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 Bethesda-Chevy Chase / YMCA Ayrlawn Program Center Traditional Camps
PREMIER WEEK: Y-SPIRIT WEEK
Campers will have a blast in earning points for their group through friendly competitions, games, activities, and songs to prove who has the most camp spirit. End the week with a huge celebration and a dunk tank for the camp staff.
WEEK 1: WORLD TRAVELER
Around the world in 5 days! Learn about different cultures and customs through participating in various popular games and crafts from other countries.
WEEK 2: LUNAR MISSION
TO INFINITY AND BEYOND! Explore the solar system and beyond learn about the universe around us and enjoy some fictional fun too! Future astronauts and astronomers blast off on a mission to star systems unknown as they learn the constellations and find planets with the naked eye. Kids think through what life on other planets might look like, and different ways the human race can explore the universe.
WEEK 3: FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA
Discover the land we call home! We will celebrate everything red, white and blue, from hometown heroes to exploring the American frontier. The United States boasts a rich tapestry of peoples, cultures and regions that makes it unique and spectacular! Not only will kids explore different aspects of our country from coast to coast, they’ll also meet up virtually with campers from other YMCAs who’ll share what life is like in their corner of the nation.
WEEK 4: TREASURE ISLAND
Avast ye, hearties, and steel yerselves for adventure on the high seas! Young Scallywag will search high and low looking for clues to discover where the treasure chest full of pirate gold is hidden. Then, these pirates and brigadiers will create their own treasure maps, hunt for pirate booty, and build their own ship. Campers even create a sea shanty to sing together at the end of the week.
WEEK 5: SUPERHEROES
BOOM! POW! Kids imaginations are more powerful than a locomotive, and can leap tall buildings in a single bound! In this camp, storytelling and creative play save the day as campers create their own super-alter ego (both heroes and villains welcome) complete with unique powers and compelling backstories. After building cities or secret lairs to protect, campers will assemble their own super squad to work together to take on larger challenges.
WEEK 6: IT’S A THINGAMAJIG
Got a kid who’s excited about science, technology, engineering and math? Unleash their inner innovator so they can conduct hands-on experiments, make mechanisms and create concoctions to better understand the world around us. The Y’s annual Thingamajig challenges children to build their S.T.E.A.M. skills as they invent solutions to everyday problems using only what can be re-purposed around them. Junior and Senior campers can even attend and compete in the 29th Annual YMCA Thingamajig Invention Convention.
WEEK 7: MOVIE STAR
We are rolling out the red carpet this week as you become a movie star.Young superfans and up-and-coming entertainers act out the best scenes from the latest blockbusters, make sets and costumes from their favorite movies and shows, and even put on an original production for their families! Every camper gets a chance to shine, whether they want to be on stage or prefer to make the magic happen behind the scenes.
WEEK 8: UNDER THE SEA
Sabastian new what he meant when he said…”Look at the world around you… right here on the ocean floor!” Kids can dive in to their love of sea animals and plants, while learning about how they can help protect the oceans.
WEEK 9: ARYLAWN NINJA WARRIOR
Ninjas are stealthy, dexterous, fearless, and agile. Campers will push themselves to new heights and hone their ninja skills tackling challenging courses and competing for the title of Ninja Warrior! Campers of all abilities can build self-confidence and teamwork skills as they try new things and overcome difficult obstacles (literally!).
WEEK 10: SUMMER CELEBRATION
Celebrate summer with these exciting kickoff and closing activities! Days of fun field games, playing in the pool, and camp activities culminate in a big party to celebrate summer!