There’s something magical about summer camp. It’s where kids unplug, explore, grow, and simply be kids. Whether they’re splashing in the pool, learning archery, hiking wooded trails, or making friendship bracelets, YMCA summer camps offer more than just fun—they offer transformational experiences.
This summer, the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is on a mission: to make sure every child, regardless of background or family income, has the opportunity to experience camp. Through our Send a Kid to Camp campaign, we’re raising funds to provide scholarships that give children from families with financial need the chance to enjoy a safe, enriching, and memory-filled summer.
And we need your help to make it happen.
What Is the ‘Send a Kid to Camp’ Campaign?
Every year, the Send a Kid to Camp campaign raises funds to ensure that children whose families may not be able to afford summer camp still get to experience its benefits. With your support, we can make camp accessible for hundreds of local kids.
This year, all YMCA branches in the Metropolitan Washington area are rallying together with a shared goal: to send as many children to camp as possible!
Donations from this campaign go directly toward camp scholarships, making a summer at the Y possible for children in your community who would otherwise miss out. Every gift—whether $25 or $250—makes a difference.
Why Support the ‘Send a Kid to Camp’ Campaign?
Summer should be a time of possibility, not limitation. But for many families, the cost of camp is out of reach. And with the rising cost of living, more families than ever are turning to the Y for help.
The Send a Kid to Camp campaign ensures we can say “yes” to those families.
By donating today, you’re making camp possible for children in your own backyard—from DC to Northern Virginia to suburban Maryland. Your gift stays local and changes lives locally.
Other Ways to Get Involved
In addition to making a donation, there are other ways you can support the campaign and promote the Y’s mission:
- Share the campaign with friends, family, and coworkers. A quick post on social media can help us reach more people and raise more funds.
- Enroll your own kids in YMCA summer camp. Not only are you giving your child an unforgettable summer—you’re supporting a mission-driven organization that’s committed to serving all families.
Every small act adds up to a big difference.
Why YMCA Summer Camp Matters
At the Y, we believe every child deserves the chance to belong—to feel accepted, supported, and celebrated. That’s why our summer camps are thoughtfully designed to welcome children of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. With a focus on social-emotional learning, physical activity, creativity, and teamwork, our camps offer something special: a place where kids can thrive.
Here’s what summer at the Y means for a camper:
Safe and supervised fun
Parents can rest easy knowing their children are in a secure, well-structured environment, led by trained and compassionate staff who are passionate about youth development.
Skill-building and growth
From swimming and sports to science experiments and performing arts, camp activities help children explore new interests and unlock hidden talents.
Friendship and connection
Kids build lasting friendships as they work together, play together, and support one another in a screen-free setting that encourages teamwork and kindness.
Time in nature
With outdoor adventures like hiking, boating, and nature exploration, campers reconnect with the world around them and learn the value of stewardship and appreciation.
Confidence and resilience
Camp pushes kids just enough outside their comfort zones—helping them overcome challenges, celebrate achievements, and discover the joy of trying something new.
At the YMCA, we don’t just run camps—we build communities. For over 170 years, the Y has been a champion for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our summer camps reflect that mission, giving kids the tools they need to grow into confident, caring, and capable adults.
We also recognize the role camp plays in closing opportunity gaps for children from underserved communities. Through equitable access to enrichment experiences, the Y helps level the playing field—one camper at a time.
