Our Traditional Camps thrill campers and spark a sense of wonder with classic outdoor games, inspired arts and crafts, and inventive STEM activities all day long. Water days and/or pool time ensure campers can beat the heat or build their aquatics skills. And every Friday, campers and their families can look forward to an exciting celebration of kids’ achievements that week!
YMCA Alexandria Traditional Camps
WEEK 1: SUMMER CELEBRATION
Its summer time and that means it is time to celebrate! Come have a summer bash at the Y during this week of party games, water fun, and activities. End the week with a huge party to celebrate the start of summer!
WEEK 2: UNDER THE BIG TOP
Come one, come all, it is circus week! Whether it Circ de Solei or Ringling Brothers, the Big Top and the 3 rings are in full effect. From practicing juggling or learning a few magic tricks, campers will plan a circus. They will transform into clowns, Ring Masters, and more! Campers will create carnival games, practice face painting. They will end the week with a circus show for families.
WEEK 3: RED, Y, & BLUE
Our country has a wide blend of many peoples, cultures and regions that makes us unique in the world. Learn about different aspects of our country from coast to coast and what makes us unique and great!
WEEK 4: SUPERHEROES
What makes a hero SUPER? Well, of course, it’s YOU. Campers will create their own super-alter ego describing their super power, create a costume, and engage and play your favorite camp games with a super twist. Learn how you can be a superhero for others to look up to. A super hero museum will be presented at the end of the week
WEEK 5: IT’S A THINGAMAJIG
STEM shapes our everyday experiences and is designs our future. Our Thingamajig camp opens doors to strategic thinking and creative expression by challenging children to invent solutions to everyday problems using only what can be re-purposed around them. This is a very special week as our Junior and Senior campers will be invited to attend the Annual YMCA Thingamajig Invention Convention—a one of a kind STEM-based gathering where youth and community partners come together to learn, explore, experiment, and discover.
WEEK 6: THE SKY IS THE LIMIT
Join us for a week of exploring outer space as we learn about our solar system and venture off on a mission to star systems unknown. Participants will explore modes of air travel and the history of flight. Participants will make and design a variety of airplanes, rockets and explore the night sky!
WEEK 7: BLOCKBUSTER BASH
There is nothing like a start-studded event with glitz, glamour and lights camera action! We will roll the red carpet out on day one and have paparazzi ready. Movie Registration for SACC members — Nov 24, 2025 can’t work without writers, grips, and more. Students will write their own script, design a set, plan wardrobe and put on a production ready for off, off Broadway.
WEEK 8: ONCE UPON A Y
Fairy tales turn into reality at this camp; we’ll follow breadcrumbs, hunt for magic beans, and make up our own magical stories, too! Campers will become one with the story of the day and learn that imagination is everything.
WEEK 9: Y-SPIRIT WEEK
We have spirit! Yes we do! We have spirit! How ‘bout you? Spirit week is an iconic camp experience, where teams compete in friendly games, challenges, activities, and songs to prove who has the most camp spirit. Campers will build their teamwork skills while pushing themselves to earn points that take their team to victory! The week ends with a huge celebration that lifts up all campers’ spirits as they come up with ways to one-up the counselors.