About
Y Summer Camp includes activities such as sports, arts, science, nature exploration, arts and crafts, sports and games, and swimming. Campers also take part in on-site and off-site field trips, as well as Specialty Camps, Sports Camps, and Aquatics Camps. Some Specialty Camps focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) topics.
• Ages: 5–12 years old
• Schedule: Before Care typically runs from 7–9 a.m., Summer Camp programming from 9 a.m.–4 p.m., and After Care from 4–6 p.m.; Summer Camp at the Kelly Hall YMCA runs from 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago created Y Summer Camp as part of its broader work that began over 150 years ago, with Chicago’s first YMCA established in 1858. The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago serves more than 200,000 YMCA members and over half a million Chicagoans each year, and Y Summer Camp is offered at more than fifteen YMCA Community Hubs and partner sites across Chicagoland. The organization states that it aspires to be the leading social enterprise that helps human beings explore their value and share their discoveries with the world.
Each camp has staff trained in CPR, AED, and First Aid procedures. The camps are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and are assessed against standards that cover areas such as health, safety, staff qualifications, and program quality. Before and after care are included with registration at no additional cost.
At Buehler YMCA, the leadership team for youth and camp-related areas includes Jenn Stricker (Youth and Early Learning Director), Elizabeth Washburn (Gymnastics & Sports Manager), Becky Menso (Aquatics Director), Matt Cooper (Sports Director), and Jen Frey (Buehler Y Executive Director). At Elmhurst YMCA, the leadership team includes Jessica Teuber (School Age Manager), Marie Straube (Aquatics Director), and Julian Nunnery (Sports Director).
Families are asked to send campers with active, comfortable clothing that can get dirty, close-toed shoes, a water bottle, sunscreen, a nut-free lunch and snack, and a swimsuit and towel depending on the camp type. If a child’s swim level requires a lifejacket, parents are directed to ask the site’s Camp Director if lifejackets are available.
Last updated May 27, 2026.
• Ages: 5–12 years old
• Schedule: Before Care typically runs from 7–9 a.m., Summer Camp programming from 9 a.m.–4 p.m., and After Care from 4–6 p.m.; Summer Camp at the Kelly Hall YMCA runs from 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago created Y Summer Camp as part of its broader work that began over 150 years ago, with Chicago’s first YMCA established in 1858. The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago serves more than 200,000 YMCA members and over half a million Chicagoans each year, and Y Summer Camp is offered at more than fifteen YMCA Community Hubs and partner sites across Chicagoland. The organization states that it aspires to be the leading social enterprise that helps human beings explore their value and share their discoveries with the world.
Each camp has staff trained in CPR, AED, and First Aid procedures. The camps are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and are assessed against standards that cover areas such as health, safety, staff qualifications, and program quality. Before and after care are included with registration at no additional cost.
At Buehler YMCA, the leadership team for youth and camp-related areas includes Jenn Stricker (Youth and Early Learning Director), Elizabeth Washburn (Gymnastics & Sports Manager), Becky Menso (Aquatics Director), Matt Cooper (Sports Director), and Jen Frey (Buehler Y Executive Director). At Elmhurst YMCA, the leadership team includes Jessica Teuber (School Age Manager), Marie Straube (Aquatics Director), and Julian Nunnery (Sports Director).
Families are asked to send campers with active, comfortable clothing that can get dirty, close-toed shoes, a water bottle, sunscreen, a nut-free lunch and snack, and a swimsuit and towel depending on the camp type. If a child’s swim level requires a lifejacket, parents are directed to ask the site’s Camp Director if lifejackets are available.
Last updated May 27, 2026.
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