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Day Camps

Choose the Camp that’s Right for You

We have a several day camp options throughout the Y for youth ages 3 – 18 years old. Our goal in youth development is to provide safe environments for youth to experience achievement, friendship and belonging.

Camp Winnebago

Experience the magic of camp! Located on over 160 acres of woodlands, Camp Winnebago is a hidden treasure of the Rockford area and the perfect place for your child to spend their summer. Our camp grounds offer the complete summer camp package with 3 lodges, 3 open-air pavilions, miles of trails and creeks, a pond, open fields, and marshes. There is always more to explore at Camp Winnebago! Activities Include: Archery, Canoeing, Black Hole Slide, Climbing Tower, Creek Study, Field Games, Gardening, High Ropes Course, Splash Fountain, Camp songs, skits, & crafts and weekly overnights.

Adventure Camp

Adventure Camp at the Northeast Family, SwedishAmerican Riverfront and Good Shepherd YMCAs offers all the camp magic of creative play, skits, songs, sports, and more. Adventure Campers also enjoy the unique advantage of having access to all the Y facilities have to offer, such as, the indoor swimming pools at the Northeast and SwedishAmerican Ys! Activities vary by location, but include: Swimming at Northeast and SAY, Basketball, Outdoor Playground at Northeast, Outdoor Basketball & Volleyball at SAY, Archery, Camp Songs, Skits, & Crafts

Three children smile from inside a makeshift shelter built with branches and pine boughs in a wooded area.

School’s Out Camp Days

When school is out, Camp is in! Camp Days are offered during the school year on days when the Rockford and Harlem Districts do not have school. This includes winter and spring break weeks. Camp is offered at the SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA for RPS students and Northeast Family YMCA for Harlem students. Additionally, Camp Winnebago hosts winter break and spring break camps.

Preschool Camps

Our littlest learners have big adventures in store. We offer a variety of programs for ages 3-5 including Nature Tots and Little Campers. Click below to learn more.

Learn More

Camp Handbook

Each of our YMCA camp sites offer campers the chance to explore, learn through play, and experience their environment through a variety of hands-on activities and adventures. Our programs center on three areas proven to impact the development of your child: Achievement, Friendship, and Belonging. Click below to access the summer camp handbook that provides everything you need to know to ensure your child has the best summer ever.

Download Camp Handbook

Financial Assistance

We believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience camp. The Y offers scholarships, titled Camperships, that consider multiple financial aspects and familial dynamics that may affect a family’s ability to afford camp. Camperships are funded by the generosity of the YMCA supporters through our Annual Campaign efforts. If you are interested in learning more about Campership opportunities, please contact us at 815.489.3374 or assistance@rockriverymca.org.

Child Care Assistance Program

The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) provides low-income, working families with access to quality, affordable child care. Families must apply for this state-funded, cost-share program in order to be considered. Families that receive CCAP funding prior to the start of camp must submit a Change of Provider form, designating Camp Winnebago YMCA as their childcare provider. If you have questions, please contact us at 815.489.3374 or campwinnebago@rockriverymca.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should my child bring to camp?

Send your child to camp with a backpack to keep all of their belongings together. Campers should also bring their own water bottle to stay hydrated during the day. Please have your camper bring a swimsuit, towel, closed-toe water shoes, insect repellent, a hat for sun protection, and sunscreen to help prevent sunburn. It is recommended that parents or guardians apply sunscreen to campers’ arms, legs and back prior to arriving at camp. Please be sure to label all of your child’s belongings with their name or initials. The YMCA is not responsible for any items that are lost or stolen, and under no circumstances will reimburse lost, stolen or broken items. Lunch is provided at camp, but your camper is welcome to bring their own sack lunch.

What should my camper wear to camp?

Campers should wear clothing suitable for an active day at camp. Appropriate items would include shorts, t-shirts, light jackets (for chilly mornings), and athletic shoes (no sandals). Our camps use discovery and play as a major part of our camp program, thus we encourage you to dress your child in clothing that you do not mind getting dirty or stained in the course of your child engaging in a fun activity.

Should I pack water for my camper?

Yes, though our staff make regular trips to the restrooms and drinking fountains, parents are ultimately responsible for sending their child with plenty of fluids for the day.

Does my camper need to pack breakfast and/or lunch?

We are blessed to be able to offer both breakfast and lunch to all of our campers through the Summer Food Service Program. This partnership allows our families the opportunity to have these meals at no additional cost. Meal menus will be sent to families each month. Campers may opt to bring their own breakfast or lunch for dietary needs or preference.

How often do campers take the swim test for Adventure Camp at the branches?

In order to keep your child safe, campers wanting to swim in the deep end take the swim test at the start of each week.

What if my camper loses something at camp?

We know that sometimes things just get lost. Please label all of your child’s belongings. The best way to prevent the loss of property is to leave it at home! There will be a designated Lost and Found at each camp location. Please check for your child’s items. Lost and found items are kept at the YMCA for two full weeks and then donated to charity. The YMCA is not responsible for camper possessions that are lost or stolen.