Basketball Camp

This instructional Basketball camp will be offered again this summer. Children will be divided into groups by age and ability, and players will focus on the development of individual skills with drills, competitions and games. This is a great program for current and prospective YMCA youth basketball league participants. This camp can be physically demanding. Each camper needs a water bottle, lunch and appropriate clothing for playing basketball. Campers will also participate in end-of-day swim and our weekly beach trip; please bring a towel and bathing suit.

Tumbling Camp

Learn to tumble and balance in our very popular camp. Participants will learn a variety of skills on the beams, mats and trampolines. They will also be engaged in youth yoga class and some outdoor activities. Campers will participate in daily swimming, so please bring a towel and bathing suit. Campers are asked to bring a bagged lunch and water bottle, as this can be physically demanding.

Soccer Camp

Soccer camp is a structured program designed to help campers  learn/improve their soccer abilities. This includes drills and games that focus on enhancing techniques like passing, shooting, kicking, and defending. The camp will  also emphasize physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Soccer camp will provide a fun, engaging environment for participants to develop their skills and enjoy the sport.  Campers will be able to attend our weekly beach trip.

Flag Football Camp

Under the instruction of the Sussex Family YMCA sports staff, campers will participate in various skill-building drills, competitions, scrimmages and conditioning. It is suggested that campers wear clothing suitable and appropriate for athletic play. Participants should wear plastic molded football shoes as well as bring a bagged lunch and water bottle. This camp will participate in the end-of-day swim at the YMCA and our weekly beach trip; please pack a bathing suit and towel.

Dance Camp

Get ready to showcase your moves! Campers will work with experienced instructors to learn a choreographed dance routine to be performed at the end of the week for parents and their fellow campers to see. Campers will also participate in daily swimming and our weekly beach trip; please pack a towel and bathing suit daily.

Volleyball Camp

Campers will participate in volleyball exercises, drills, and competitive games during this week of volleyball! Campers will have a great time learning sportsmanship and creating new friendships.  Volleyball Camp will get the opportunity to swim and go on to the beach this week.

Coastal Camp

Coastal Camp offers the fun and freedom of being outdoors while learning new skills and making new friends. Campers learn to respect and enjoy nature while having fun hiking, exploring, swimming, attending field trips (could be on-site), and much more.

Animal Camp

Animal Camp is an exciting and educational experience designed for animal lovers of all ages. Campers will enjoy a trip to the zoo, animal-themed games and workshops.  Campers will swim daily and have the opportunity to attend our weekly beach trip.

Theatre Camp

This camp uses popular children’s literature to teach character creation, collaboration in acting scenes, improvisation, stage direction and projection. Students must be able to read and feel comfortable memorizing lines.  Campers will put on a performance for the camp at the end of the week.  Participants will also have the option to participate in our weekly beach trip.

Creation Station Camp

Get ready to let your imagination run wild at our creation station. Projects will include pottery making, painting and tie-dying. Work on fun projects throughout the week and have a visit from a special guest. Campers participate in daily swim and have the opportunity to attend our weekly beach trip.

Culinary Camp

This camp is designed to introduce students to a variety of culinary skills & basic food preparation.  Some topics include food safety & sanitation, nutrition, introductory culinary skills, & more! Gluten will be used.  This program will be held off-site from 8:45 a.m. – noon. No a.m. care will be offered.  Students will be provided transportation to the YMCA for the afternoon.

Are lunches being provided this Summer?

No. Parent/Guardian(s) must ensure your child has a packed, well-balanced lunch each day.

Afternoon snack will be provided by the Sussex YMCA.

Are field trips planned for this summer?

We are currently working to provide a combination of off-site and in-house field trips that are fun and engaging. Off-site trips are subject to change or cancellation with little notice. Stay tuned!

Are beach trips planned for this summer?

Currently, we are planning to attend the beach weekly as we have in past summers. This year, sports and specialty camps can also go to the beach.

What does my child need to bring DAILY?

All children must have:

• Water Bottle
• Sunscreen
• Swim attire (bathing suit, water shoes/flip flops, towel, goggles-optional)
• Packed Lunch
• Weather appropriate attire

Campers are NOT PERMITTED to bring the following:

• Electronics (iPad, cell phone, tablets)
• Toys
• Jewelry or other valuable possessions
• Pets
• Alcohol or drugs of any kind (will result in IMMEDIATE dismissal from camp)
• Anything else perceived inappropriate

*Items not permitted will be confiscated and held in the camp office until the end of the week or until arrangements have been made for pick-up. Multiple offenses are subject to a camper’s dismissal from camp for the remainder of the summer season.

How do I contact the Camp Director or someone from administration?

The Camp Director (or administration) can be reached, during camp hours, at 302-510-1265.

For camp inquiries or general questions, please contact camp staff via email here.

For parent/child concerns, the Camp Director can be reached by phone at 302-510-1265 or via e-mail here (outside of camp hours).

Procare: Parents will be able to download the Procare app to get real-time messages to the campground regarding your child. If you are new to camp, you will receive an email, once your child is placed in our portal, to join.

How late can I register my child for camp each week?

Camp enrollment for the upcoming week closes on Wednesdays at noon, THE WEEK PRIOR. For example, for the camp week of June 23rd, enrollment closes on June 18th at noon. No exceptions will be made without the Camp Director’s approval.

If my child is placed on the waitlist, when will I be notified if a spot becomes available?

Families are contacted via email by the Monday PRIOR TO each upcoming week of camp if spots are available. If you do not receive an email to register for a vacant spot, you will receive an email with sincerest apologies that no spots were available. We encourage families to always have a backup plan as enrollment is NOT guaranteed. Please make sure your account is updated with the most current email address.

What if my child needs medication while at camp?

• PRIOR TO the start of your child’s camp week, a medication form must be completed and that form, along with your child’s medication, should be brought with your child on their first day. Medication forms can be found on our camp page under “parent resources”. Please note:
  • Prescription medication MUST be in its original container and properly labeled with your child’s name and necessary information (dosage, how often medication is taken, etc.)
  • Over the counter (OTC) medication should be in its original container with no evidence of prior use (seal cannot be broken).
  • We can only keep medication for 1 week. All medications will be given back to the parent at the end of the camp.

What if I no longer need care for my child?

If you wish to cancel a camp week for your child, you must complete a change request form. Our YMCA of Delaware policies on camp deposits and cancellations are:

DEPOSIT: A non-refundable deposit is required per child, per week to reserve your spot. This non-refundable deposit cannot be applied to additional weeks. If you need to change, cancel, or modify a week, including a change to membership status (holds, cancellations and terminations), the Deposit paid will not be available for transfer or refund. This policy will not be applied for families authorized and utilizing Purchase of Care funding.

CANCELLATION AND CHANGE REQUIREMENTS: ALL Change requests must be made two weeks prior to the week you wish to change using this Cancel, Add or Change Form. If proper notice is not provided, the full week of camp fees will be due and will not be refunded. This policy will not be applied for families authorized and utilizing Purchase of Care funding.

*PLEASE NOTE: ANY exceptions to these policies must be approved by the Vice President of Youth Development.

Other questions?

We have more information on the YMCA of Delaware Summer Camp page.

Please feel free to contact the following camp staff via e-mail:

• Shannon Downing 
• Veronica Luck 
• During camp hours please send questions here.