Greater Portland
In-Town Day Camp

Where Kids Can Be Kids!

Click here for complete information on how to register for Greater Portland In-Town Day Camp.

Registrations will be taken in person and online. Online registrations must be completed prior to the Wednesday before camp begins. After that time you will have to register in person.

About the Greater Portland YMCA In-town Camp

Come for one week, a few weeks, or the whole summer!  In-town camp is a full-day, state licensed program for kids ages 5 to 12 that takes full advantage of the great resources Cumberland County has to offer!  This summer, weekly themes will take campers on a GLOBAL ADVENTURE.  Come join us for an exciting time where you will have fun with your counselors and friends! See how many stamps you can get on your camp passport!

Each week, campers will engage in a variety of activities including field trips to local parks, beaches, and sites of interests; arts and crafts; sports; team-building; and swim lessons.  Camp is based at the Greater Portland YMCA building where we use the gym, pool, and art studio.  In addition to In-Town GLOBAL ADVENTURE Camp, the Greater Portland YMCA will also offer Art Camp, Saddles & Swim, Swim Camp, and a Counselor in Training (CIT) program during select weeks.

Transportation to and from In-Town Camp, Art Camp, Swim Camp, and CIT is not provided.  Saddles & Swim campers will be transported from the YMCA to the farm and back to the YMCA daily.

Camp hours are 8:30 am – 4:30 pm daily.  Before care (7:30 – 8:30 am) and after care (4:30 – 5:30 pm) are offered at no additional charge. 

Our Camp Philosophy

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

Why Parents & Kids Love Y Camps

• Nearly 80 years of experience in providing summer camps in Cumberland County
• Inclusive, high quality programs with positive educational and social experiences for all children
• Strong, consistent leadership with low staff turn over, that builds ongoing counselor-camper relationships
• Before and after camp care, with no extra fee and much more!

Summer Camp Staff

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 and teachers.

Pricing & Financial Aid

• One Week of day camp: $185 per session (1 week).  This rate is the same for members and non-members.  There is also a one-time non-refundable $15 registration fee per camper.  (This fee is waived for Cumberland County YMCA members.)  There is a sibling discount of $10 per child per session.
• Early bird discount!  Registrations received by May 1st: $175 per session per child.
• The YMCA strives to serve the entire community, regardless of the ability to pay. We do this by providing need-based scholarships, 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.

Support from the United Way of Greater Portland

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.

Summer Champs & Other Agency Aid

For Summer Champs participants, our identification number is 29. 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.

Inclusion of Children with Special Needs

The YMCA believes that all children, regardless of need, should be integrated into our programs, and will do everything in our power to make this possible. However, there may be particular needs which our staff are 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 welcome 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 contact the camp director if you need any assistance or have specific questions.

Extended Care

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

In-Town Camp Sessions, Summer 2010

Session 1: June 21 – June 25

In Your Own Backyard!
Spend this week exploring all of the great things Portland, Maine has to offer.  This will include trips to the local farmers’ market, Deering Oaks Park, and Casco Bay!

Session 2: June 28 – July 2

African Safari
Are you ready for a wild adventure? We will learn about animals and what it takes to go on a safari.  We’ll also make some traditional African food and work with the Museum of African Culture in Portland.

Session 3: July 5 – July 9

Be a Star!
This is your week to be a star!  Join us in Cannes, France for the renowned film festival.  Campers will strut their stuff on the red carpet, sample French food, and visit the beach.  The week will conclude with a YMCA In-Town Camp Talent Show to see who our stars really are!

Session 4: July 12 – July 16

Carnaval
We’re headed to South America for a week of partying!  We’ll make masks, have a YMCA camp parade, and visit the Casco Bay YMCA for a carnival day!   

Session 5: July 19 – July 23

The Land Down Under
Get your passports ready, we’re going to Australia!  Did you know that while it is summer here, it is winter there? This week we’ll take a trip to the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray to see how our local animals are different from those in Australia.

Session 6: July 26 – July 30

Camp Olympics
Representing different nations from around the world, campers will compete against one another in a variety of fun events on-site at the YMCA and at Deering Oaks Park in Portland.

Session 7: August 2 – August 6

Asian Adventures
Did you know it is the year of the Tiger? This week, campers will practice the Japanese art of origami; prepare traditional Asian food; and learn about other aspects of Asian culture.  

Session 8: August 9 – August 13

Tropical Paradise
Summer is here and it is hot, hot, hot! We’ll have fun visiting Otter Pond camp for a day, make some cool summer treats, and have our own Caribbean beach party here at the YMCA!

Session 9: August 16 – August 20

Sports & Games Across the Globe
Did you know that soccer is the most popular sport worldwide? We’ll spend the week learning games kids play around the world.  We will also take a trip to the Portland Ice Arena to escape the heat and practice a sport enjoyed by youth in many places—ice skating!

Session 10: August 23 – August 27

Blast Off: Out of this World!
Campers will go to infinity and beyond this week! Learn about outer space, visit the planetarium, and create your own aliens from another planet!

Specialty Camps

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

Saddles & Swim

For 7 - 12 year olds

Do you love horses? Then this is the camp for you! Each morning you will spend time with and learn about horses while improving your riding skills at the Hearts & Horses Farm in Buxton.  Then, in the afternoon you will return to the Greater Portland YMCA Branch or go to area beaches for swimming.  This horsemanship camp is for all levels from beginner to experienced riders.   Campers will be divided into skills groups upon arrival at the farm.

Dates:  Session 5 (July 19-23); Session 6 (July 26-30); Session 7 (August 2-6); Session 8 (August 9-13); Session 9 (August 16-20); Session 10 (August 23-27).
Cost:  $335 per one-week session

Art Camp

For 5 - 12 year olds

Campers will be immersed in a variety of fun art activities in the YMCA's authentic Art Studio.  Drawing, painting, and other projects will allow students to use their creativity while also learning about traditions around the world.

Dates:  Session 5 (July 19-23) for ages 5-8; Session 6 (July 26-30) for ages 9-12
Cost:  $185 per one-week session

Swim Camp

For 6 - 14 year olds

This camp is for swimmers interested in continuing their training and improving stroke technique.  Camp will include cardio training, in-water technique instruction, water and boating safety, and much more!  Some traditional camp activities will be included as well.  All swim levels are welcome.

Dates:  Session 8 (August 9-13); Session 9 (August 16-20)
Cost:  $185 per one-week session

Counselors in Training (CIT)

For 12 - 14 year olds

The Counselors in Training program is a great leadership opportunity for youth ages 12-14.  Counselors in Training (CITs) will participate in a structured monitoring program that will help them build skills necessary to become great leaders.  They will work hands-on with senior counselors to understand how to work with the Greater Portland YMCA's In-town camp.  CITs will experience traditional camp activities like swimming and field trips while also while learning to plan and lead activities for younger campers.

Dates:  Sessions 1-4 (June 21 - July 16) (CITs must attend all four weeks)
Cost:  $150 for the entire four week program

General Camp Information

Disclaimer: The Cumberland County YMCA implements, features, and sustains only the Camp and YMCA programs listed on this website. Any inference otherwise is untrue and should be reported immediately.