Day Camp
Join the YMCA during extended school breaks for our exciting Day Camp program! Campers will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities including arts & crafts, songs, games, adventures, and make new friends in a fun and supportive environment. Each week brings new experiences for campers to explore and enjoy!
Program activities run from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. A $20 non-refundable deposit per camp week is required at the time of registration. Remaining balances are due by 4:00 pm on the Friday prior to the camp week.
Important Registration Information: Each camp has specific paperwork that must be turned in prior to the first day of camp. Registration is only complete once YMCA staff has the registration packet in hand.
Cancellation Policy: A full refund or credit will be issued if cancellation is received by the Monday prior to the camp week (7 days in advance). Cancellations or no-shows will be charged for the full week.
Financial Assistance & 2nd Child Discount Available.
To improve communication with families during the registration process and to ensure accurate pricing for each camper, all camper registrations must now be completed by phone.
Please contact us to register your camper:
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Wells Childcare Office: 906-789-0202
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YMCA – Delta Center Front Desk: 906-789-0005
Speaking directly with our staff helps ensure that all information is accurate and that you receive the correct pricing, including any applicable discounts or financial assistance.
Sign up now for a break full of fun and unforgettable memories!
Camp Harstad (Ages 6-17)
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 (for wading in Lake Michigan)
- Outdoor clothing & closed-toe shoes (tennis shoes recommended)
- Lunch Information:
Lunch will be provided for campers Monday through Thursday, June 9 – August 7, through the Escanaba Meet Up & Eat Up program at no cost to families. Please note: Lunch will not be served the week of June 30 – July 3, and campers must bring a cold lunch that week. Additionally, campers must bring a cold lunch every Friday. The lunch menu will be shared with families closer to the start of camp.
Registration & Cost:
💰 $60 per week, per child
🗓️ Registration opens April 7 – Space is limited to 15 campers per week!
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 @Rotary & YMCA Camp Harstad on Facebook!
Harstad Parent Packet 2025 (Required by all Campers)
Camp Harstad Registration Form (Required by all Campers)
Health Appraisal Form (Required by all Campers)
Medication Administration Form (If Applicable)
2025 Weekly Themes
Week 1: June 16 – 20: Treasure Hunts & Mermaid Tales
Week 2: June 23 – 27: Superheroes UNITE!
Week 3: June 30 – July 3: Stars, Stripes, & Sunshine
Week 4: July 7 – 11: Rock & Roll Retreat
Week 5: July 14 – 18: Shine with Kindness
Week 6: July 21 – 25: Into the Jungle
Week 7: July 28 – August 1: Splashtacular Fun
Week 8: August 4 – 8: The Little Farmer’s Market
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2025 | 4/7/25 | 8/4/25 | Front Desk | $ 60.00 | $ 60.00 |
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | Minimum Deposit | Special Rate | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
06/16/25 - 06/20/25
Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr
|
$ 20.00 | Session is Full | ||
|
06/23/25 - 06/27/25
Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr
|
$ 20.00 | Session is Full | ||
|
06/30/25 - 07/03/25
Mo,Tu,We,Th
|
$ 20.00 | $48 | Session is Full | |
|
07/07/25 - 07/11/25
Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr
|
$ 20.00 | Session is Full | ||
|
07/14/25 - 07/18/25
Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr
|
$ 20.00 | Session is Full | ||
|
07/21/25 - 07/25/25
Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr
|
$ 20.00 | Session is Full | ||
|
07/28/25 - 08/01/25
Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr
|
$ 20.00 | Session is Full | ||
|
08/04/25 - 08/08/25
Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr
|
$ 20.00 | Session is Full |
YMCA Summer Day Camp (Ages 5-12)
YMCA Day Camp for Ages 5–12
Now Including Ages 5–6 (Kindergarten Completed)
YMCA Day Camp offers a fun and educational experience for children ages 5–12, 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.
Important Program Update
Due to enrollment numbers and staffing, we are currently working out the logistics of combining the 5–6-year-old summer program with the 7–12-year-old Day Camp, while still ensuring that each age group receives an appropriate and engaging daily schedule.
Please note the following key changes for families of 5–6-year-olds:
-
The program will now be held at the YMCA Delta Center (2000 N. 30th Street, Escanaba), not at the Wells Childcare Center.
-
Campers in this age group must be 5 years old and have completed a full year of Kindergarten to enroll.
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While 7–12-year-olds will continue daily swim time at the Aquatic Center, 5–6-year-olds will not swim. Instead, they will enjoy on-site water activity play at the Delta Center.
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Wells Childcare Staff will be reaching out to families the week of May 27, 2025, to provide more details and answer any questions.
What to Bring
All campers should bring:
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A labeled water bottle
-
Afternoon snack
-
Swim gear (ages 7–12 only)
-
Outdoor clothing, including tennis shoes or closed-toe sandals
-
Cold lunch on required days (see below)
Lunch Information
Lunch will be provided Monday through Thursday, June 9 – August 7 through the Escanaba Meet Up & Eat Up program at no cost to families.
Please pack a cold lunch:
-
Every Friday
-
The week of June 30 – July 3 (no lunch served due to holiday week)
- August 5 (no lunch due to Meet Up Eat Up being closed for an event)
-
August 11–15 (final week of camp, lunch not provided)
A full menu will be shared with families closer to the start of camp.
Camp Hours & Care Options
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Before Care: 7:30 am – 9:00 am (no extra charge)
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Camp Day: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
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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
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YMCA Members: $175/week/child
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Public: $210/week/child
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 2025
(Required by all Campers)
Day Camp Registration Form
(Required by all Campers)
Medication Administration Form (If Applicable)
Summer School Transportation Release (If Applicable)
2025 Weekly Themes
Week 1: June 9 – 13: Campapalooza
Week 2: June 16 – 20: Treasure Hunts & Mermaid Tales
Week 3: June 23 – 27: Superheroes UNITE!
Week 4: June 30 – July 3: Stars, Stripes, & Sunshine
Week 5: July 7 – 11: Rock & Roll Retreat
Week 6: July 14 – 18: Shine with Kindness
Week 7: July 21 – 25: Into the Jungle
Week 8: July 28 – August 1: Splashtacular Fun
Week 9: August 4 – 8: The Little Farmer’s Market
Week 10: August 11 – 15: Blue Ribbon Adventures
Registration Information
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | Minimum Deposit | Special Rate | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
06/09/25 - 06/13/25
Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr
|
$ 20.00 | Session is Full | ||
|
06/16/25 - 06/20/25
Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr
|
$ 20.00 | Session is Full | ||
|
06/23/25 - 06/27/25
Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr
|
$ 20.00 | Session is Full | ||
|
06/30/25 - 07/03/25
Mo,Tu,We,Th
|
$ 20.00 | $140 - $168 | Session is Full | |
|
07/07/25 - 07/11/25
Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr
|
$ 20.00 | Session is Full | ||
|
07/14/25 - 07/18/25
Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr
|
$ 20.00 | Session is Full | ||
|
07/21/25 - 07/25/25
Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr
|
$ 20.00 | Session is Full | ||
|
07/28/25 - 08/01/25
Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr
|
$ 20.00 | Session is Full | ||
|
08/04/25 - 08/08/25
Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr
|
$ 20.00 | Session is Full | ||
|
08/11/25 - 08/15/25
Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr
|
$ 20.00 | Session is Full |