YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND LEARN MORE
YMCA Camp Thunderbird, camper and counselor boating in a canoe at YMCA Summer camp.
  • Overview

    YMCA Day Camps at our local branches provide a full day of fun, learning and adventure for kids of all ages. With weekly themes, outdoor games, creative arts and team-building activities, campers stay active and engaged in a safe, supportive environment. Our trained staff focus on building confidence, friendships and character—all while making summer unforgettable.

  • Camp Activities

    Archery
    Backyard Games
    Boating**
    Character Development
    Circle and Group Games
    Creative Arts
    Field Sports
    Gaga Ball
    High Ropes*
    Leadership Development
    Marksmanship/Slingshots
    Music, Dance and Drama
    Nature
    Songs, Chants and Cheers
    Small Opening/Closing Council
    STEM
    Swimming
    Team-building/Low Ropes Course
    Themed Unit Activities

    *Activities occur only at YMCA Camp Thunderbird

    *Activities occur at YMCA Camp Thunderbird & Camp Red Feather

  • Camp Weekly Themes

    • June 1-5
      • Jungle Jamboree
    • June 8-12
      • Pixel Palooza
    • June 15-19
      • Goooal Getters
    • June 22-26
      • Wild, Wild West
    • June 29-July 2
      • Spirit Week
    • July 6-10
      • Renaissance Faire
    • July 13-17
      • Color Craze
    • July 20-24
      • Heroes Unite!
    • July 27-31
      • Shipwreck
    • August 3-7
      • Monster Mania
    • August 10-14
      • Carnival
  • Camp Information Dates

    • Camp Northside
      • Orientation: April 24 (6:30-7:30 p.m.)
      • Open House: May 16 (10 a.m.-noon)
    • Camp Petersburg
      • Orientation: February 18 (6:30-8:30 p.m.)
      • Open House: May 9 (10 a.m.-noon)
    • Camp Red Feather (Chester)
      • Orientation: March 11 (6:30-7:30 p.m.)
      • Open House: May 2 (10 a.m.-noon)
    • Camp Red Hawk (Manchester)
      • Orientation: March 9 (6:30-7:30 p.m.)
      • Open House: May 9 (10 a.m.-noon)
    • Camp Saponi (Midlothian)
      • Orientation: TBD
      • Open House: May 2 (10 a.m.-noon)
    • Camp Shady Grove
      • Orientation: February 10 (6:30 p.m. – virtual)
        February 28 (11 a.m. – in person)
      • Open House: May 9 (11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)
    • Camp Swift Creek
      • Orientation: March 12 (6:30 p.m. – virtual)
      • Open House: May 14 (6:30-7:30 p.m.)
    • Camp Thunderbird
      • Orientation: April 16 (6:30-7:30 p.m.)
      • Open House: May 16 (10 a.m.-noon)
    • Camp Tuckahoe
      • Orientation: March 22 (3 p.m. – virtual)
      • Open House: May 9 (10 a.m.-noon)
    • Camp Winnipeg (Patrick Henry)
      • Orientation: February 24 (6:30 p.m. – virtual)
      • Open House: May 16 (11 a.m.-1 p.m.)
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YMCA Camp Thunderbird with three campers fishing at lake
YMCA Camp Thunderbird opening council with counselor raising hand
Young camper walking across the bridge after using the zip line at YMCA Summer Camp.
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Middle school Edge Campers Shady Grove as part of at YMCA Summer Camp.
Middle School Edge Campers at Camp Thunderbird as part of at YMCA Summer Camp.
YMCA Camp Thunderbird climbing wall with camper getting ready to climb, giving a thumbs up
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YMCA Camp Thunderbird with campers boating in canoes
YMCA Camp Thunderbird with counselor helping two campers put bait on hooks to fish
YMCA Camp Thunderbird climbing wall with camper getting ready to climb, giving a thumbs up
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YMCA soccer between two teams with one boy dribbling between defenders.
Opening council with three counselors talking to campers at YMCA Summer Camp.
Basketball being played in the gym  at YMCA Summer Camp.
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Young kid taking part in ninja warrior activities at YMCA Summer Camp.
Opening council with three counselors talking to campers at YMCA Summer Camp.
Basketball being played in the gym  at YMCA Summer Camp.

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Explore additional programs that offer endless opportunities for play and adventure at the Y.

Sports and Specialty Camps

Sports and Specialty Camps

Children

Get ready for high-energy mornings filled with fun, skill-building and creativity! Our sports camps offer a mix of Soccer, Basketball, Dodgeball, Kickball and more! Specialty Camps like LEGO Robotics and Ninja Warrior challenge kids to build, explore, and conquer in exciting themed adventures.

Preschool

Preschool

Preschoolers

For twenty years, YMCA Preschool has prepared kids to be excellent learners while making friends and memories along the way. As the largest childcare provider in Virginia, the Y cares for more children than any other childcare provider. YMCA programs allow children to explore their unique talents and interests, helping them realize their full potential. This makes for confident kids today and contributing, engaged adults tomorrow.

Childcare

Childcare

Children

At the Y, our childcare programs provide a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn, grow and thrive. From early learning to before and after-school enrichment, we support working families with high-quality care that promotes academic success, social development, and healthy habits. With experienced staff and a focus on character-building, YMCA childcare is more than supervision—it’s a foundation for lifelong success.

Camp

Camp

Children, Teens

YMCA Camps offer unforgettable experiences where kids and teens explore, grow and thrive. From summer day camps to specialty camp options, our programs are designed to build confidence, foster friendships and encourage independence—all in a safe, inclusive environment. With caring staff, engaging activities and a focus on character development, YMCA camps help every child discover their best self.

Before & After School Care

Before & After School Care

Children

Ensuring the safety and well-being of young people is foundational to everything we do at the Y to help them learn, grow and thrive. We are constantly in communication with area schools to provide our communities with quality and affordable before & after care.

Certifications

Certifications

Adults, Teens

The Y offers nationally recognized certification programs that prepare individuals with the skills and confidence to lead and respond in real-life situations. Whether you’re looking to become a certified lifeguard, a trusted babysitter or CPR/first aid certified, our expert-led courses combine hands-on training with essential safety knowledge to help you succeed.

Adventure Programs

Adventure Programs

Adults, Children, Teens

Go with your child on a journey of discovery with YMCA Adventure Programs.  The program allows fathers and father figures to spend one-on-one time with their child in a fun environment.  Its purpose is to foster a strong parent-child relationship through quality time spent together.

Early Childhood Camps

Early Childhood Camps

Children

YMCA Early Childhood Camps are specially designed for preschoolers, offering a safe, nurturing space where young children can explore, play and grow. With age-appropriate activities like music, movement, crafts and outdoor play, campers build social skills, confidence and creativity in a structured, caring environment. Led by experienced staff, our early childhood camps provide a gentle introduction to summer camp that supports early learning and joyful discovery.

STEM Programs

STEM Programs

Children, Teens

YMCA STEM programs give kids the chance to explore science, technology, engineering and math through hands-on, project-based learning. From building robots to launching rockets, our activities are designed to spark curiosity, boost problem-solving skills and inspire a love of learning. Whether part of after-school programs, camps or special events, STEM at the Y helps kids think big, work together and discover the fun in learning.

Camp Thunderbird

Camp Thunderbird

Children, Teens

Camp Thunderbird is where kids unplug, explore nature and build lifelong memories. Located in a beautiful outdoor setting, campers enjoy activities like canoeing, archery, zip line and alpine tower—all while developing independence, confidence and friendships that last a lifetime. With caring staff and a focus on character development, Camp Thunderbird is where adventure meets personal growth.

ITS TIME TO FIND YOUR Y

JOIN THE GREATER RICHMOND YMCA TODAY

Join today and gain access to all 16 of our locations
throughout the greater Richmond area, with no contracts, no join fees, and access to income-based memberships