CAMP
FAQS & FORMS
Everything you need to know about enrolling in camp. Have a question? Contact us after reviewing the content below.
Camp Basics
Is lunch provided?
Lunch is not provided at most camp locations. Please plan on bringing a sack lunch unless your camp director states otherwise.
How should my child dress for camp?
Your child should wear clothes that are comfortable for active play, and that you don't mind if they get dirty. That includes:
- Clothing appropriate for the weather
- Closed-toe shoes every day
- Camp t-shirt on field trip days
- Swimwear for your child to change into and a towel on days your child's camp goes swimming
How many camp shirts will my child get?
Your child will receive a camp shirt within the first week of camp. Write your child's name on the inside of this shirt. The shirt must be worn on days your child's camp goes on field trips. A limited number of extra shirts may be available for purchase after all campers have received a shirt.
Are YMCA Camps licensed?
Yes. All of our school age and early learning programs, including camps, are in full licensing compliance with the laws and regulations of either the Kansas Department of Health and Environment or the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
What ratio do you have during camp?
We understand that safety is the number one objective. All of our school building-based camps are licensed by the states of Kansas and Missouri Child Care Agencies. Both states require specific adult to child ratios that we follow at all times. We lower those state ratios when we take off-site Field Trips and Swim trips to our centers and community pools.
What training do staff receive to help keep kids safe?
Safety is very important to us. We have an extensive risk management program and have recently achieved an accreditation from our risk management group, Praesidium. All of our staff are trained in:
- CPR
- First Aid
- Recognition of illnesses
- Child abuse prevention
- Signs and symptoms of abuse
- Risk management
How does the Y address safety on field trips?
We have several practices that help ensure the health of safety of children on field trips. These include:
- Taking all of our campers' Emergency Information Packets with us on field trips.
- Taking attendance frequently and as the children get on the bus using a method called "name-to-face" checks. We call the child's name and not only listen for them to say "here," but we also look to confirm we see their face.
- Active staff involvement on swimming field trips. Some staff will be in the water interacting with the campers, while the rest will be equally spaced around the side of the pool monitoring the children. We help the children apply sunblock before we leave for the pool and about every hour while we are at the pool.
- Checking restrooms before any children use a public restroom. We monitor who goes in and out of the restroom while our campers are using it.
- Making sure a staff member is always present with children. Children never go anywhere unattended.
- Taking frequent water breaks to ensure campers stay hydrated.
How many field trips will my child go on?
Typically, our camps go on one field trip per week and one swim trip. Your camp director will have detailed field trip information for you, as well as schedules and lesson plans for your camp.
Registration Process
How do I register my child for camp?
Online registration is fast, easy and ensures that your child has a spot in the desired camp.
Online registration is available for the following payment methods:
- Automatic draft from a credit card (MasterCard, Visa, Discover or American Express)
- Automatic draft from a bank account
- Paying total balance at the time of registration
At this time, EBT payments cannot be used for online registration. Please complete a paper registration form for this payment type. Registration forms are available at the bottom of this page.
If you are applying for YMCA financial assistance to receive a scholarship, please download and submit the Camp Financial Assistance form under "Related Resources" at the bottom of this page.
All families must also complete an emergency packet for your child and bring it to camp on your first day. Please keep a copy for yourself. If your child attends multiple Y camps throughout the summer, you will need to bring a copy of the emergency packet to each camp.
If I download a YMCA financial assistance application or paper registration form, how do I submit it?
You may use email, fax, regular mail or drop off your form:
YMCA of Greater Kansas City
Attn. Camp Registration
3100 Broadway, Suite 1020
Kansas City, MO 64111
YClubSupport@kansascityymca.org
Fax: 816.931.1847
What is the registration deadline?
Many of our camps fill up early. We encourage you to register early to secure a spot. Registration is on a weekly basis. The last chance to register for any week of camp is at midnight on the Thursday before the camp begins. (For example, for camps beginning Monday, June 10, the registration deadline is midnight on Thursday, June 6.)
Do I have to register my child for the whole summer?
No. Registration is by the week, and you may register for any number of weeks you choose.
What payments are due when I register?
When you register, the following are due:
- A $55, one-time camp registration fee, per child, for the summer. It is non-refundable.
- A $20 deposit for each week of camp you are registering for, to hold your child's spot. The deposit will be applied to your weekly camp tuition and is non-refundable and non-transferable.
The remainder of the weekly camp tuition is due before each week of camp begins. Electronic fund transfers automatically occur the Friday before the week of camp begins.
Can I register my child at different camps for different weeks?
Absolutely. Many families like to have their children attend the same camp all summer, while others prefer to have their children attend different camps different weeks. While this can be a fun way to have campers experience a variety of camps, our experience shows that once a child starts at a camp, they prefer to stay at that camp. Of course, no one knows your child better than you, so please try to find the best match for your child.
Can I register my child for half-day or part-time camp?
We do not offer a half-day or part-time schedule.
Can I change the camp my child attends or the weeks my child attends camp?
We can often accommodate changes to your registration. Requests must be made in writing at least one week in advance. We can accommodate your request as long as there is space in the camp you would like to transfer to or add. Please remember, deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Can I cancel a week of camp?
You may cancel a week of camp by providing a Camp Change-Drop Request Form at least one week before the camp is scheduled to begin. You will forfeit your deposit for that week, but you will not be responsible for the remainder of the tuition.
We have been holding that spot for your child and have potentially turned other children away. You will be responsible for the tuition for that week if you fail to give a one-week written notice. If you cancel for all registered weeks, please note that the one-time $55 camp registration fee is non-refundable.
You may use email, fax, regular mail or drop off your form:
YMCA of Greater Kansas City
Attn. Camp Registration
3100 Broadway, Suite 1020
Kansas City, MO 64111
YClubSupport@kansascityymca.org
Fax: 816.931.1847
If a camp is full, can I be on the waiting list?
Yes. If you register online and see that a camp week is full, you may download and submit the printable Registration Form. We will place you on our wait list and, if an opening occurs, you will be contacted and given 24 hours to respond. After 24 hours we will move on to the next family on our wait list.
Forms & Waivers
Scroll to the bottom of this page to download registration and financial assistance forms.
What form do I use to apply for YMCA financial assistance?
If you are applying for YMCA financial assistance, download and complete the Camp Financial Assistance Form under "Related Resources" at the bottom of this page.
When should a paper registration form be used?
Please download and complete the paper registration form if you are using EBT payments.
How do I submit a financial assistance application or registration form?
You may use email, fax, regular mail or drop off your form:
YMCA of Greater Kansas City
Attn. Camp Registration
3100 Broadway, Suite 1020
Kansas City, MO 64111
YClubSupport@kansascityymca.org
Fax: 816.931.1847
How do I complete and submit an Emergency Information Packet? Is it required?
All families must complete an emergency packet for your child and bring it to camp on your first day.
Please keep a copy for yourself. If your child attends multiple Y camps throughout the summer, you will need to bring a copy of the emergency packet to each camp.
Fees & Assistance
How much does camp cost?
Weekly fees vary depending on the type of camp and location. In addition, there is a one-time $55 camp registration fee per child for the summer, and it is non-refundable.
Do I have to pay for camp all at once?
No. When you register, the following are due:
- A $55, one-time camp registration fee, per child, for the summer. It is non-refundable.
- A $20 deposit for each week of camp you are registering for, to hold your child's spot. The deposit will be applied to your weekly camp tuition and is non-refundable and non-transferable.
The remainder of the weekly camp tuition is due before each week of camp begins. Electronic fund transfers automatically occur the Friday before the week of camp begins.
What types of payment are accepted?
You may pay by:
- Automatic draft from a credit card
- Automatic draft from a bank account
- Paying total balance at the time of registration
What if my payment is late?
A $20 late fee is charged if your automatic draft does not go through. If payment is not received by the first day of that week of camp, your child will not be able to attend that week.
Does the YMCA have scholarships available for camp?
Yes. As a charitable, nonprofit organization committed to serving all in our community, the Y offers financial assistance to families in need. Interested families must complete an application. Discounts on weekly fees are given to those who qualify, and the amount of the discount is determined based on funds available.
To apply for financial assistance, download and complete the Camp Financial Assistance Form under "Related Resources" at the bottom of this page.
How do I apply for YMCA financial assistance?
To apply for financial assistance, download and complete the Camp Financial Assistance Form under "Related Resources" at the bottom of this page.
You may use email, fax, regular mail or drop off your form:
YMCA of Greater Kansas City
Attn. Camp Registration
3100 Broadway, Suite 1020
Kansas City, MO 64111
YClubSupport@kansascityymca.org
Fax: 816.931.1847
After we process your application, we'll inform you if funding is available for a scholarship.
When will I know if I will receive financial assistance for summer day camp?
Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants will be notified within two weeks whether they will receive financial assistance and if so, what the amount will be.
Please note that financial assistance cannot be applied to the $55 camp registration fee or $20 weekly deposit for each week of camp. Financial assistance will be applied to the remaining balance for each week of camp.
I already receive financial assistance for Y Club. Do I need to reapply for summer day camp?
Yes. Financial assistance is awarded separately for our Y Club before and after school programs and summer day camps. You must submit a separate application for each program annually.
Does the Y take state child care subsidy payments from DCF in Kansas or DSS in Missouri?
Yes. The following payment types may be used for online registration:
- Automatic draft from a credit card (MasterCard, Visa, Discover or American Express)
- Automatic draft from a bank account
- Paying total balance at the time of registration
At this time, EBT payments cannot be used for online registration. Please complete a paper registration form for this payment type.
Paper registration forms are processed in the order received. A Y associate will follow up within two weeks.
You may use email, fax, regular mail or drop off your form:
YMCA of Greater Kansas City
Attn. Camp Registration
3100 Broadway, Suite 1020
Kansas City, MO 64111
YClubSupport@kansascityymca.org
Fax: 816.931.1847
Are there any fees if I cancel a week of camp?
If you provide notice in writing of your cancellation at least one week before the camp is scheduled to begin, you will forfeit your deposit for that week, but you will not be responsible for the remainder of that week's tuition. We have been holding that spot for your child and have potentially turned other children away. You will be responsible for the tuition for that week if you fail to give a one-week written notice. If you cancel for all registered weeks, please note that the one-time $55 camp registration fee is non-refundable.
You may use email, fax, regular mail or drop off your form:
YMCA of Greater Kansas City
Attn. Camp Registration
3100 Broadway, Suite 1020
Kansas City, MO 64111
YClubSupport@kansascityymca.org
Fax: 816.931.1847
Are there any fees if I change the camp my child attends or the weeks my child attends camp?
If we are able to accommodate your request to change your camp or the week you are registered for, you will not be responsible for the $55 camp registration fee again. However, deposits are non-transferable and non-refundable. That means the deposit on the week you are changing cannot be applied to the new location or the new week you are registering for, and it will not be refunded.
Are fees pro-rated for days my child does not attend camp, such as holidays or days my child misses camp because of illness or family vacation?
No. The weekly fee is the same every week. Camps are closed on Monday, May 29 for Memorial Day, Monday, June 19 for Juneteenth and Tuesday, July 4 for Independence Day. If you anticipate missing a week of camp and you provide written notice of cancellation at least one week in advance, you will forfeit your deposit for that week, but you will not be responsible for the remainder of that week's tuition.