Helena YMCA Summer Day Camp
YMCA Summer Day Camps – Two Amazing Ways to Play, Explore & Grow!
Summer at the Helena Family YMCA means adventure, discovery, and unforgettable memories. This year, families can choose between two incredible camp experiences, each designed to inspire confidence, curiosity, and connection.
🌲 Unplug & Play Adventure Camp at Camp Child
Give your child a true outdoor escape! Held at beautiful Camp Child, this camp encourages kids to disconnect from screens and reconnect with nature. Campers swim, canoe, rock climb, zipline, hike, explore, build outdoor skills, try new activities, and enjoy classic summer camp fun—all in a safe, supportive environment where they can grow and thrive.
🏙️ City Explorers Camp at the YMCA in Helena
For kids who love action and variety, City Explorers is packed with local adventures. Campers explore Helena through exciting field trips, hands‑on activities, park days, themed projects, and more. Plus, they enjoy regular swim time at the YMCA pool—a highlight of every week!
No matter which camp you choose, your child will experience a summer filled with new friends, caring staff, and experiences that build confidence, independence, and joy.
City Explorers Day Camp
Adventure, Creativity & Exploration All Summer Long!
City Explorers Camp is the Helena Family YMCA’s action‑packed, theme‑based day camp designed for curious, active kids who love hands‑on activities, field trips, and discovering new things right here in our community. Campers entering Kindergarten–6th grade for the 2026–27 school year will explore Helena through weekly themes, outdoor fun, creative projects, and swimming at the YMCA.
Kindergartners must be at least 5 years old on the day they attend camp.
🏙️ Weekly Themes That Spark Curiosity
Each week brings a brand‑new adventure! Themes include:
- June 15th-Talent Week – Learn fun new skills and showcase talents
- June 22nd-Art Camp – Painting, drawing, sculpture, and visiting artists
- June 29th-Space Camp – Solar systems, rockets, and astronomy
- July 6th-Science Camp – STEAM experiments and exploration
- July 13th-The Great Outdoors – Nature walks, wildlife, and Montana ecology
- July20thLet’s Get Moving! – Yoga, obstacle courses, active games
- July 27th-Animal Camp – Wildlife education with potential FWP partners
- August 3rd-Cooking Camp – Kid‑friendly recipes, kitchen safety, and nutrition
- August 10th-Robotics & LEGOs – Building, coding, designing, and problem‑solving
*There is not City Explorers camp the week of August 17th.*
Weekly schedules include a mix of hands‑on activities, themed projects, outdoor play, and age‑appropriate field trips.
💦 Weekly Swimming at the YMCA
City Explorers swim once a week, supervised by certified YMCA lifeguards and trained staff.
💛 Best Beginnings Scholarship Accepted
Families using Best Beginnings are welcome!
- Families are responsible for their Co-pay amount prior to 1st of each month
- Registration must be completed over the phone: (406) 442‑9622
🕘 Camp Hours & Location
City Explorers meets on-site at the Helena Family YMCA.
- Drop-Off: 7:30–9:00 AM
- Pick-Up: 4:00–5:30 PM
Please ensure your child is signed in and out by an authorized adult.
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YMCA Member Early Registration | 3/3/26 | 3/5/26 | Online / Front Desk | $ 275.00 | - |
| 3/6/26 | 8/31/26 | Online / Front Desk | $ 275.00 | $ 275.00 |
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | Minimum Deposit | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
06/15/26 - 06/21/26
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$ 25.00 |
Register Closes 06/08/2026 |
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06/22/26 - 06/28/26
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$ 25.00 |
Register Closes 06/15/2026 |
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06/29/26 - 07/05/26
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$ 25.00 |
Register Closes 06/22/2026 |
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07/06/26 - 07/12/26
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$ 25.00 |
Register Closes 06/29/2026 |
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07/13/26 - 07/19/26
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$ 25.00 |
Register Closes 07/06/2026 |
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07/20/26 - 07/26/26
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$ 25.00 |
Register Closes 07/13/2026 |
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07/27/26 - 08/02/26
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$ 25.00 |
Register Closes 07/20/2026 |
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08/03/26 - 08/09/26
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$ 25.00 |
Register Closes 07/27/2026 |
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08/10/26 - 08/16/26
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$ 25.00 |
Register Closes 08/03/2026 |
UNPLUG and PLAY Adventure Camp
Ready for the Best Summer Ever?
Give your child a true Montana summer at UNPLUG & PLAY Adventure Camp, the Helena Family YMCA’s outdoor summer day camp held at beautiful Camp Child. Campers entering Kindergarten–6th grade for the 2026–27 school year will spend their days exploring nature, building confidence, and enjoying classic camp activities in a safe, enriching environment.
🌲 Outdoor Adventure Awaits
Each day at Camp Child is packed with hands‑on activities and outdoor fun, including:
- Canoeing on the lake
- Arts & crafts
- Swimming
- Zip lining
- Rock wall climbing
- Archery
- Disc golf
- Outdoor games and challenges
- And so much more!
Breakfast and lunch are provided daily.
💛 Best Beginnings Scholarship Accepted
Families using Best Beginnings are welcome!
- Must register by the month
- Families are responsible for both their co-pay as well as any overages between the state rate and the YMCA rate
- Registration must be completed over the phone: (406) 442‑9622
Please note: Kindergarten campers must be at least 5 years old on the day they attend camp.
🚌 Free Daily Transportation
We provide FREE transportation to and from Camp Child every day!
Daily Schedule
- 9:00 AM – Camper check‑in at the Helena YMCA
- 9:30 AM – Shuttle departs for Camp Child
- 9:30 AM–4:00 PM – Outdoor Montana fun!
- 4:00–4:30 PM – Return to the YMCA for parent pick‑up
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early YMCA Member Registration | 3/3/26 | 3/5/26 | Online / Front Desk | $ 325.00 | - |
| 3/6/26 | 8/23/26 | Online / Front Desk | $ 325.00 | $ 325.00 |
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | Minimum Deposit | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
06/15/26 - 06/19/26
|
$ 25.00 |
Register Closes 06/08/2026 |
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06/22/26 - 06/28/26
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$ 25.00 |
Register Closes 06/16/2026 |
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06/29/26 - 07/05/26
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$ 25.00 |
Register Closes 06/23/2026 |
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07/06/26 - 07/12/26
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$ 25.00 |
Register Closes 06/30/2026 |
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07/13/26 - 07/19/26
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$ 25.00 |
Register Closes 07/07/2026 |
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07/20/26 - 07/26/26
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$ 25.00 |
Register Closes 07/14/2026 |
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07/27/26 - 08/02/26
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$ 25.00 |
Register Closes 07/21/2026 |
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08/03/26 - 08/09/26
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$ 25.00 |
Register Closes 07/28/2026 |
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08/10/26 - 08/16/26
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$ 25.00 |
Register Closes 08/04/2026 |
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08/17/26 - 08/23/26
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$ 25.00 |
Register Closes 08/11/2026 |