At the B.R. Ryall YMCA summer camps, your kids will make new friends and have tons of fun as they explore new adventures each day. Campers come away with new skills, confidence and friendships that broaden their perspectives and strengthen their character. We provide a safe, affordable and fun summer day camp program for youth and teens to grow and thrive in a positive environment.
RELATIONSHIPS
We inspire kids to work and play together, creating friendships that can last a lifetime.
ACCOMPLISHMENT
We provide kids with opportunities to try new experiences. We show them they can do anything when they believe in themselves.
BELONGING
We make kids feel welcome and comfortable being themselves, to know they are a part of something great.
Camp Benefits
- Provides Structure and Guidance
- Educational Opportunities
- Broadens Horizons
- Promotes Strong Social Skills
- Fosters Sense of Independence
- Encourages Love of Nature
- Promotes Diversity and Inclusion
ABOUT OUR STAFF
Our trained camp counselors are the key to our success—fostering a sense of belonging and delivering fun experiences that keep families coming back year after year. That’s why we take such pride in hiring staff who are responsible, mature, considerate, enthusiastic and passionate about working with children and teens.
Your child’s safety is the number one priority. Counselors complete a series of trainings that include: CPR, First Aid, bloodborne pathogens, bullying, abuse prevention, pool safety, emergency procedures, customer service, and implementation of age-appropriate games and activities.
Summer Camp Leadership Team
Raquel Despe
Kindergarten
B.R. Ryall YMCA
[email protected]
630.547.2011
Cindy Goss
Grades 1-5
Ben Franklin Elementary
[email protected]
630.547.2015
Jim Powers
Grades 1-5 & Sports Camps
Abe Lincoln and B.R. Ryall YMCA
[email protected]
630.547.2014
Dan Chambers
Grades 6-8
Village Green Baptist Church
[email protected]
630.547.2007
Summer Camp Locations 2024
All camp sites will have access to indoor/outdoor camp space, full playground, basketball hoops, gaga pit and a large open field for endless possibilities for play. Choose your preferred camp location based on grade.
*Sports Camps: Due to ongoing renovations at the Y, weeks 1-3 may be moved to Ben Franklin Elementary. We will update you as soon as we have more information on the completion date of the renovations and any changes to the location.
Summer Camp Overview
TRADITIONAL FULL-DAY CAMPS
Our traditional full-day camps are age-specific to ensure there are appropriate activities and expectations for your camper. Weekly themes are incorporated into outdoor games, sports, crafts, songs and enrichment activities. Swimming, outings to local parks and a field trip round out each week to provide an unforgettable experience. Campers are invited to dress up every Friday to support the weekly themes.
DATES
June 3 – August 9
FULL-DAY CAMP HOURS
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
FULL-DAY CAMP WITH EXTENDED CARE HOURS
Monday – Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
CAMP SCHEDULE
*All campers must arrive to camp by 8:45 a.m.
Time | Activity | Description |
---|---|---|
7-8:15 a.m. | Extended Care | board games, group games, reading, storytelling, drawing |
8:15-8:45 a.m. | Opening Rally | announcements, songs, contests/challenges |
8:45-10:15 a.m. | Group Games | |
10:15 a.m. to noon | Activity Time | field trips, volunteer activity, arts and crafts, hikes, camp clubs |
Noon to 12:45 p.m. | Lunch | |
12:45-3 p.m. | Activity Time | reading, journals, STEM projects, camp clubs |
3-3:30 p.m. | Break Time | afternoon snack, breaks, cool down time |
3:30-4 p.m. | Closing Rally | songs, skits, riddles, challenges |
4-6 p.m. | Extended Care | board games, group games, reading, storytelling, drawing |
Traditional Camp Weeks, Themes and Field Trips
All field trips are subject to change.
Weeks | Themes | Kindergarten | 1st & 2nd Grade | 3rd Grade | 4th & 5th Grade | 6th-8th Grade |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Week 1 | Summer Blast Off | Bowlero | Blackberry Farms | Red Oak Nature | Red Oak Nature | Scrims Esports/ Sugar Grove Family Fun Center |
Week 2 | Sports Extravaganza | Phillips Zoo | Chicago Dogs | Chicago Dogs | Chicago Dogs | Chicago Dogs/ |
Week 3 | Imagination Station | Blackberry Farm | Naperville Library | Museum of Science | Museum of Science | Museum of Science |
Week 4 | Beach Week | Cypress Cove | Cypress Cove | Cypress Cove | Cypress Cove | Harold Quarry Beach/ |
Week 5 | Pirates | Brookfield Zoo | Pirates Cove | Lincoln Park Zoo | Lincoln Park Zoo | Starved Rock/ |
Week 6
| Out of Space | Kids Empire | MacCaslin Park | Chicago Sky | Chicago Sky | Top Golf/ |
Week 7 | Adventure Time | Morton Arboretum | Mary Knoll/Splash Pad | Mary Knoll/ | Camp Duncan | Field Museum/ |
Week 8 | H20 | Sea Lion Water Park | Water Works | Water Works | Harold Hall | Pelican Harbor/ |
Week 9 | Time Warp | Naperville Library | Little Red School | Chicago White Sox | Chicago White Sox | Par King Mini Golf/ |
Week 10 | Royalty | Cantigny | Scene 75 | Scene 75 | Scene 75 | Chicago History Museum/ |
Week 11 | Mismatch Week | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Sports Camp Weeks and Field Trips
All field trips are subject to change.
Weeks | 2nd & 3rd Grade | Field Trip | 4th & 5th Grade | Field Trip |
---|---|---|---|---|
Week 1 | Soccer | McCook Athletic Expo | Flag Football | McCook Athletic Expo |
Week 2 | Flag Football | Chicago Dogs Game | Soccer | Chicago Dogs Game |
Week 3 | Sports of All Sorts | Chicago White Sox Game | Sports of All Sorts | Chicago White Sox Game |
Week 4 | Olympic Week | McCaslin Park & Mini Golf | Olympic Week | Mascot Hall of Fame |
Week 5 | Floor Hockey | The Water Works | Ultimate P.E. | The Water Works |
Week 6
| Flag Football | Chicago Sky Game | Soccer | Chicago Sky Game |
Week 7 | Soccer | Mascot Hall of Fame | Flag Football | Huskie Stadium |
Week 8 | Billy O'Donnell Camp | The Water Works | Billy O'Donnell Camp | The Water Works |
Week 9 | Ultimate P.E. | McCook Athletic Expo | Floor Hockey | Camp Duncan |
Week 10 | Sports of All Sorts | Armstrong Park | Sports of All Sorts | McCaslin Park & Mini Golf |
Camps
KINDER RIDGE (KINDERGARTEN)
This camp is designed to recognize and meet the needs of our youngest campers, children entering Kindergarten in the fall 2024. This camp aims to help kids build self-esteem and confidence, while making new friends and having fun. Kinder Ridge campers’ main “base” is located in our Kindergarten classrooms at the YMCA; however, they will also spend time outside under a shelter or at the playground. Campers will participate in games and activities built around our weekly theme, walks to local parks, outdoor water activities and one field trip per week.
EXPLORERS (1ST GRADE)
Camp Explorers is designed to recognize and meet the needs of our younger campers, those children entering first grade. With a year of school and perhaps a year of camp under their belts, this camp aims to help them build self-esteem and confidence, while making new friends and having fun. Campers will participate in games and activities built around our weekly theme, walks to local parks, outdoor water activities, weekly swimming and one field trip per week.
WILDERNESS (2ND GRADE)
Wilderness Camp is tailored for the curious minds of children entering second grade. Campers will engage in fun activities that focus on social, educational, and creative growth throughout the week. Campers will participate in games and activities built around our weekly theme, walks to local parks, outdoor water activities, weekly swimming and one field trip per week.
FORESTERS (3RD GRADE)
This camp is all about helping kids connect with new friends, discover new passions, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Through sports, crafts, fun games and field trips all built around our weekly theme, our counselors teach lessons like caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility throughout the camp day to ensure a fun and welcoming environment for all. Campers will also participate in walks to local parks, outdoor water activities, weekly swimming and one field trip per week.
TIMBER RIDGE (4TH-5TH GRADE)
We know that at this age, children need the opportunity to explore. Timber Ridge focuses on promoting creativity, exploration and independence, while having good role models and a safe place to grow. Campers will participate in games and activities built around our weekly theme, walks to local parks, weekly swimming and one field trip per week.
VOYAGERS (6TH-8TH GRADE)
Camp Voyagers offers incoming 6th – 8th graders the opportunity to learn independence in a safe and fun environment. Throughout the camp week, Voyagers is on the go as they explore local forest preserves, participate in weekly service projects, swim weekly and round out the week with two field trips. They also have time to “chill” and talk with friends.
SPORTS CAMP (2ND-5TH GRADE)
Our sports camps give kids a safe, positive place to play while learning the fundamental skills in a variety of sports. Kids of all skill levels and abilities can choose to explore one of our many sports camps this summer!
Fees
A $20 deposit for each week is due upon registration. Deposits are non-refundable. Rates are listed per week. To receive the member rate, you must have a family membership.
KINDERGARTEN – GRADE 5
$245 member
$300 non-member
Extended Care
$295 member
$350 non-member
GRADES 6-8
$270 member
$325 non-member
Extended Care
$320 member
$365 non-member
SAVE BIG WITH FAMILY MEMBERSHIP AT THE Y
Family membership includes full facility access to our swimming pools, state-of-the-art fitness equipment, group exercise, water fitness and Kids Campus (babysitting while you work out). You’ll also receive discounts on programs like camp, sports and swimming. Learn more about membership.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
We offer financial assistance for those who need help to afford summer camp. Please contact your child’s Camp Director for financial assistance inquiries. We’re able to provide summer camp to those in need thanks to the generosity of many donors who support our Annual Campaign. Please help us help others. Donate to the Y online at www.brryallymca.org/donate.