The Gaston County YMCA operates a comprehensive network of summer and year-round youth programs across multiple locations including Cherryville Family YMCA, Stowe Family YMCA, and Warlick Family YMCA. The programs serve children from Rising Kindergarten through 9th grade with developmentally appropriate activities designed to enhance confidence, enrich social and physical development, and encourage self-expression. Offerings include traditional day camps (Camp Whajado, Camp Ohana, and Camp TuscaThe Gaston County YMCA operates a comprehensive network of summer and year-round youth programs across multiple locations including Cherryville Family YMCA, Stowe Family YMCA, and Warlick Family YMCA. The programs serve children from Rising Kindergarten through 9th grade with developmentally appropriate activities designed to enhance confidence, enrich social and physical development, and encourage self-expression. Offerings include traditional day camps (Camp Whajado, Camp Ohana, and Camp Tuscarora) as well as specialty half-day camps, teen programs, and leadership training opportunities.
All programs feature a diverse range of activities both indoors and outdoors, including arts and crafts, group games, sports (basketball, soccer, T-ball), aquatic activities, fitness classes, homework support, and wellness components. The YMCA Afterschool Program operates during the school year (August 2025 – May 2026) following the Gaston County Schools calendar, running from school dismissal until 5:30 pm daily. Programs are available at multiple YMCA locations and directly at school sites throughout Gaston County, providing convenient access for families.
Special features include flexible scheduling with half-day options, teacher work day coverage, and specialized programming for different age groups including Teen Leaders’ Club, Aquatic Leaders’ Club, and Leaders In Training programs for 8th-9th graders. The YMCA also offers Parents’ Night Out events and maintains limited capacity with a first-come, first-served registration policy. Early registration is strongly recommended as programs fill quickly and go on waitlists.
Key Highlights
Comprehensive programming for Rising K through 9th grade across multiple YMCA locations
Developmentally appropriate activities focused on confidence-building and self-expression
Flexible scheduling with half-day camps, full-day camps, and teacher work day options
Special Features
Multiple YMCA locations across Gaston County
Programs at school sites for convenience
Half-day camp options available
Teacher work day coverage
Leadership training programs (Leaders In Training for 8th-9th grade)
Specialized teen programming
Homework support included
First-come, first-served registration with limited capacity
Early registration recommended due to quick waitlists
Flexible scheduling options
Activities
Arts and craftsBasketballSoccerT-BallGroup gamesGroup Exercise ClassesYouth FitnessPersonal TrainingOpen SwimOpen GymAquatic activitiesOutdoor activitiesIndoor activitiesHomework timeSnack timeWellness componentsClub”, “Aquatic LeadersTeen ExperienceChildwatchNight Out”,
Best For
Families seeking flexible, multi-location summer and year-round youth programming with options ranging from traditional day camps to specialty programs, particularly those with children spanning multiple age groups from kindergarten through high school
Parent Considerations
Advance registration required for half days and teacher work days
Weekly payments are not prorated based on attendance
Quick waitlists reported – early registration strongly recommended
No counselor ratio information provided in available data
Non-flexible payment structure may not suit all families
Weekly payments (specific pricing not listed; payments drafted on Friday prior to start of week, not prorated based on attendance)
Location:
2221 Robinwood Rd, Gastonia, NC 28054
Schedule:
Year-round afterschool programs: August 13, 2025 – May 20, 2026 (following Gaston County Schools and Piedmont Community Charter Schools calendar), school dismissal until 5:30 pm daily. Summer camps available with flexible scheduling including half-day options and teacher work day coverage.
