General Camp Information

Our goal at the Greater Portland YMCA is to provide a caring, safe and fun atmosphere that allows campers to experience a variety of activities, to try new things and to challenge themselves. Teamwork and the Y's Character Development Traits of Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility play an important role in all of our programs and are incorporated into all aspects of camp.

The Cumberland County YMCA prides itself on the quality and commitment of our staff. These individuals are caring, fun, energetic and responsible people who participate in a comprehensive training program. We perform criminal background checks on all of our staff over the age of 18 years old, and most are certified in First Aid and CPR. Staff members largely consist of college or high school students, teachers and parents.

The YMCA strives to serve the entire community, regardless of the ability to pay. We do this by providing need-based financial assistance, made possible through the generous support of individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the area. The Y also accepts Summer Champs, Aspire, Child Care Connections and other vouchers. A 10% sibling discount is also available.

We build strong kids, individuals, families and communities through programs and services that promote a healthy spirit, mind and body for all regardless of ability to pay.

The YMCA believes that all children, regardless of need, should be integrated into our programs, and will do everything in its power to make this possible. However, there may be particular needs which our staff is not trained to handle, or that our staff to camper ratio is not adequate to serve. In such an instance, the family or supporting agency will be asked to assist the YMCA in finding and providing an aide for the child, or, we may need to refer the child to a program better suited to meet his or her needs. Children with special needs are welcomed to attend camp if they are within the developmental ages that we serve, and are comfortable participating in their group's activities. Youth that require a one-on-one aide in school must be provided one at camp via family effort. Please call if you need any assistance or have specific questions.

The Cumberland County YMCA is a partner agency with the United Way of Greater Portland. Together, we are part of a powerful network of resources that provide key programs to our community. We also participate in the Summer Champs program.

For Summer Champs participants, our identification number is29. If another social services agency is paying for your child to attend camp, we must have information from that agency when enrolling your child in camp. Summer Champs recipients have to pay a one time $50 fee to hold their spot in camp. For other social services agencies, the fee may be waived. If you do not have a contract with an outside agency, then you must pay the registration deposit. If you have any questions, call 874-1111.

While In-Town and Specialty camp hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, we understand that many parents need additional care for their children. Extended care runs from 7:30 to 8:30 am and 4:30 to 5:30 pm, at no additional cost.

If you are interested in a membership for your child or your family, please inquire with our membership department, 874-1111.

In-Town Camp

Located at the Greater Portland YMCA
For 5 - 12 Year Olds
Weekly: June 23 - August 22, 2008
Camp Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
$165 YMCA Members/$185 Non-Members (Early bird savings available)
       *Pro-rated fee for the short 4th of July week.

In-Town Camp is a full-day, Maine state licensed program that emphasizes the community spirit of the Cumberland County area by offering weekly field trips to local parks, playgrounds, museums, and beaches. The camp also provides a wide variety of activities focusing on arts & humanities, sports, team-building, daily swimming, and weekly swim lessons. In-Town Camp is home based within the Greater Portland YMCA building, which lends use of the gymnasium, swimming pool, aerobics room, art studio and more. Come join the downtown experience of a fun and exciting summer camp!

Transportation to and from In-Town Camp is not provided. Saddles and Swim and field trips have van and/or bus transportation.

Teen Leadership Opportunities

For 12 - 14 Year Olds
Weekly: June 23 - August 22, 2008
$165 YMCA Members/$185 Non-Members (Early bird savings available)

The Leaders in Training program is a great leadership opportunity while experiencing the traditional camp experience; swim, gym, field trips, etc. for 12-14 year olds. Leaders in Training (LIT's) will participate in a structured monitoring program that will include building skills necessary to become great leaders. LIT's will work hands on with our senior counselors to learn how to effectively work

Specialty Camps

For participants in the Specialty Camp programs, camp runs from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Before camp care is available from 7:30 to 8:30 am, and after camp care is available from 4:30 to 5:30 pm at no extra charge (registration required).

For 7 - 12 year olds
$300 Members/$320 Non-members (Early bird savings available)

Do you love horses? Then this is the camp for you! Campers will enjoy spending time with and learning about horses while gaining riding skills. Each morning you will go riding and participate in barn and tack lessons, then return to the Greater Portland Y or go to area beaches for an afternoon of swimming. We offer three different levels of riding, so there is a program for everyone!

Session #4: July 14 - 18, 2008 (For 6 - 8 year olds)
Session #7: July 21 - 25, 2008 (For 9 - 12 year olds)
$195 YMCA Members/$215 Non-members (Early bird savings available)

Campers will be immersed in innovative drawing, painting and sculpture projects in our authentic art studio. We'll visit local studios, paint at the beach and visit the Portland Museum of Art. Critiques and an art show make this a truly fine arts experience.

For 6 - 16 Year olds
Sessions #8: August 11 - 15, 2008
$195 YMCA Members/ $215 Non-Members (Early bird savings available)

This camp is for competitive swimmers who are interested in continuing their training and improving their stroke technique. Camp will include in-water technique instruction, stroke video-taping & analysis, proper nutrition, and much more. Swimmers must be on the swim team or pass a swimming test.