Discovery Camp

Discover friends and fun this summer! 

With new themes every week, there's always something exciting happening at Discovery Camp!

Few camps offer the variety of activities that you can find at Discovery Camp. Every year, new weekly themes are selected and activities and field trips are built around the theme of the week. 

There's never a dull moment at Discovery Camp. Join us this summer to be a part of the fun.

Activities

  • Field trips
  • Games
  • Arts and crafts
  • Outdoor fun
  • Lessons
  • And more!

Dates

In 2024, Discovery Camp runs from June 17 to Aug. 16.

Hours

Discovery Camp operates from 7:30am to 5:30pm, Monday-Friday.

 

Click here to learn more and to register.
 

Locations and weekly themes

Location: Sandhill

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Location: Johnston

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Location: Pleasant Gardens

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Location: Black Mountain

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Location: Oakley

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Location: Estes

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Info for parents

As a parent, you need to be comfortable leaving your child in our care. See our Parent Handbook to learn about our protocols and policies.

Discovery Camp FAQ

Financial assistance is available for qualified applicants. Click here to apply.

  • The amount of financial assistance that can be provided will be dependent on income and other factors. Please have financial documents ready before you apply. 
  • You must apply for DHHS vouchers with the Department of Social Services state subsidy program before you can qualify for financial assistance through the YMCA. Call the DSS at 828-250-5500.

Financial assistance


 

Discovery Summer Day Camp is for rising first graders-12. 

Age groups are broken into different ranges for different activities that are facilitated by our expert childcare staff. 

There is also a Pre-K program in the Roberson district.

Your child will be able to learn, play, and connect with other children their age while they enjoy exploring.

Discovery Camp starts on a different date every year depending on a variety of factors. 

In 2024, Discovery Camp's start date will be June 17.
 

Daily schedules vary greatly, but a typical day looks like:

 

Sample Schedule  
7:30am Child drop-off and breakfast
8:30am Free play
9:00am Morning ceremonies & groups separated for the day's activities
9:30am Waterplay - pool time - field trip - talent shows, face painting, & gymnasium time - or Wheels
11am

Lunch

11:30am Siesta
12:30pm Group games
2pm Snack time
2:30pm YMCA curriculum project
3:30pm Silent reading time
4pm Camp songs, group activity & gymnasium time
5:30pm Child pickup

 

Parents typically provide lunch, but the Y can provide it if required. Ask the camp director if you would like lunches provided for your child at summer day camp. 

Click here to learn more about our packed-lunch policy and guidelines.

Food from home guidelines

Your child should come to Discovery Camp with: 

  • Backpack
  • Active clothes that are OK to get dirty
  • Active sneakers 
  • Sunblock
  • Brimmed hat
  • Lunch and snacks
  • Water bottle
  • Any medications they will need through the day
  • Allergy medicine, including an EpiPen if prescribed

If your child will need anything besides what is listed here, a YMCA staff member will let you know.

Ready for camp?

Signing up is fast and easy. Spots fill up fast, so reserve yours now!