Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA and YMCA of the Suncoast Offer Plenty of Summer Camp Options for Families

Fun Fact: America’s first known summer camp was opened in 1885 by the YMCA, Camp Dudley in Orange Lake, New York. It has been a mainstay of Y programming since then. Thanks to the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA and YMCA of the Suncoast – from Citrus to Pinellas County – there is a Summer Camp near you.

Tampa YMCA Summer Camp Options

Geared at ages 6 to 15, Tampa Y camp participants will experience a fun summer filled with friendships, adventures and phenomenal memories. We offer a wide range of Summer Camp activities. Camp Cristina in Riverview is home to beautiful, patient horses, yes, horses – making our Horse Camp super popular. Spurlino, East Pasco, New Tampa, and all our 12 Family Centre YMCAs offer sports, art, swimming and more.

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Tampa YMCA members receive exclusive Summer Camp benefits, including $0 Annual Enrollment Fee through May 15, 2024 (save $45 per child).

Dave Boyle, Executive Director, Tampa Y’s Camp Cristina oversees our camps, and shares we are expecting over 5000 campers this year.

“This camp season, while we continue to cherish the timeless traditions that have always defined us, we are excited to introduce a modern twist to these classic elements. Central to our refreshed approach is a renewed emphasis on fostering meaningful connections.”

“We believe that the bonds formed at camp – between peers, with nature and within oneself – are more vital than ever in our increasingly digital world. Our activities are deliberately designed to encourage campers to engage deeply with the world around them, particularly the great outdoors. Being outside isn’t just a backdrop for our camp; it’s a canvas for adventure, learning, and discovery.

Additionally, we’re reinvigorating our range of age-appropriate games, infusing them with innovative ideas and approaches. These games are not only fun but are carefully crafted to promote developmental skills, teamwork, and healthy competition. By blending the best of traditional camp experiences with a contemporary perspective, we’re creating an environment that is both nostalgically familiar and excitingly new, ensuring that our campers enjoy the most enriching and memorable summer possible.”

“Each counselor brings a unique blend of diverse backgrounds and skills, allowing us to offer a personalized experience that caters to the individual needs and interests of every camper. They serve as role models, demonstrating values and attitudes that leave a lasting impact on the campers, shaping not just their summer but their character and life outlook. Importantly, they create a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where campers feel comfortable to be themselves, fostering respect and appreciation for others.”

The Tampa YMCA Summer Camps are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). This means our camps underwent a thorough review of operations by the ACA – from staff qualifications and training to emergency management – and complied with the highest industry standards.

Suncoast YMCA Summer Camp Options

New experiences, skill-building, community and friendship make our Suncoast Y Camps memorable. Our Summer Camp invites youth to be inspired through creative play, sports and more. It is an opportunity for them to stay engaged socially and academically. Each week features a unique theme with fun activities that encourage kids to try new things, plenty of physical activity and games to keep them active. Campers will have the opportunity to develop friendships and experience a sense of belonging.

“Summer Camp is important for growth. It allows kids to become independent and confident. As well, enables them to socialize and make new friends. We are expecting about 3,000 campers across all four counties, up from about 2900 last year,” explains Beth Gettig, Vice President of Youth Development, YMCA of the Suncoast.

Camp age range varies from Kindergarten to middle school with a few middle school camps and some Counselor in Training (CIT) programs available for teens.

“What makes our camps stand out is that every individual can focus on their unique interests and expand their horizons in new and exciting directions. Our campers end the summer with greater independence and a stronger sense of identity, but they will also have developed new skills, made new friends and created memories to cherish forever.”

Registration for members is open already and will open for non-members on February 26.

Visit Tampa YMCA and Suncoast YMCA for more information.

*Presented by the Tampa YMCA | Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine Summer Camp Coverage