Summer Camp 2026 at YMCA Camp Cristina Is Here, And It’s Better Than Ever

Summer Camp 2026 at YMCA Camp Cristina is shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons in camp history. Families can look forward to an unforgettable summer filled with adventure, friendship, personal growth and brand-new experiences, all while enjoying major improvements across camp made possible through the incredible support of our community.

For over thirty years, YMCA Camp Cristina has been a place where kids connect with nature and create lifelong memories. Whether it’s conquering the ropes course, splashing in the pool or learning teamwork, camp has always been about helping children grow in a safe, supportive and fun environment.

Now, thanks to more than $1 million in new investment from generous community donors, YMCA Camp Cristina is undergoing an exciting transformation that will elevate the camper experience while preserving the spirit and traditions families already know and love.

One of the biggest highlights of the upcoming improvements is the complete renovation of the pool area. Campers will enjoy updated pool surfaces, redesigned decks and a brand-new 14-foot waterslide that promises endless excitement during those hot Florida summer days. The upgraded aquatic area will provide an even better environment for swim lessons, water games, recreational swim and countless summer memories shared with friends.

Families will also notice improvements before they even step out of the car. YMCA Camp Cristina’s entrance roads and parking lots have been completely repaved to create a smoother, safer and more convenient drop-off and pick-up experience. Parents can look forward to easier navigation and a much more comfortable arrival process each day.

Adventure seekers will also have something major to look forward to with the development of a brand-new ropes course. Designed to inspire teamwork, courage and confidence, the upgraded course will introduce exciting new challenges for campers of all ages. While construction may take a little longer due to the specialized nature of the project, campers can rest assured that the current ropes tower will remain in place until the new course is ready for its grand debut.

In addition, YMCA Camp Cristina is currently finalizing plans for a new pole shed over the horseback riding corral to provide extra shade and comfort for both campers and horses during the warm summer months. This addition reflects the camp’s ongoing focus on enhancing outdoor experiences while ensuring campers can safely enjoy every activity throughout the day.

These improvements go beyond construction, they reflect YMCA Camp Cristina’s ongoing commitment to helping children try new things, build confidence, form friendships and discover strengths they never knew they had.

Summer Camp 2026 sessions are already filling quickly, and space is limited. Families are encouraged to register early to secure a spot and be part of this exciting new chapter at Camp Cristina. This summer promises more adventure, laughter, memories, and opportunities than ever before.

All the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA’s summer camps are ACA-accredited, meeting the highest standards for safety, program quality and operations. YMCA members receive the best camp rates, and financial assistance is available through the Open Doors program to help make camp accessible for all families. Scholarships are made possible through generous support of the Tampa Y Annual Giving Campaign.

To learn more or register for Tampa YMCA Summer Camp 2026, visit https://tampaymca.org/letscamp

Read More from the YMCA:

• No Place Like This Place: Building Confidence, Friendship and Fun at YMCA Camps
• Building Confidence, Community and Careers: Tampa YMCA Summer Camps in Action
• From Camper to Future Counselor: YMCA Summer Camps Keep Families Coming Back Year After Year

*Presented by YMCA