2024 Summer Camp Descriptions

YMCA OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA 2024 SUMMER CAMP

2024 SUMMER CAMP

DESCRIPTIONS TRADITIONAL CAMPS

Traditional Camps are a great option for the first time camper, the camper with too many interests to choose just one and the experienced camper that has been looking forward to seeing their camp friends all school year long!

In Traditional Camp, campers enjoy all of the best that camp has to offer; everything from arts & crafts to wellness & exercise (don’t worry—it’s disguised as active group games!), and don’t forget about science experiments, possible cooking projects or field trips, swimming and much more. Traditional Camp activities follow a central theme that changes each session so each time a camper comes in they are learning and experiencing new things. If you’re looking for a fun, well-rounded experience for your camper, Traditional Camp is the one for you!

SPORTS CAMPS

These camps offer a fun-filled sports environment with an emphasis on team work, sportsmanship and basic fundamentals. Part of the day will be spent on your camper’s sport focus where they will focus on stretching, warm-ups, skill and drills, educational games and scrimmages.

For the rest of the day, campers will experience all the other great activities the YMCA has to offer. Campers will create their next masterpiece in arts and crafts, explore nature and science, possibly take a dip in the pool and so much more.

ALL STAR SPORTS

LOCATIONS: Bonita Springs, Bradenton, Englewood, Fort Myers, Franz Ross, Lakewood Ranch, North Port, Parrish, Punta Gorda, Venice Lace up those sneakers, put on your shorts; it’s time to have a ball with an assortment of sports. We’ve got the FUNdamentals of your favorite sports covered in this safe, pressure-free arena, so come on in and try them out!

Campers may participate in soccer, basketball, flag football, ultimate frisbee, kickball, or floor hockey.

ARCHERY

LOCATIONS: Franz Ross YMCA Archery Camp is led by USA Archery certified instructors. This target archery program is for the beginner to intermediate archer primarily focusing on safety, stance and grip, aim. We spend the first day of every session orienting campers to safety rules and expectations. Throughout the week we will work on our form and accuracy following a progression of games-based practice sessions.

BASEBALL

LOCATIONS: Venice Designed for baseball enthusiasts this camp not only will teach the fundamentals of the game but will help each player hone their skills around the great game of baseball. From hitting, fielding, beginners to exeperienced players will enjoy this home run of a camp! Please bring your own glove.

BASKETBALL

LOCATIONS: Bradenton, Englewood, Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, Venice Campers will spend part of the day learning and practicing basketball fundamentals: dribbling, shooting, passing, fast breaks, ball handling, and the importance of teamwork.

CHEERLEADING

LOCATIONS: Fort Myers, Lakewood Ranch, Venice Join our Cheerleading alumni staff in a week full of choreography and SPIRIT! Campers get approximately 2 hours of instruction daily mixed in with group games, arts & crafts and everything else children love about camp!

FLAG FOOTBALL

LOCATIONS: Bradenton, Englewood, Fort Myers, Franz Ross, Lakewood Ranch, Venice All the fun of football with out the worry of contact. Campers will learn the fundamentals and improve skills in the morning, while scrimmaging in teams and making new rules to play during the afternoon.

FLOOR HOCKEY

LOCATIONS: Bradenton, Englewood, Fort Myers, Lakewood Ranch, Venice Campers will spend the day learning all about floor hockey, including fundamentals, rules and strategies, all while focusing on teamwork and sportsmanship.

GOLF

LOCATIONS: Venice We teach children to excel both on and off the golf course. Our coaches emphasize fun and principled skill development. After all, what good is a game if it isn’t meant to be enjoyed? Note: the main camp activities take place offsite. Parents pickup and drop off at the main camp location and campers are transported via bus to the golf course.

HANDBALL

LOCATIONS: Venice Combining the non-stop movement of soccer with the passing skills of football this camp is packed with no stop action fun! Campers will learn the basics of the sport and play.

PICKLEBALL

LOCATIONS: Bonita Springs, Bradenton, North Port, Venice You’ll hit a ton of balls, work hard, meet new friends, and laugh a lot. You will leave camp with a new enthusiasm for the game of pickleball and greater oncourt self-confidence.

SOCCER

LOCATIONS: Bradenton, Englewood, Fort Myers, Franz Ross, Lakewood Ranch, North Port, Parrish, Venice Soccer camp will allow campers to take their dribbling, passing, shooting to a new level.

Team work and strategies on how best to play as well as introduce fun new versions of this sport.

T-BALL

LOCATIONS: Englewood, Fort Myers, Lakewood Ranch, North Port, Venice Designed for the aspiring baseball player, this camp will not only teach the fundamentals of the game through developmentally appropriate techniques but will help each player hone their skills around America’s past-time. This camp is sure to be a hit!

TENNIS

LOCATIONS: Franz Ross, Punta Gorda At YMCA Tennis Camp, our experienced tennis coaches help campers learn and improve their skills on-court, while creating lasting friendships and memories.

Your child will learn the fundamentals of the game through drills, games, and friendly competition adapted to age and skill level while practicing sportsmanship in a safe and fun environment.

ULTIMATE FRISBEE

LOCATIONS: Englewood Combining the non-stop movement of soccer with the aerial passing skills of football, a game of Ultimate is just as epic as the name suggests! Campers will learn the basics of the sport and play

VOLLEYBALL

LOCATIONS: Bonita Springs, Bradenton, Englewood, Lakewood Ranch Try your hand in front of the net this week! Volleyball camp is designed to develop and improve your child’s skills in the sport of volleyball. We’ll cover the basics of the sport: such as serving, passing & blocking, as well as the allimportant role of sportsmanship in this fun team-building week!

HALF DAY SPORTS CAMPS BASKETBALL CLINIC

LOCATIONS: Lakewood Ranch, Venice Join us for an action-packed basketball clinic designed to elevate your game to new heights! Our intensive program focuses on honing fundamental skills like shooting, dribbling, and defensive maneuvers. Led by seasoned coaches, participants will engage in dynamic drills and friendly competitions to apply their newfound skills in real-game scenarios. Beyond the court, we emphasize teamwork, sportsmanship, and fitness, ensuring a holistic approach to player development. Players should wear appropriate basketball attire (including court sneakers) and bring a water bottle.

VOLLEYBALL CLINIC

LOCATIONS: Venice Join us for an exhilarating week of volleyball action at the Y! Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn the basics or a seasoned player looking to refine your skills, our clinic is designed to cater to all levels of expertise. Led by experienced coaches, participants will engage in a variety of skill-building exercises, covering everything from serving techniques and precise digs to strategic positioning on the court. Through spirited drills and friendly scrimmages, players will have the opportunity to apply their newly acquired skills in a fun and supportive environment. Off the court, we’ll focus on fostering teamwork, sportsmanship, and a love for the game. Players should wear appropriate volleyball attire (knee pads are enouraged) and bring a water bottle.

AQUATIC CAMPS

Have fun and keep cool this summer! YMCA Aquatic Camps are perfect for children of all ages. Each camper will spend at least two session blocks in the pool participating in a daily lesson, aquatic games and free swim, learning an important life skill. Campers are swim tested daily and placed in color-coded groups based on age and ability.

AQUATICS

LOCATIONS: Bonita Springs, Bradenton, Englewood, Franz Ross, Lakewood Ranch, Venice Aquatic camps are designed for beginner through intermediate levels. All lifeguards and instructors are certified. Depending on the swim level, activities may include stroke development, basic lifeguard skills, water sports, and traditional camp activities. In addition, campers may spend part of their day participating in land-based activities including group games, sports & fitness, hands-on science, arts & crafts and more!

AQUA SPORTS

LOCATIONS: Bradenton Make a splash this summer at our Aqua Sports! Dive into the thrill of swimming and engage in various sports activities. From perfecting strokes to friendly water polo matches, our camp offers a dynamic blend of aquatic and sports fun. Expert coaches ensure a safe and supportive environment, making it the perfect place for both water enthusiasts and sports lovers to enjoy an active summer.

JUNIOR LIFEGUARD

LOCATIONS: Franz Ross Junior Lifeguard Camp focuses on developing swimming skills to help participants meet the Lifeguard course prerequisite. The course also introduces participants to lifesaving skills, such as in-water rescues, use of a rescue tube, and first aid, CPR and AED. Participants also have the opportunity to shadow lifeguards in rotation to get a real sense of being on the job. If you’re looking for a fun, hands-on camp, this is the one! Mini Swim

SWIM AND CRAFT

LOCATIONS: Englewood Make a splash in the pool and unleash your inner artist all in the same week! ! It’s the perfect blend of swimming skills and creative exploration under the warm summer sun.

SWIM AND SPORTS

LOCATIONS: Englewood, Lakewood Ranch Become an athlete in the pool and on the field! Campers will partake in swim lessons to improve technique in the pool, and then play a variety of sports to improve technique on the field!

SWIM TEAM

LOCATIONS: Englewood Welcome to the team! Campers will receive a 30-minute swim lesson each day with a certified instructorctor to perfect their strokes and build confidence in the water. The week culminates in an exhilarating swim meet where campers can showcase their newfound skills and team spirit.

TRIATHLON

LOCATIONS: Englewood Calling all young triathlon enthusiasts! This is the perfect place to kickstart camper’s love for swimming, biking, and running. Each day is packed with a 30 min swim lesson, along with running and biking activities to help you become a triathlon superstar while having a blast with new friends.

TRAVEL CAMPS

Travel Camps take to the road with a combination of exciting field trips and activities in our camp facilities. Campers will enjoy new experiences by taking trips every day. Our trained camp counselors help to ensure every day is safe and supervised, so parents can rest easy knowing their young ones are in a secure environment. Trip destinations can include, but are not limited to, roller and ice-skating, historical destinations, indoor and outdoor amusement parks, pizza and movie day, swim destinations and much more. All travel campers should be dropped off at camp no later than 8:30am and can not be picked up early from any offsite locations.

AQUA ADVENTURE

LOCATIONS: Englewood, Fort Myers, Franz Ross, Punta Gorda Are you ready for a fun filled week? Our campers will be checking out all of our favorite aquariums, pools & water parks in the area!

DESTINATION UNKNOWN

LOCATIONS: Bonita Springs, Bradenton, Englewood, Fort Myers, Franz Ross, Lakewood Ranch, Punta Gorda, Venice Every day is a surprise in Destination Unknown! This unique camp includes fun and exciting daily trips. This camp requires an adventurous personality as you never know where you might end up!

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

LOCATIONS: Englewood, Franz Ross, Punta Gorda The great outdoors is what summer should be: the fun and freedom of the outdoors while learning new skills and making great friends! Campers learn to respect and appreciate nature through fun adventures like: hiking, exploring, archery,wilderness projects and environmental education, and many more surprises!

MINI TRAVEL

LOCATIONS: Venice Do you love to travel? Want to try something new each day? Our campers will experience all the fun of being a part of camp while ON THE ROAD!

TRAVELING SPORTS FANATICS

LOCATIONS: Fort Myers Come along with us as we try our hand at Paintball, Lazer Tag, Archery Tag, Bubble Soccer, Top Golf, or even experience a minor league game and stadium tour (among other possible trips) in this week of non-stop extreme sports! Fit

KIDS CAMP

LOCATIONS: Fort Myers A fun and educational fitness program that will develop a strong foundation that will allow children to love being active. Lead by our wellness coaches and trainers, this program will enhance cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, muscle development, and fat loss.

TEEN LEADERSHIP (ALL BRANCHES)

At the Y, we help youth set and achieve their personal and educational goals. They gain confidence as they recognize the Y as a place where they belong and can feel comfortable exploring new interests and passions. A unique program designed especially for teenagers and a careful balance of program components has been created to foster creativity, adventure, peer interaction, leadership skills, values and friendships that will last a lifetime.

COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING

LOCATIONS: Bradenton, Englewood, Fort Myers, Franz Ross, North Port, Punta Gorda, Venice Step into a leadership role at our Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Camp, tailor-made for older, more mature campers ready to hone their true leadership skills. This dynamic program provides hands-on experience and training in the art of camp leadership.

Led by experienced mentors, participants will immerse themselves in responsibilities that mirror those of camp counselors. From organizing activities and guiding fellow campers to mastering effective communication and conflict resolution, CIT campers will develop a comprehensive skill set that goes beyond the typical camp experience.

Limited spots are available for this empowering journey, so seize the opportunity to become a true leader at the Counselor-in-Training Leadership Camp!

LEADERS-IN-TRAINING

LOCATIONS: Englewood, Franz Ross, Punta Gorda Ignite leadership potential in your tweens with our Leaders-in-Training (LIT) Camp! Tailored for slightly younger campers, this program cultivates true leadership skills in a supportive and engaging environment.

Led by experienced mentors, tweens will experience the responsibilities of a camp counselor, learning essential leadership qualities such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Through hands-on activities and collaborative projects, participants will develop confidence and a sense of responsibility.

Empower your tweens to become leaders in a camp adventure like no other!

SUMMER OF SERVICE

LOCATIONS: Bradenton, North Port, Venice At the heart of our mission is building community and it’s never too early to start! This is a great way to engage your teen in service work--our teens will work together to plan and execute multiple service learning projects benefiting organizations of their choice in just one short week and earn 30 SSL hours while they’re at it!

TEEN ART ACADEMY

LOCATIONS: Englewood, North Port Welcome to Art Academy, where creativity knows no bounds! This camp is all about unleashing your inner artist. Campers may paint, sculpt, paper mache, and more!

TEEN BOARD GAMES GALORE

LOCATIONS: Englewood, North Port Get ready to roll, strategize, and play your way to board game glory at Board Games Galore! This camp is a tabletop gamer’s dream, designed for those who crave epic battles, cunning strategies, and endless fun with fellow game aficionados.

TEEN SAVOR THE FLAVOR

LOCATIONS: Englewood, North Port Teens really get cooking in this culinary arts camp where they learn to create fun things that you can eat!

Incorporating cleanliness, nutrition, cooking terms, measuring, creating, sharing and EATING, this camp allows teens to learn how to make a yummy meal. From chopping up to cleaning up, it’s all food for thought.

TEEN SLIME TIME

LOCATIONS: Venice Goop rules! Mad scientists get down and dirty creating concoctions and potions and gurgling substances—some of them edible, some too icky to even think about eating.

TEEN SPORTS SAMPLER

LOCATIONS: Fort Myers, Venice Unleash your athletic spirit at our Teen Sports Sampler! Dive into a week of sports exploration, trying your hand at basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, and more. Led by skilled coaches, you’ll refine your skills, engage in friendly competitions, and discover the sports you love. Embrace teamwork, leadership, and an active lifestyle in a fun, supportive environment.

TEEN TIE DYE

LOCATIONS: Venice Experience a burst of color! Join us for a week of creative fun as you learn the art of tie-dye. Perfect for all skill levels, this camp provides everything you need to craft vibrant designs on various materials. Beyond the dyeing sessions, enjoy games and team-building activities. Let the tie-dye adventure begin!

TEEN TRAVEL

LOCATIONS: Fort Myers, Venice Do you love to travel? Want to try something new each day? Our campers will experience all the fun of being a part of camp while ON THE ROAD!

STEAM CAMPS

Immerse your camper in the exciting realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) with our hands-on and collaborative camps. Led by experienced instructors, participants will create works of art, explore performance arts, embark on space exploration, delve into engineering marvels, or unravel science wonders through captivating experiments. Our camps cater to campers of all ages, promoting creativity and critical thinking.

Join us this summer for an enriching STEAM experience that sparks curiosity & shapes future innovators.

ADVENTURES IN ART

LOCATIONS: Bonita Springs, Bradenton, Englewood, Fort Myers, Franz Ross, North Port, Parrish Craft a creation! This unique, hands-on camp introduces young artists to a variety of art media that may include drawing, painting, clay creations, plaster of paris, paper mâché, and more! Please send campers in appropriate clothing that allow for freedom of expression or send a smock.

ADVENTURES OF SPACE

LOCATIONS: Bonita Springs, Venice Embark on a cosmic journey at our Cosmic Discovery Space Camp! Join us for an unforgettable week of space exploration, rocket building, and stargazing. Led by passionate experts, campers will dive into the mysteries of the universe through engaging activities and simulations.!

EXPERIMENT EXCURSIONS

LOCATIONS: Bradenton, Parrish Do you enjoy science experiments AND the great outdoors? In Experiment Excursions we will explore outside and try different experiments along the way!

GOOP & MAGICAL SOLUTIONS

LOCATIONS: Englewood, North Port Put down the crayons and build your next masterpiece in 3-D. Let your imagination soar as you experiment with form and texture using plaster, wire, clay, fabric, Papier-mâché, weaving, homemade play dough and more!

LOCATIONS: Bradenton, Parrish, Venice Join us on a wacky adventure through all kinds of cool and crazy chemical reactions. Use chemicals to make slippery slime and watch colors separate before your eyes! Find out how to make volcanoes erupt, what oobleck is, how to make gak and more! Add in messy games and activities, creating a slimy, grimy, goopy and magical experience.

BAKING EXTRAVAGANZA

GREEN THUMBS UP!

ART IN 3D

LOCATIONS: Venice Join us for a week of hands-on baking fun, from cookies to cupcakes and beyond.

Perfect for all skill levels, our expert bakers will guide you through the art of creating delicious delights. Enjoy taste tests, friendly competitions, and surprises along the way. Let the baking fun commence!

CAMP PATROL

LOCATIONS: Venice Campers, it’s time to step up and make a difference at our Camp Patrol Leadership Camp! Designed for responsible and eager participants, this program teaches valuable skills such as leadership, teamwork, safety awareness, and positive role modeling. Led by experienced guides, the week is a dynamic blend of hands-on activities and character-building lessons. Limited spots available, so register now for a week of empowerment and growth.

CARTOONING

LOCATIONS: Bradenton, Parrish Do you like to read the comics? Learn the basics of cartooning, including figure design, movement and the process of drawing, and coloring a strip. Use your imagination to story board and create your own adventures to share with your families and friends.

CLAYMATIONS

LOCATIONS: Bradenton, Englewood, Venice From bowls and flowerpots to rings and necklaces, the possibilities with clay are endless! In this camp campers will learn how to make beginner ceramic items from start to finish. Sketching, sculpting, baking, and painting is all in the plans for this fun camp! Whether you’re a seasoned claymation master or just itching to mold your first character, this camp is where your ideas come to life.

CREATIVE DANCE

LOCATIONS: Bradenton, Englewood, Lakewood Ranch, North Port Get ready to groove, twirl, and shimmy your way through the week! Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just love to move, our camp is where the beat meets your feet. Join us for the best dance moves, the coolest choreography, and a week full of fantastic friends who share your passion for all things dance!

CURTAIN CALL

LOCATIONS: Bradenton, Englewood, Punta Gorda Campers will learn all of the aspects of theatre from character creation to costumes and set design to performance. Improvisation, make-up, songs, props and characterization are just some of the techniques to be practiced as they work towards a final Friday performance.

LOCATIONS: Bradenton Get down and dirty in this green thumb camp. Learn all about plants, seeds, & soil as you watch your organic garden grow.

JUST BUILD IT

LOCATIONS: Fort Myers, Lakewood Ranch, Venice Calling all junior architects! Construct mini-communities, a mini model of your house and other cool buildings. Join the Y Town Design Team with the creation of an itty-bitty city.

KIDS GONE CRAFTY

LOCATIONS: Bradenton, Englewood, Franz Ross, Lakewood Ranch, North Port, Punta Gorda, Venice Create crafty creations! You may tie-dye a t-shirt, learn what a boondoggle is, and use beads for more than just jewelry (maybe a sun catcher, or to design a creature)! Beads, keychains, gimp and more are just some of the materials you’ll use to make creative crafts in this custom camp!

KINDNESS UNDERCOVER

LOCATIONS: Venice Being kind matters! Embark on a week of kindness at our Kindness Quest Camp!

Led by caring guides, campers will explore the power of compassion through fun activities, teamwork, and community projects. Campers will work undercover doing random acts of kindness to make a positive impact within the camp. The best part? It is all a surprise! Let the kindness quest begin!

LEGO BUILDERS

LOCATIONS: Bonita Springs, Bradenton, Englewood, Franz Ross, Lakewood Ranch, North Port, Parrish, Venice Explore the wonderful world of Legos. Campers will create towers, build building and use Legos to create their own personal creations.

LEGO ROBOTICS

LOCATIONS: Bradenton, Parrish Explore the wonderful world of Legos. Campers will have the opportunity to explore the world of motorized building blocks and develop real moving LEGO creations.

LET’S PAINT

LOCATIONS: Bradenton, Englewood, Lakewood Ranch, North Port, Parrish, Venice Go beyond the expected! Discover finger-painting, sponge dipping and other exciting possibilities.

STEAM CAMPS (con’t)

Immerse your camper in the exciting realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) with our hands-on and collaborative camps. Led by experienced instructors, participants will create works of art, explore performance arts, embark on space exploration, delve into engineering marvels, or unravel science wonders through captivating experiments. Our camps cater to campers of all ages, promoting creativity and critical thinking.

Join us this summer for an enriching STEAM experience that sparks curiosity & shapes future innovators.

MAD SCIENTISTS

LOCATIONS: Bonita Springs, Bradenton, Englewood, Fort Myers, Franz Ross, Lakewood Ranch, North Port, Parrish, Punta Gorda Calling all budding scientists to Mad Scientists Camp! This week-long adventure is tailor-made for young minds eager to explore the wonders of science. Led by our team of enthusiastic scientists, campers will dive into hands-on experiments, create exciting chemical reactions, and uncover the secrets of the scientific world.

MUSICAL THEATER

LOCATIONS: Bradenton Campers will learn all aspects of musical theater from character creation, costumes & set design, and performance. Improvisation, make-up, songs, props, and characterization are just some of the techniques to be practiced as they work towards a final Friday performance.

OPERATION DETECTIVE

LOCATIONS: Venice Embark on a week of intrigue at Operation Detective! Join us for exciting challenges, secret missions, and hands-on detective work. Led by experienced detectives, campers will decode messages, analyze fingerprints, and master spy skills. Unleash your inner detective!

PAINTBRUSH PALOOZA

LOCATIONS: Bradenton, Englewood Paint goes beyond watercolor and tempura. In Paintbrush Palooza campers will explore new mediums of paint and the techniques developed for them. Unleash your inner artist and let your creativity flow! From brush to canvas, discover a world where imagination knows no limits. Join us for a week of color, creativity, and a palette of new friends who share your passion for the mesmerizing world of painting.

PHOTOGRAPHY

LOCATIONS: Lakewood Ranch Learn how to make pictures, not just take them! With just a camera and a computer, the world is your digital darkroom! Learn the art of capturing faces, places and moments in time with a SNAP and share the joy with your friends and family! Be the master of your social media world.

RECYCLIN ART

LOCATIONS: Bradenton Treasure from “trash.” Shoeboxes, newspaper, paper bags, and more turned into something artistic and fun.

SAVOR THE FLAVOR

LOCATIONS: Bonita Springs, Bradenton, Englewood, Fort Myers, Franz Ross, Lakewood Ranch, North Port, Parrish, Punta Gorda, Venice Campers really get cooking in this introduction to the culinary arts where they learn to create fun things that you can eat! Incorporating cleanliness, nutrition, cooking terms, measuring, creating, sharing and EATING, this camp allows children to become little chefs. From chopping up to cleaning up, it’s all food for thought.

SENSATIONAL SCIENCES

LOCATIONS: Englewood, Lakewood Ranch Join us for some amazing science experiments and cool projects! Learn chemistry concepts, build models or a vortex volcano in a bottle. Every day offers a new experience for campers to become scientific sleuths – learning how to ask bright questions and find right answers.

SLIME TIME

LOCATIONS: Englewood, Lakewood Ranch, Venice Goop rules! Young mad scientists get down and dirty creating concoctions and potions and gurgling substances—some of them edible, some too icky to even think about eating.

SHAKE IT OFF

LOCATIONS: Franz Ross, Venice Ignite your passion for dance! Perfect for all levels, this week-long experience explores a mix of dance styles, including hip-hop, jazz, and more. Led by skilled choreographers, campers will groove to daily routines, master techniques, and embrace creative expression. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a beginner, join us for a week of rhythm and movement.

SMART ART

LOCATIONS: Englewood, North Port It’s art with a twist. Art + Science = Cool Craziness! When you mix up art and science, you’ll create all kinds of interesting, cool designs. Experiment with different, colorful substances that produce reactions. Find out what candy chromatography is; put your noodle to work in a nifty chemistry workshop.

TASTY TREATS

LOCATIONS: Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, Venice A fun culinary experience where young chefs explore the art of crafting delicious snacks through hands-on cooking lessons and creative recipe experiments.

Afterschool snacks will hit different next year after they learn to make their own!

TECHNOLOGY

LOCATIONS: Lakewood Ranch Embark on a week-long tech journey at our Technology Camp! Designed for young tech enthusiasts, our camp offers hands-on experiences in coding, robotics, and digital design. With expert guidance and cutting-edge equipment, campers will explore the exciting world of technology. From building robots to creating their own digital masterpieces, participants will turn their ideas into reality. Join us for a dynamic and fun-filled week of tech exploration and creative discovery!

TIE DYE CREATORS

LOCATIONS: Bonita Springs, Venice Experience a burst of color! Join us for a week of creative fun as you learn the art of tie-dye. Perfect for all skill levels, this camp provides everything you need to craft vibrant designs on various materials. Beyond the dyeing sessions, enjoy games and team-building activities. Let the tie-dye adventure begin!

WEARABLE ART

LOCATIONS: Englewood Design your own personalized jazzy jewelry and accessories. Create jewelry using clay, pre-made beads, and more. Make pins, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and hair ornaments.

Y’S GOT TALENT

LOCATIONS: Bradenton, Englewood, Fort Myers, Franz Ross, North Port, Parrish Do you have what it takes to be the next Y superstar? Let’s see what you got in this imaginative camp. Sing, dance, or perform your way into the hearts of every camper!

CAMP ESTERO

Camp Estero Outdoor Day Camp is what summer should be: the fun and freedom of the outdoors while learning new skills and making great friends! Each week is filled with new activities to explore! Campers learn to respect and appreciate nature through fun adventures like: hiking, kayaking, wilderness projects and environmental education, arts and crafts, camp songs and many more surprises! Skilled Y camp staff teach teamwork and provide challenging, afe activities for each small group. Each camper will experience success-building skills that last a lifetime!

WILDERNESS NAVIGATORS

LOCATIONS: Bonita Springs Explore the world of nature as you connect with the outdoor elements and learn survival skills. You will get to experience archery, cooking outdoors, fishing, and so much more! As the summer goes on, you will earn badges on all of your amazing accomplishments you will complete. Let your imagination run wild and create lasting memories and build friendships along the way!

ADVENTURE CAMP

In adventure camps, campers will spend the day climbing the alpine tower, rock wall and low ropes course while improving their teamwork and communication skills. Led by certified climbing instructors, this adventure of a week will have campers reaching for new heights! Part of the day will be spent in your camper’s specialty focus. For the rest of the day, campers will experience all the other great activities the YMCA has to offer. Campers will create their next masterpiece in arts and crafts, explore nature and science, take a dip in the pool and much more.

CRAFT AND CLIMB

LOCATIONS: Englewood Craft your own adventures! Let your creativity soar as you make unique crafts, and then conquer new heights on the alpine tower and climbing wall!

COOK AND CLIMB

LOCATIONS: Englewood Combine your love for culinary delights and adventure! Climb to new heights as you climb the alpine tower and and treat your tastebuds as you whip up delicious dishes.

GYMNASTICS

SPORT AND CLIMB

LOCATIONS: Englewood Prepare for an action-packed adventure! This camp is the ultimate playground for adrenaline and teamwork. Join us for a week of good sportsmanship and scaling new heights.

SWIM AND CLIMB

LOCATIONS: Englewood Dive into an aquatic and aerial adventure like never before! Whether you’re a water enthusiast or a climbing connoisseur, there will be something for everyone.

Campers will have a 30 min swim lesson as well as climb the alpine tower.

Gymnastics programs at the YMCA range from classes and summer camps to competitive team. Learn and refine basic skills, improve your balance and coordination while gaining self-esteem. Practice bars, side handstands, beam routines, cartwheels and more.

Gymnastics Camps are offered from 5 years and up.

GYMNASTICS

LOCATIONS: Venice The Gymnastics Academy is designed to provide a full gymnastics experience. Emphasis is placed on skill development in all four Olympic events. Training is enhanced through dance, trampoline, strength training, nutrition, and sports psychology instruction. Gymnasts will have exclusive use of the state-of-the-art training facility. The facility is fully equipped with AAI equipment and much more.

ROCK N’ WARRIOR

LOCATIONS: Venice Start your training early for this one! This week we’ll tackle challenging obstacle courses and compete for the title of YMCA Ninja Warrior, a title NONE have been able to claim yet…