Summer Camp Programs

Summer Day Camp

The Bath Area Family YMCA Day Camp program is located at the YMCA facility on 303 Centre Street in Bath. Campers entering grade 1 through 6 in September of 2012 are invited to participate in the camp. Activities include arts and crafts, field trips, games, special events, climbing wall, swim instruction and more.

Campers are placed in age appropriate groups with activities facilitated by a qualified, quality staff in a fun and safe environment. The camp utilizes the many YMCA facilities to build self-esteem, cooperation, and team building. The camp meets Monday through Friday from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. We establish community by group interaction and team building activities. Activities such as, swimming, outdoor education, crafts, games and team-building exercises will create leaders of tomorrow. We also promote a respect and appreciation of the environment, by allowing for hands on activity that enhances nature. We build self-esteem and have fun through guided discovery and problem solving. We develop new and positive ways to deal with behavior management and team building. We learn to solve conflicts amongst ourselves that build relationships rather than tear them down.

There are eight one week sessions with the first week beginning June 25th and thefinal session beginning August 13th. Children may be dropped off as early as
6:45 am and picked up no later than 5:30 pm. During the hours pre and post camp, children are supervised by camp staff but are expected to play board games, read or participate in other low key activities.

As with all Y programs,
financial assistance is available.

2012 Day Camp Weeks

Random Week, June 25-29: A different theme for each day — each day will be a unique adventure. Field Trip: Reid State Park

Pirate Week, *July 2-6 (no camp on 7/4):  Learn how to walk, talk and act like a pirate. This week the kids “Arrr” bound to have fun! Field Trip: Winslow Park

Retro Week, July 9-13: Each day will be a different decade for the first four days of the week, focusing on the types of music and dance that were popular during these decades. Don’t forget to dress up like your favorite decade on Friday! Field Trip: Crescent Beach

International Week, July 16-20: Learn about a different country each day, see pictures from these countries and invent your own country in the process! Field Trip: Pemaquid Point, Fort William Henry, Pemaquid Beach

Royal Week, July 23-27: This week we will learn about princes and princesses. We will end the week with a Royal Tea Party and a jousting match! Field Trip: Fort Williams

Olympics Week, July 30-Aug 3: Celebrate the Olympics right here in Maine. Synchronized Swimming and Bobsledding are just a few Olympic events that the children will participate in this week. Field Trip: Long Island

Holiday Week, August 6-10:   Celebrate Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, Christmas, and New Year’s in August! Field Trip: Fort Baldwin & Popham State Park

Crazy Week, August 13-17: A throw back to some our favorite activities from summers gone by. Some past favorites include pie eating contest and water balloon war. Field Trip: Damariscotta State Park

Fees and Registration Incentives:

• Register by April 30th to get the Early Bird Special $155/week ($25 deposit due at time of registration).
• Register May 1-June 15 to get the reduced rate of $165/week ($25 deposit due at time of registration).
• Register two or more children within the same family and get $10 off per week for each additional child.
• Weekly registration fee (after June 15th) is $175/week ($25 deposit due at time of registration).

*Fees for July 2-6 will reflect the July 4th closure.

Day Camp FAQ

Will I get more information on Camp?
A: An information packet will be available in early June containing information on special events, field trip permission forms and other camp news.

Do you provide transportation to the YMCA?
A: No. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian .

What do I do if I need to pick up my child early?
A: A note given to the camp director that morning telling the time your child will be picked up and by who should be written.. 

I have a busy work schedule. What can I do?
A: To meet the needs of the working parent, children may be dropped at camp at 7am and picked up no later than 5:30pm. The structured day camp program takes place between the hours of 8:30am and 4:00pm. Prior to and after this time, campers are encouraged to participate in quiet activities and free play. Parents will be required to sign their child in and out in the morning and evening.

What  if my child lives close enough to the Y to walk to camp?
A: If a child is walking to and from the YMCA, please present the camp staff with a written permission slip stating that your child has permission to walk home. Please include the time they are to be dismissed.

May I come to visit my child at camp?
A: Yes, parents are invited to visit the site at any time to observe their child and camp. Parents are required to check in with the camp director..  Invitations are given to parents when special events are planned. If concerns arise or special issues need to be addressed, parents are encouraged to speak personally with their child’s counselor or the camp director.

If I am unable to pick my child up in person, what is the procedure?
A: In the case where you cannot pick up your child and someone else will, we ask that you give a note to the camp director so she will be aware of the change.  Your child’s safety is important to us. Unknown persons maybe asked to present an I.D. to camp staff.

Is there an emergency phone number?
A: The YMCA phone number is, 443-4112.  Our camp director is routinely available. If we cannot come to the phone please leave a message on voice mail and we will be right back to you as soon as possible

My child takes medication, what do I do?
A: As a licensed camp, we must follow strict guidelines. You must fill out a permission form, give the medication to the camp director or first aid provider in the original container, physicians name, dosage and expiration date. The medication is locked up and the first aid provider will administer the prescription per your instructions from you and your physician.

Does my child need lunch?
A: Yes. Each day your child should bring a lunch and a morning snack to camp. A lunch box or small cooler is recommended.  Clearly mark the campers name on it. No glass containers!!! Any food allergies your child has should be indicated on the medical form.

How should my child dress for camp?
A: Dressing your child appropriately is important to insure that your child has a good time at camp.  Shorts and t-shirts, sneakers and a sweatshirt are standard dress.  Swimming occurs daily, so a bathing suit and towel are necessary.  It is helpful to have children use a daypack of some kind so they can keep track of their belongings.  We ask that children not wear their bathing suits all day, so underwear is necessary. Clearly marking your child’s name on all clothing and towels will reduce the possibility of lost items.

What if it is raining?
A: In the event that it should be raining at camp, activities will be go on as scheduled. Camp is held despite the rain, so it is helpful to send raingear with your child.  Although outdoor activities will be restricted some exciting rainy day activities will be planned. Parents picking up their children should call the Y, 443-4112 to be sure we are there. Field trips may be planned during extended periods of bad weather.

Whom do I notify if my child will be absent from camp?
A: Parents should call the YMCA between 7:00-8:15am  at 443-4112

Is my child required to take swimming lessons?
A: Yes.  All campers must attend swimming lessons.  Swimming lessons are an important component of the camp program and all campers are given instruction.

Does the YMCA provide camper accident insurance?
A: No, in the event of an accident, prompt medical care is arranged through local rescue to Midcoast  Hospital. Medical bills are the responsibility of the family.

Should I pack sunscreen and bug repellent?
A: Absolutely. If your child is sensitive to bug bites and sun, both are recommended.  It’s a good idea to put a stick bug repellent vs. a spray and sunscreen in your child’s backpack.

What can you tell me about the discipline policy?
A: It is the goal of the YMCA to provide each camper with a fun, healthy and safe camp experience. Campers are treated equally and responsibility, caring, respect and honesty are the cornerstone for learning and understanding the camp rules and abiding by them. Campers may be given a time out and the opportunity to discuss the problem with the staff. If progress were difficult we would ask you to help. If  this is not productive a day away from camp will be discussed. Should behavior continue to be a problem after a full day time out then the child will be asked not to return to camp.

If my child attends camp am I able to get childcare tax credit?
A: Always check with your accountant. We will gladly provide you with receipts for your payments and our federal tax identification number so you can receive childcare tax credits.

If I have questions about the camp whom should I speak with?   
A: Beth Waters, our camp director, or Kevin Shute,  Program Director.  Both  can be reached at the Y. 443-4112.

Gymnastics Camps

Pre-Team Camp

Athletes considering future participation on a competitive team will benefit from a week at this camp. Motivated athletes will practice back walk overs, handsprings, pullovers on the bars and more advanced skills. Gymnasts who are motivated and believe they possess the necessary skills are invited to attend this session. This camp is for YMCA members only.

Team Camp

Competitive gymnasts wishing to improve their overall skills will be delighted with this camp. Participants must be current team members or be invited by team coaches to attend this advanced week of camp. Check with coaches to see if skill level is appropriate for this camp. This camp is for YMCA members only.

Youth Mini Camp

Budding gymnasts or those with casual interest in the sport will enjoy this camp. Athletes will use all the apparatus and will be taught handsprings on the floor, jumps on the beam, squat on the vault and back hip circles on the bars. All abilities welcome.

Tumbling/ Mini Tramp/ Vault Camp

This is a great camp for cheerleaders of all ages and abilities. The focus is on all levels of tumbling, both front and back flips, new vaults and the mini tramp.

Preschool Camp

Children ages 2 to 5 will be gently introduced to all appropriate gymnastics apparatus in a structured, nonthreatening manner. For 2 & 3 year olds, parents must be present and stay with the child during the class. For 4 & 5 year olds, parent involvement is encouraged but not required.

Competitive Swim Camp

Technique, fun, starts and turns, fun and more fun are the focus of our competitive swimming day camp for competitive swimmers ages 9-17. Kids will be encouraged to grow and develop their skills in a warm and nurturing environment. Each day will be devoted to work on one of the four competitive strokes. Video taping will be used to enhance campers' understanding of stroke mechanics. Individual goal setting skills will be explored during the week.

Nutritional information will also be provided to each swimmer. Swimmers will be in the pool during the morning and afternoon, but will spend a portion of each day outdoors and in traditional camp activities.

Camp Director: Jay Morissette, coach of the Long Reach Swim Club. Jay is a former UMO swimmer, who during his 24 years at the Bath Y has produced more than 100 YMCA National Top 16 ranked swimmers, two National champions, and many state record holders.

Kids Kayaking and SUP Camp

What is SUP? Stand Up Paddling! This year we will add the all new Paddle Boards to our kayaing instruc-tion. Participants will spend the week at Seaspray Kayaking in West Bath learning about the proper techniques and safety of kayaking and paddle boarding. A snack and drink will be provided daily and all kayakers will receive a kayaking T-shirt and certificate on the last day. Guaranteed to be the talk of the summer! *Kayakers should be prepared for a change in weather conditions. If a change in the schedule is made, all participants will be notified by phone. For ages 8 and up.

What to Bring:

• Bathing Suit/Nylon Shorts
• Towel
• Sunglasses/Sunblock/Hat
• Windbreaker/Fleece/Rain Jacket
• Water Shoes/Sandals/Socks
• Water Bottle
• Water Proof Camera (Optional)
• Own Kayak/Lifejacket/Wetsuit (Optional)

***Please bring the filled-out Waiver of Liability (below) on the first day of camp
Click here to download Waiver of Liability

For more information, please contact Kevin Shute at 443-4112 or kevin@bathymca.org.

Kenebec River Rowing Program

For kids entering grades 7-12.  Chuck Mainville, founder of Kennebec Rowing and builder of high performance open water rowing boats, will instruct this summer rowing program on the Kennebec River. Youngsters will have the opportunity to develop and enhance their rowing skills, fitness, friendships, maritime education, teamwork, and appreciation for the Kennebec River.  The open water boats have sliding seats and hold four rowers and a coxswain.  Sessions are held at the south end boat launch on Washington St. All rowers should be proficient swimmers. Class sizes are limited so it’s important to register early! 

Y Circus Arts Camp

Third through eighth graders are welcome to come and learn the exciting arts of juggling, circus ball walking, stilt walking, and even unicycle riding. Eric Pulsifer (Woodside One Wheelers Coach) will direct this camp, offered at the Bath YMCA for the first time. The Woodside One Wheelers are an accomplished group of performers who are participating in the Cherry Blossom Parade in Washington D.C. this spring. All participants will receive a set of juggling balls and be exposed to the circus skills mentioned above and MORE. Who knows . . . you may want to grow up and run away to join the circus. Class size is limited; it is important to register early.

Summer Basketball

Boys and Girls entering grades 3-6 are invited to join Morse High School coaches Mike Hart and Todd Flaherty, alongside players from MHS and BAYBL coaches for Summer Basketball.
Tuesdays in July (July 3-31), FEE: $20