Day Camp

The YMCA and the Rotary Club of Escanaba have partnered to provide a fun and inclusive Day Camp experience for individuals ages 6-17 with mild to moderate special needs. This exciting camp offers a supportive environment where campers can enjoy classic summer camp activities while building friendships and confidence.

📍 Location: Rotary Camp Harstad (M-35, Ford River, just south of Escanaba)
🚍 Drop-off & Pick-up: Wells Childcare Center (5775 Main Street, Wells, MI)

• Drop-off begins at 8:30 AM
• Pick-up by 4:00 PM
• Campers and staff will be transported daily via the DATA Bus (departing at 9:00 AM and returning at 4:00 PM).

Camp Activities:

• 🎨 Arts & Crafts
• 🌿 Nature Hikes
• 🎶 Songs & Skits
• 🌊 Swimming & Wading in Lake Michigan
• ⚽ Outdoor Games & Adventures
• 🎉 And so much more!

Camper Eligibility & Personal Care Requirements:

Campers must be able to follow group instructions and be self-sufficient in all personal care, including:

• Bathroom use
• Dressing
• Eating

If a camper requires individualized or one-on-one care, a family-provided aide dedicated to their personal care needs may accompany them after consultation with the Director and/or Program Coordinator.

What to Bring:

• Packed lunch & Afternoon Snack
• Labeled water bottle
• Swim gear including water shoes (for wading in Lake Michigan)
• Outdoor clothing & closed-toe shoes (tennis shoes recommended)

Lunch Information

At this time, we are hopeful to partner again with Escanaba Area Public Schools through the Meet Up & Eat Up program for summer 2026. However, this partnership has not yet been approved.

Until approval is confirmed, please plan to pack a cold lunch for your camper each day of camp.

If the Meet Up & Eat Up program is approved, we will communicate details and next steps with families as soon as possible.

As a reminder, we kindly ask that campers do not share food during lunch or snack time to help keep all children safe, especially those with food allergies.

Registration & Cost:

💰 $60 per week, per child
🗓️ Registration opens April 6 – Space is limited to 15 campers per week!

A $20 non-refundable deposit per week, per child is required at the time of registration to secure your child’s camp spot. This deposit applies to all registrations, including families applying for financial assistance. Due to limited space, registrations cannot be held without the required deposit.

Age & Eligibility:

• Camp is open to individuals ages 6-17 with mild to moderate special needs.
• Due to state regulations, we cannot accept campers once they turn 18.
• Campers turning 18 during the summer may attend until their birthday.
• If a camper’s birthday falls mid-week, they may finish that camp week per state guidelines.

Join us for a summer filled with adventure, creativity, and friendship at Rotary & YMCA Camp Harstad!

Follow the Fun! Stay up to date on all our camp adventures by following @Camp Harstad – Rotary & YMCA  on Facebook!

Harstad Parent Packet 2026 (Required by all Campers)

Camp Harstad Registration Form (Required by all Campers)

Medication Administration Form (If Applicable)

2026 Weekly Themes

Week 1: Garden Explorers
“Dig, plant, and grow!”
Campers will explore the wonders of nature through gardening activities, outdoor discovery, and creative crafts inspired by plants, bugs, and the great outdoors.

Week 2: Builders & Brick Masters
“Build it, design it, imagine it!”
Campers will design, construct, and create their own masterpieces with brick-building challenges, teamwork activities, and hands-on engineering fun.

Week 3: Happy Holidays!
“Celebrate all year long!”
Why celebrate just once a year? Campers will enjoy themed crafts, games, and activities inspired by holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and more—all packed into one festive week.

Week 4: Ocean Adventures – Shark Week
“Dive into discovery!”
Explore the fascinating world of sharks and ocean life with exciting games, ocean crafts, and underwater-themed activities.

Week 5: Storybook & Fairytale Adventures
“Where imagination comes to life!”
Campers will step into magical worlds filled with heroes, princesses, castles, and adventures inspired by classic stories and fairytales.

Week 6: Spirit Week – YMCA Core Values
“Caring, honesty, respect, responsibility!”
Celebrate what makes the YMCA special through team challenges, kindness projects, spirit days, and activities that highlight our core values.

Week 7: Hometown Heroes
“Celebrating everyday heroes!”
Meet and learn about local heroes like firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and community helpers who make a difference every day.

Week 8: All-Star Games
“Play, compete, and shine!”
Campers will wrap up the summer with a week full of sports, relay races, team challenges, and camp-wide games celebrating teamwork and fun.

Spring Break Day Camp will be held at the Northern Lights YMCA Wells Childcare and Youth Center located at 5775 Main Street, Wells, MI.

Please bring LUNCH, water bottle, morning snack, and outdoor gear. A light afternoon snack will be provided.

For more information or to sign up children, call 906-789-0202

NOTE* We will need Spring Break Parent Handbook returned to us before the first day of camp. These handbooks are available at the Childcare Front Desk.

YMCA Wells Summer Program for Ages 5–6

YMCA Wells Summer Program offers a fun and educational experience for children ages 5-6, with weekly themes that include arts & crafts, exciting activities, and outdoor exploration. Each day is filled with adventure—from creative projects to nature-based play—fostering growth, friendships, and connection with the outdoors.

1 year of full day kindergarten must be completed AND student must be entering 1st grade in the 2026-2027 school year prior to start of the program.

What to Bring

All campers should bring:

• A labeled water bottle

• Afternoon Snack

• Outdoor clothing, including tennis shoes or closed-toe sandals

• Cold lunch on required days (see below)

Lunch Information

At this time, we are hopeful to partner again with Escanaba Area Public Schools through the Meet Up & Eat Up program for summer 2026. However, this partnership has not yet been approved.

Until approval is confirmed, please plan to pack a cold lunch for your camper each day.

If the Meet Up & Eat Up program is approved, we will communicate details and next steps with families as soon as possible.

As a reminder, we kindly ask that campers do not share food during lunch or snack time to help keep all children safe, especially those with food allergies.

Camp Hours & Care Options

• 7:30am – 5:30pm

• Please ensure your camper arrives by 9:00 am to avoid disrupting programming.

Cost

• YMCA Members: $180/week/child

• Public: $220/week/child

• DHHS Assistance, 2nd Child Discount, & Scholarships Available

Let your child experience a summer of fun, learning, and growth at YMCA Wells Summer Program

Follow the Fun!
Stay up to date on camp adventures by following @Northern Lights YMCA Wells Childcare & Youth Center on Facebook!

YMCA Parent Packet Coming Soon – (Required by all Campers)

Day Camp Registration Form Coming Soon – (Required by all Campers)

Medication Administration Form (If Applicable)

2026 Weekly Themes

Week 1: Welcome to Camp!

“New friends, new adventures!”
Kick off summer with games, crafts, and activities that help campers meet friends and settle in for fun.

Week 2: Builders & Dreamers

“LEGO, create, imagine!”
Design, build, and construct your own creations with LEGO challenges and hands-on building fun.

Week 3: Time Travelers

“Dinosaurs, knights, and more!”
Journey through the ages exploring dinosaurs, medieval times, and exciting eras of history.

Week 4: Party in the USA

“Red, white, and fun!”
Celebrate Independence Day with patriotic games, crafts, and outdoor adventures.

Week 5: All-Star Sports

“Get moving, play together!”
Try a variety of sports, learn new skills, and enjoy teamwork and friendly competition.

Week 6: Snack Attack

“Tasty treats & creative eats!”
Cook, craft, and experiment with fun snacks from around the world.

Week 7: Out of This World

“Blast off into space!”
Celebrate National Moon Day with galactic crafts, astronaut challenges, and cosmic science.

Week 8: Water Week

“Splash, play, stay safe!”
Dive into water games, swimming fun, and celebrate National Lifeguard Appreciation Day.

Week 9: Mad Scientist

“Mix, measure, experiment!”
Hands-on science experiments spark curiosity and creativity in this exciting week.

Week 10: Adventure Awaits

“Celebrate summer memories!”
Revisit favorites, play camp-wide games, and celebrate friendships and adventures from the summer.

YMCA Day Camp for Ages 7–12

YMCA Day Camp offers a fun and educational experience for children ages 7–12, with weekly themes that include arts & crafts, exciting activities, and outdoor exploration. Each day is filled with adventure—from creative projects to nature-based play—fostering growth, friendships, and connection with the outdoors.

What to Bring

All campers should bring:

• A labeled water bottle

• Afternoon Snack

• Swim gear

• Outdoor clothing, including tennis shoes or closed-toe sandals

• Cold lunch on required days (see below)

Lunch Information

At this time, we are hopeful to partner again with Escanaba Area Public Schools through the Meet Up & Eat Up program for summer 2026. However, this partnership has not yet been approved.

Until approval is confirmed, please plan to pack a cold lunch for your camper each day of camp.

If the Meet Up & Eat Up program is approved, we will communicate details and next steps with families as soon as possible.

As a reminder, we kindly ask that campers do not share food during lunch or snack time to help keep all children safe, especially those with food allergies.

Camp Hours & Care Options

• Before Care: 7:30 am – 9:00 am (no extra charge)

• Camp Day: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

• After Care: 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm (no extra charge)

• Please ensure your camper arrives by 9:00 am to avoid disrupting programming.

Cost

• YMCA Members: $180/week/child

• Public: $220/week/child

• 2nd Child Discount & Scholarships Available!

• A $20 non-refundable deposit per week, per child is required at the time of registration to secure your child’s camp spot. This deposit applies to all registrations, including families applying for financial assistance. Due to limited space, registrations cannot be held without the required deposit.

Let your child experience a summer of fun, learning, and growth at YMCA Day Camp!

Follow the Fun!
Stay up to date on camp adventures by following @Northern Lights YMCA on Facebook!

YMCA Day Camp Parent Packet 2026 – (Required by all Campers)

Day Camp Registration Form (Required by all Campers)

Medication Administration Form (If Applicable)

Summer School Transportation Release (If Applicable)

2026 Weekly Themes

Week 1: Welcome to Camp!

“New friends, new adventures!”
Kick off summer with games, crafts, and activities that help campers meet friends and settle in for fun.

Week 2: Builders & Dreamers

“LEGO, create, imagine!”
Design, build, and construct your own creations with LEGO challenges and hands-on building fun.

Week 3: Time Travelers

“Dinosaurs, knights, and more!”
Journey through the ages exploring dinosaurs, medieval times, and exciting eras of history.

Week 4: Party in the USA

“Red, white, and fun!”
Celebrate Independence Day with patriotic games, crafts, and outdoor adventures.

Week 5: All-Star Sports

“Get moving, play together!”
Try a variety of sports, learn new skills, and enjoy teamwork and friendly competition.

Week 6: Snack Attack

“Tasty treats & creative eats!”
Cook, craft, and experiment with fun snacks from around the world.

Week 7: Out of This World

“Blast off into space!”
Celebrate National Moon Day with galactic crafts, astronaut challenges, and cosmic science.

Week 8: Water Week

“Splash, play, stay safe!”
Dive into water games, swimming fun, and celebrate National Lifeguard Appreciation Day.

Week 9: Mad Scientist

“Mix, measure, experiment!”
Hands-on science experiments spark curiosity and creativity in this exciting week.

Week 10: Adventure Awaits

“Celebrate summer memories!”
Revisit favorites, play camp-wide games, and celebrate friendships and adventures from the summer.