Back to School Camp
Back to School Camp is a fun and active way for kids to ease back into their school routine while still soaking up the best parts of summer. Each day is packed with movement, teamwork, and adventure through a mix of swimming, indoor climbing, sports, and park explorations. Campers will build confidence, make new friends, and burn energy in a safe, supportive environment that encourages healthy living and positive social connections—helping them start the school year feeling strong, excited, and ready to learn.
Ages: Youth entering 1st–5th grade in Fall of 2026.
Location: Whatcom Family YMCA, 1256 North State St, Bellingham WA, 98225
Hours: 9am - 4pm. Extended care available for drop-off from 7:30-9am, and pick-up from 4-5:30pm
One Week Only! August 24-28
Campers enjoy a balance of sports, group games, climbing activities, and swimming. Kids stay engaged as they challenge themselves and learn new skills in a positive, encouraging environment. This camp experience promotes confidence, perseverance, and teamwork as they head into the year ahead. Activities include trips to the local parks, ninja gym, time on the climbing wall, swimming at the Y.
Find the Info You Need to Know
Learn more about this camp's hours, registration, financial assistance, and fees below. Read the complete list of answers to Summer Day Camp Frequently Asked Questions here.
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 9am - 4pm. Extended care available for drop-off from 7:30-9am, and pick-up from 4-5:30pm
Whatcom Family YMCA, 1256 North State Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
This camp is for youth entering 1st–5th grade in Fall of 2026.
Five-day weekly fees: Y Member, $300 | Community Member, $350
A deposit of $25 per week, per camper, is due upon registration. Payments are drafted on the Monday two weeks before each camp session. For example, for camp starting on June 22, payment will be drafted on June 8.
The Y is committed to ensuring all families access quality and enriching camp programs. The Y provides financial assistance and a sliding fee schedule. Please complete this quick form to learn more about financial assistance. Once the form is received, our staff will contact you within 3-5 business days.
Membership Rate
An active YMCA membership is required at the time of camp registration to receive the member rate. The camper's Y membership must also remain active while the camper is enrolled and attending camp.
Yes, the Y is committed to ensuring all families access quality and enriching summer camp programs. The Y provides financial assistance and a sliding fee schedule.
Please complete this quick form to learn more about financial assistance. Once the form is received, our staff will contact you within 3-5 business days.
Discovery Camp accepts approved childcare subsidies, including state and local assistance programs. Families using subsidy are encouraged to connect with our team early to confirm eligibility, availability, and required documentation.
The Whatcom Family YMCA does not impose contracts on participants, and participants are free to cancel programs at any time. Written notice is required to cancel a program. Participants must submit a cancellation request in writing via web form prior to their next scheduled draft date.
- Non-Refundable Deposits
- All deposits are non-refundable, regardless of when a camp is cancelled.
- Deposits may be transferred between YMCA Day Camp programs through August 10 based on availability.
- After June 1, deposits are no longer transferable and remain non-refundable.
- Cancellation Deadline: Two weeks prior to the start of the desired camp
- All cancellations must be submitted by 14 calendar days prior to the first day of the specific camp.
- Families who cancel by that date will receive a refund of all payments made minus the non-refundable deposit.
- Cancellations received after that are not eligible for any refund, or credit, including deposit or tuition paid.
- Camp Changes
- Camp changes (including changing camp type or camp weeks) must be submitted not later than 14 business days prior to the camp, and are subject to availability.
- Eligible changes may use an existing deposit only if requested with the appropriate timeline.
- How to Submit Requests
- All cancellation and change requests must be submitted through the official Camp cancellation form.
- Verbal cancellations or cancellations submitted through other channels cannot be accepted.
- Extenuating Circumstances
- Exceptions to this policy may only be made in extenuating circumstances at the discretion of the organization’s leadership.
Families may contact registrar@whatcomymca.org to discuss their unique situation.
We’re busy planning a whole new summer adventure for campers across Whatcom County. Check back in April for more details; we look forward to sharing a whole new summer of fun with your camper!
For registration questions, please email us at registrar@whatcomymca.org or call 360-255-0585.
For questions about this camp's programs, please email Tifanie at ttreter@whatcomymca.org.
