YMCA Summer Camp: Driven by Fun, Founded in Values

YMCA Summer Camp provides kids a life-changing summer experience!  Our Y day camps welcome kids of all backgrounds to discover who they are and imagine who they can be, with programs that foster lifelong skills, build self-confidence and create lasting friendships. Together, our proven programs and trained counselors deliver meaningful and memorable camp experiences that keep families coming back year after year after year. We foster environments where you feel comfortable being yourself and confident connecting with others.

YMCA Value Beads

bead keychainThe Y, including summer camp, is guided by our core values. While the kids are learning and having fun, we ensure they treat each other as we’d all like to be treated, they are accountable for their promises and action,  they show a sincere concern for others, and are truthful in all they say and do.

At the end of most camp days, campers will have a “bead ceremony” where campers exhibiting one of the core values of the YMCA is awarded a bead to display proudly on a bracelet (or this year a keyring for their backpacks)

  • Green: Responsibility
  • Yellow: Respect
  • Red: Caring
  • Blue: Honesty
  • And the coveted Gold Bead (new this year) for all the high-spirited campers in the group that won the spirit stick that week!

These beads are an honor that kids carry with them all week and all summer as a reminder of the values they exhibited and the friendships they have formed. 

While our Annual Campaign ensures that Summer Camp is accessible to everyone by providing financial assistance, the Y Endowment ensures we can continue to grow and diversify our camp offerings from facility updates at Camp West Mar to additional specialty camps like Kids Unlimited. A summer at camp with the YMCA can leave a lasting impact on a child and a contribution to the Y Endowment leaves a lasting impact for generations to come. 

The Y welcomes the opportunity to confidentially discuss how a gift to the YMCA endowment can support summer camps for our youth. For more details, contact Tom Clingman, VP of Social Responsibility at 301-663-5131 or by email at tclingman@frederickymca.org.