Discovery Camp

Discover friends and fun this summer!

With new themes every week, there's always something exciting happening at Discovery Camp!

Few camps offer the variety of activities that you can find at Discovery Camp. Every year, new weekly themes are selected and activities and field trips are built around the theme of the week.

There's never a dull moment at Discovery Camp. Join us this summer to be a part of the fun.

Activities

Field trips
Games
Arts and crafts
Outdoor fun
Lessons
And more!

Dates

In 2024, Discovery Camp runs from June 17 to Aug. 16.

Hours

Discovery Camp operates Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Click here to learn more and to register.

Why parents and kids love Discovery Camp

See what families say about our program.

CILT counselor playing a game at summer day camp

Great staff!

"My kid had a great time and the staff was wonderful at handling any and all situations that arose." - Discovery Parent

We want to come back next year!

"When YMCA Discovery Camp was over for the summer my son said he was sad it was over and asked if he could return next summer!" - Discovery Parent

Safe and fun!

"I greatly appreciated having a place for my son to have fun while I worked over the summer, somewhere I knew and trusted that he was safe and taken care of." - Discovery Parent

Info for parents

As a parent, you need to be comfortable leaving your child in our care. See our Parent Handbook to learn about our protocols and policies.

Parent Handbook

Parent Handbook en Español

Discovery Camp FAQ

Are financial assistance or scholarships available for Discovery Camp?

Financial assistance is available for qualified applicants. Click here to apply.

The amount of financial assistance that can be provided will be dependent on income and other factors. Please have financial documents ready before you apply.
You must apply for DHHS vouchers with the Department of Social Services state subsidy program before you can qualify for financial assistance through the YMCA. Call the DSS at 828-250-5500.

Financial assistance

What age range is Discovery Camp for?

Discovery Summer Day Camp is for rising first graders-12.

Age groups are broken into different ranges for different activities that are facilitated by our expert childcare staff.

There is also a Pre-K program in the Roberson district.

Your child will be able to learn, play, and connect with other children their age while they enjoy exploring.

When does Discovery Camp start?

Discovery Camp starts on a different date every year depending on a variety of factors.

In 2024, Discovery Camp's start date will be June 17.

What does a daily schedule look like for Discovery Camp?

Daily schedules vary greatly, but a typical day looks like:

Sample Schedule
7:30am	Child drop-off and breakfast
8:30am	Free play
9:00am	Morning ceremonies & groups separated for the day's activities
9:30am	Waterplay - pool time - field trip - talent shows, face painting, & gymnasium time - or Wheels
11am	Lunch
11:30am	Siesta
12:30pm	Group games
2pm	Snack time
2:30pm	YMCA curriculum project
3:30pm	Silent reading time
4pm	Camp songs, group activity & gymnasium time
5:30pm	Child pickup

Is lunch provided?

Parents typically provide lunch, but the Y can provide it if required. Ask the camp director if you would like lunches provided for your child at summer day camp.

Click here to learn more about our packed-lunch policy and guidelines.

Food from home guidelines

What should my child bring?

Your child should come to Discovery Camp with:

Backpack
Active clothes that are OK to get dirty
Active sneakers
Sunblock
Brimmed hat
Lunch and snacks
Water bottle
Any medications they will need through the day
Allergy medicine, including an EpiPen if prescribed

If your child will need anything besides what is listed here, a YMCA staff member will let you know.

Ready for camp?

Signing up is fast and easy. Spots fill up fast, so reserve yours now!