YMCA of Greater Charlotte offers an exceptional range of summer camp programs serving children ages 6-17, with specialized options for younger children and teens. The organization operates two premier overnight camp locations: Camp Harrison, nestled on 2,000 acres of wilderness in Boomer, NC, featuring nature-focused activities like paddleboarding, hiking, mountain biking, archery, aerial courses, animal feeding, beekeeping, and Farm to Feast experiences with emphasis on faith-based reflection; YMCA of Greater Charlotte offers an exceptional range of summer camp programs serving children ages 6-17, with specialized options for younger children and teens. The organization operates two premier overnight camp locations: Camp Harrison, nestled on 2,000 acres of wilderness in Boomer, NC, featuring nature-focused activities like paddleboarding, hiking, mountain biking, archery, aerial courses, animal feeding, beekeeping, and Farm to Feast experiences with emphasis on faith-based reflection; and Camp Thunderbird, located on scenic Lake Wylie near Charlotte, offering water sports including wakeboarding and sailing, along with horseback riding, archery, and aerial courses designed to build confidence and independence.
Beyond overnight options, the YMCA provides comprehensive day camp programs running throughout the summer with 10 weekly sessions, including specialized tracks for preschoolers, classic day camps, sports camps, swim camps, arts and STEAM camps, dance camps, outdoor adventure programs, teen camps, and adaptive camps for children with special needs. All programs emphasize building friendships, developing skills, fostering teamwork, and creating lasting memories through a diverse array of activities including swimming, gymnastics, football, soccer, basketball, music, theater, visual arts, and team-building challenges.
With 13 convenient Greater Charlotte locations and flexible session lengths (1-week, 2-week, and 4-week overnight options), the YMCA provides accessible, high-quality camp experiences for every child. Programs run from June through August 2026, with most day camps operating 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM and select preschool/specialty camps offering half-day options. The organization’s commitment to inclusivity, skill development, and character building makes it a trusted choice for summer enrichment across the Charlotte region.
Special Features
Two premier overnight camp locations with distinct focuses
Camp Harrison: 2,000 acres of wilderness in Boomer, NC mountains
Camp Thunderbird: Waterfront setting on Lake Wylie
Specialized adaptive camp for children with special needs
Equestrian programs available in both day and overnight formats
Gender-separated groups for younger overnight campers
Multiple session lengths to accommodate different schedules
Available through 13 convenient Greater Charlotte YMCA locations
Faith-based reflection component at overnight camps
Focus on building confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships
6-17 years (with specialized preschool programs for younger children and all-ages equestrian options)
Cost:
Day Camp: $450-510/week (member/non-member); Overnight Camp: $1,675-5,850 (1-week to 4-week sessions); Spring Equestrian: $700-1,175 (day) and $1,100-1,175 (overnight)
Location:
301 S College St #200, Charlotte, NC 28202
Schedule:
Summer 2026: June 1 – August 8, 2026. Day Camp: 10 weekly sessions (June 1-August 7). Overnight Camp: Multiple sessions (June 14-August 8) with 1-week, 2-week, and 4-week options. Most programs: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Select preschool and specialty camps offer half-day options.