It’s that time of year when the headache of making summer camp plans for your children looms large over your head. Dates, times, cost, camp types, special interests, drop off and pick up – yikes! Just having the kids at the same place is a victory! 

The YMCA of Greater Brandywine, which offers summer camp at all of its branches including the Brandywine YMCA, Jennersville YMCA, Kennett Area YMCA, Lionville YMCA, Octorara YMCA, Oscar Lasko YMCA, Upper Main Line YMCA and West Chester Area YMCA, is here to alleviate some of that pressure. Here are six ways that YMCA Summer Camp will help make your life easier.

1. Camp Finder
We know planning your kids’ summer takes a lot of time, which is why we created Camp Finder to simplify the process. Camp finder is an online tool that uses filters to help you refine your camp search. You are now able to search YMCA summer camp options by week, age, type of camp AND/OR summer camp location. You can quickly find out what camps are available for your six-year-old and/or 12-year-old at the same location. OR, you can search every camp at a particular location to see what camps are available for your kids this summer.  

2. Options
At first glance, having so many camp options at the YMCA may not necessarily feel like it is making your life easier; however, with all those options there is something for everyone AND they all get dropped off and picked up at the same time and location!  

3. Before & After Camp Time
Camp drop off and pick up times don’t always mesh with your work schedule. A huge advantage of YMCA Summer Camp is the extended camp time offered*. Drop off early, 7 - 9 AM or pick up later, 4 - 6 PM, knowing your children will be safe and occupied with fun camp activities. 

4. Cost
The YMCA of Greater Brandywine has very competitive rates for summer camp. Additionally, a 10% discount is offered for siblings (some restrictions apply). Price still a little prohibitive? Financial aid is available for families unable to pay the standard rates.

5. Break from Screen Time
Trying to pry your children off their electronic devices or phones? The use of cell phones, cameras and/or other electronic devices is prohibited during camp programming. Campers who bring such equipment, will be asked to put it away or it will be confiscated and returned at the end of the day, so your children can get the most out of their time at camp.

6. Swimming 
What is better than jumping in a cool pool on a hot day? Most YMCA summer camps offer recreational swim time each day (after being tested on the first day for safety). Additionally, some sites include camp swim lessons for your children, while others offer the lessons for a small additional fee.

7. Peace of Mind
As the largest provider of childcare Chester County, serving over 5,000 children each year, safety is paramount at the YMCA. All YMCA camp counselors and staff go through extensive trainings, including CPR and First Aid and our lifeguards are Ellis certified. 

Learn more about our summer camp offerings across Chester County and you'll see why our summer camps will make your life easier. 
 

*Fees apply to before camp. Please review FAQs to learn more.