |
June 30 - July 3 | Friday, June 13 |
July 7 - 11 | Friday, June 20 |
July 14 - 18 | Friday, June 27 |
July 21 - 25 | Friday, July 4 |
July 28 - August 1 | Friday, July 11 |
August 4 - 8 | Friday, July 18 |
August 11 - 15 | Friday, July 25 |
August 18-22 | Friday, August 1 |