Building Confidence, Community and Careers: Tampa YMCA Summer Camps in Action
At the Tampa YMCA, summer camp is more than a seasonal activity; it’s a pathway for growth, leadership and lifelong connection. For over 135 years, families across the Tampa Bay area have trusted YMCA summer camp programs to provide safe, engaging and enriching experiences for children of all ages. From first-time campers discovering independence to teens stepping into leadership roles, the Y is proud to support kids at every stage of their journey.
Our summer camps offer a wide variety of activities and are designed to help young people build confidence, make friends and develop skills that extend far beyond the pool deck or the playground. Through outdoor adventure, team-building activities, creative play and intentional mentorship, campers learn what it means to belong, contribute and thrive. That impact truly comes to life through our Counselor in Training (CIT) program, offered at YMCA Camp Sierra and YMCA Camp Cristina.
The CIT program was created for teens ages 14 and 15 and is a cornerstone of our commitment to teen development, helping us bridge the gap between being a camper and stepping into a leadership and employment-ready role.
The four-week program is offered to YMCA members and non-members and provides teens a safe space to gain hands-on leadership experience while learning responsibility, communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills. Under the guidance of experienced YMCA staff, CITs assist with daily camp activities, model positive behavior for younger campers and begin to understand what it means to lead with empathy and purpose.
For many teens, the CIT program is more than just a summer experience; it’s the beginning of their professional journey. The Tampa YMCA is proud to be the first place of employment for many young people in our community. Each summer, we intentionally hire from within our camp family, welcoming back former counselors and campers who are ready to take on paid counselor roles. This creates a powerful cycle: campers grow into leaders, leaders become counselors and counselors inspire the next generation!
The YMCA’s commitment to supporting kids of all ages doesn’t end when summer does. The skills learned through camp and the CIT program stay with participants long after the final Friday Award Ceremony ends. By investing in our teens today, we’re creating strong and capable future leaders.
Summer camp registration is officially open to members and non-members! To learn more about our traditional day camps, half-day camps and CIT programs, visit: tampaymca.org/letscamp.
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From Camper to Future Counselor: YMCA Summer Camps Keep Families Coming Back Year After Year