8 Reasons We Loved Our YMCA Summer Day Camp Experience

With summer coming to an end I think it is time for me to share 8 reasons why we loved our YMCA Summer Day Camp experience. It is the third part of our series with the YMCA of Greater Toronto and you can check our part 1 (Registration) and part 2 (thoughts during camp) by clicking the links. 

8 Reasons We Loved Our YMCA Summer Day Camp Experience

The counsellors go above and beyond. Whether it be to make the youngest campers feel safe and happy in a new environment or encouraging the older campers to attempt feats that were out of reach at the beginning of camp, the counsellors continued to amaze me during our week at the YMCA of Greater Toronto summer day camps (more info here). 

They deliver more than they promise. I sent my two older children to the swimming camp with the hopes that they would become more confident in the water. The kids refused to listen to me when I tried to teach them to swim. The instructors at the YMCA managed to not only teach them new skills but also gave them the courage to tread water, swim the length of the pool and even pass the deep end test. Seeing how proud my children were of themselves for their accomplishments was a great feeling.

It’s a safe place to be. I am a huge fan of the drop-off and pick-up conditions and the fact that they will not give you your children unless you’re on the pickup list and have photo ID. It also made it easier to drop off our kids for the first time knowing that the camp staff all have their current Standard First Aid and CPR “C” certification as well as a clear police record check on file. 

They send out lots of information prior to camp starting. I received emails with information for me, my campers, as well as multiple emails as our camp start date came closer full of information to make sure we were well prepared for our time with YMCA. This information came in handy when my younger daughter was second-guessing attending camp before it even started. I got my older kids to read the emails to her and they managed to make her excited for camp again. These emails also had all the important camp (and bussing) information that I could easily get access to.

Camp Value Beads. At the end of every camp day, there was a bead ceremony. Some days the kids got a couple beads, some they got none, but it was exciting to see how they and their fellow campers have excelled in values like respect, honesty and inclusiveness. 

The Comradery. When I asked my son what he liked about the camp the most it was that he made friends and I can relate to that. The best friendships are made in camp and I am glad that all three of my older kids have had the experience of fostering those friendships that are fueled by the summer heat.

Great Value. The fact that my older kids learned how to confidently swim, and tread water is priceless but the actual price of a week at summer camp is very reasonable and there ARE options for campers to go even if their parents can’t afford to pay for full fees. I also like that the YMCA allows those who are better off to help send a camper to summer camp by donating. You can find out more info and donate here. 

The songs. Is there anything better than camp songs? I think not and listening to my kids sing camp songs in the back seat of the car just plasters a smile on my face. Their life is good. 

Perhaps the one bad thing about the YMCA summer camp experience is that my kids will not want to go anywhere else in the coming years and that’s not really that bad at all ?

Booking Your YMCA Summer Day Camp 

Summer Camp is actually closed to register! But the YMCA does have Winter Break and March Break sessions to help parents out during the school year and registration opens soon

More Info

Connect on Social

You can follow along with the YMCA of Greater Toronto through their social channels to keep up to date with their news — Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter  and also follow along with the  #YGTADayCamp #YMCAGTA hashtags for all the fun.

Aneta Alaei

Aneta is a Toronto-based mom of four that loves a good meal, great company, and learning something new. In her free time, you can find her trying to keep yet another plant alive.

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