YMCA of Greater Charlotte offers a comprehensive range of summer camp programs for 2026 designed to build confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships through outdoor adventures and diverse activities. The organization operates 13 convenient locations across Greater Charlotte, providing flexible day camp options with full-day (7:00 AM – 6:00 PM) and half-day schedules (7:00 AM – 12:30 PM or 12:30 PM – 6:00 PM) for preschool and school-age children. Day camps feature action-packed programmiYMCA of Greater Charlotte offers a comprehensive range of summer camp programs for 2026 designed to build confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships through outdoor adventures and diverse activities. The organization operates 13 convenient locations across Greater Charlotte, providing flexible day camp options with full-day (7:00 AM – 6:00 PM) and half-day schedules (7:00 AM – 12:30 PM or 12:30 PM – 6:00 PM) for preschool and school-age children. Day camps feature action-packed programming including swimming, sports, creative arts, STEAM projects, field trips, and team-building activities, with specialized options in sports, swim instruction, arts & STEAM, dance, and adaptive programs for children with diverse abilities.
For campers seeking immersive outdoor experiences, YMCA offers two premier overnight camp destinations. Camp Harrison, nestled on 2,000 acres of wilderness in Boomer, NC, invites kids to unplug and explore through paddleboarding, hiking, mountain biking, archery, aerial courses, animal feeding, beekeeping, and Farm to Feast culinary activities. Camp Thunderbird, located on Lake Wylie near Charlotte, specializes in water-based adventures including wakeboarding, sailing, aerial courses, archery, and horseback riding. Both overnight programs emphasize building confidence, independence, and creating lasting memories through classic camp traditions and outdoor skill development.
All programs operate on flexible session schedules throughout the summer of 2026, with sessions ranging from 3-5 days. The YMCA’s commitment to inclusive recreation is evident through ability-based swim assessments, adaptive camp options, and a supportive environment that welcomes children of all abilities. Whether choosing day camp convenience or overnight adventure, YMCA campers benefit from caring Y coaches, hands-on experiences, and a focus on unplugging from technology to build genuine connections with peers and nature.
Activities
PaddleboardingHikingMountain bikingArcheryAerial coursesAnimal feedingBeekeepingFarm to FeastWakeboardingSailingHorseback ridingSwimmingSkill-focused swim instructionWater sportsChallenge coursesSports (soccer, football, basketball, gymnastics)Field trips (on and off-site)Creative artsArts and craftsVisual artsTheaterDanceMusicSTEAM projectsCulinary artsTeam buildingOutdoor explorationTrail explorationNature explorationSurvival skillsReflection activitiesActive playHands-on experiencesDay camp activitiesClassic camp traditionsOvernight camp adventures
$20 deposit per session per child (non-refundable, non-transferable) required at registration; remaining balance due based on program fee schedule for each session. Specific session costs not listed.
