Outdoor Day Camp
Experience the amazing natural world of our community through exciting adventures in environmental education. Days fly by as campers make new friends while exploring the wonders of the great outdoors.
At the Gordon Carter Conservation Site, using hands-on adventures in environmental education, campers experience the natural world. Each day is filled with exploration, discovery, and building new friendships as campers hike trails, explore open spaces, and learn about the world around them. Guided by dedicated and highly trained YMCA staff, campers participate in small-group activities that build skills, encourage teamwork, and spark curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.
Ages: Campers entering 2nd through 5th grade in Fall of 2026.
Location: Whatcom Family YMCA, 1256 North State St, Bellingham, WA 98225
The Y will transport campers from the Y to Gordon Carter Conservation Site (3801 S Bay Dr, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284). Buses will leave the Y promptly at 8:30am, and leave GCCS at 3:30pm each day of camp.
Hours: 8am - 4pm. Drop-off between 8 - 8:30am, pick-up between 4pm - 4:30pm.
Weekly Themes Are Here!
Each week brings a fresh, fun theme woven into daily activities to spark excitement and keep campers engaged. Join us for your favorite week—or come to them all—for a summer packed with nonstop fun and new friendships!
Bugged Out
July 6-10
Enter the incredible world of insects! Campers deepen their curiosity for tiny creatures as they explore habitats, discover how insects help our environment, and celebrate the unique life buzzing all around us.
Sky Watchers
July 13-17
Look up and wonder! Campers explore the ever-changing sky as they learn about clouds, weather, and the mysteries of day and night—developing a sense of awe for the world above.
Eco Heroes
July 20-24
Be the change our planet needs! Campers discover what it means to care for the environment as they explore sustainability, learn how nature stays in balance, and take small steps toward making a big impact.
Nature Engineers
July 27-31
See the world through the eyes of nature’s greatest builders! Campers explore how animals and natural forces shape their surroundings while experimenting with creative problem-solving inspired by the outdoors.
Meadow Masters
August 3-7
Discover the magic of open fields! Campers explore vibrant meadows filled with plants, pollinators, and hidden wonders, learning how these special habitats support life in beautiful and surprising ways.
Woodsy Wonders
August 10-14
Step into the forest and look closer! Campers explore trees, leaves, and woodland ecosystems while discovering how forests grow, change, and support the creatures who call them home.
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: 8am - 4pm. Drop-off between 8 - 8:30am, pick-up between 4pm - 4:30pm.
The Y will transport campers from the Y to Gordon Carter Conservation Site (3801 S Bay Dr, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284). Buses will leave the Y promptly at 8:30am, and leave GCCS at 3:30pm each day of camp.
Pick-up and drop-off: Whatcom Family YMCA, 1256 North State Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
Program: Gordon Carter Conservation Site, 3801 S Bay Dr, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
This camp is designed for campers entering 2nd through 5th grade in Fall of 2026.
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.
Five-day weekly fees: Y Member, $330 | Community Member, $380
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 .
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.
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 and program questions, please email us at registrar@whatcomymca.org or call 360-255-0585.