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: WORLD TRAVELER
Around the world in 5 days! Campers are immersed in different cultures and customs as they explore games and crafts from other countries, and meet new friends around the globe in a virtual cultural exchange.
WEEK 2: JUNGLE SAFARI
Come learn about all the cool animals hidden in the jungle while doing many animal crafts, playing jungle themed games, and most importantly making tons of friends at camp! Learn about conservation of animals and their habitat and what you can do to help keep these animals safe.
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
Pirates and princesses, oh my! Will you walk the plank, find your own hidden treasure or work together to get off the shipwrecked island? Come along for an adventure this week and you’re guaranteed to discover the best treasure of all, friendship.
WEEK 5: 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 6: NINJA WARRIOR
Start your training early for this one! Learn about ninjas and the way of the warrior. This week we’ll tackle challenging obstacle courses and compete for the title of Ninja Warrior, a title NONE have been able to claim…yet…
WEEK 7: 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 8: UNDER THE BIG TOP
Welcome to the greatest show on earth! Learn the ways of the clowns and tightrope walker, create your own carnival games, practice face-painting and much more this week.
WEEK 9: 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!