Running Camps
Perfect for kids who enjoy running and being outside, this camp combines movement, exploration, and discovery. Campers participate in guided runs through local natural areas while learning about the environment, building confidence, and supporting one another along the way. It’s a fun, active experience that encourages healthy habits, teamwork, and a love for the outdoors.
Both elementary and middle school age camps are available!
Ages: Varies by camp. See FAQ below for more info.
Location: Carl Cozier Elementary, 1330 Lincoln St, Bellingham, WA 98229
Hours: 9am - 4pm. Drop-off between 9 - 9:30am, pick-up between 3:30 - 4pm.
Trail Blazers Camps
Trail Blazers Camps are designed for kids who love to move, explore, and challenge themselves outdoors. These camps blend running, trail exploration, and teamwork in a supportive environment where campers build confidence, endurance, and friendships, while discovering some of Whatcom County’s favorite outdoor spaces.
Elementary School Trail Blazers | Entering 2nd-5th Grade
Around Whatcom in 5 Days, July 6-10
Campers will “travel” to different locations throughout Whatcom County as they explore a variety of local trails. This camp blends fitness with outdoor exploration in a fun and encouraging setting, challenging campers to try new routes while supporting friends along the way. Each day brings a new adventure and lasting memories.
An Amazing Race, August 3-7
This session emphasizes teamwork, communication, and problem-solving through fun physical challenges and group activities. Campers will work together to navigate outdoor courses, support one another, and celebrate shared successes. Along the way, they’ll build confidence, strengthen friendships, and have a blast outdoors.
Register
Middle School Trail Blazers | Entering 6th-8th Grade
Trails to Tides, July 13-17
From forest paths to shoreline routes, Trails to Tides takes campers on an active exploration of Whatcom County’s trails and beaches. Each day blends running games, group challenges, and scenic coastal routes that encourage teamwork, confidence, and endurance. Campers will experience the outdoors in a whole new way, discovering local landscapes, supporting one another, and building a love for movement at their own pace.
Trails to Lakes, August 10-14
Lace up and head outside! These middle school running camps are all about adventure, fresh air, and having fun on the move as campers explore local trails, beaches, and lakes. Each day combines running games, group challenges, and scenic routes that build endurance, confidence, and a love for being active, no matter your pace. Campers will discover new places, make friends, and experience running as a way to explore the outdoors.
Girls on the Run Camps
Our week long summer camp allows girls to build self-esteem, make friends, set goals, and feel accomplished after the end-of-the-week 5K around beautiful Lake Padden
Campers entering grades 3rd-6th are invited to participate in a condensed version of the character-building program. We combine the best of Girls on the Run with all the fun of camp! During the week-long sessions, girls will build friendships in fun and inclusive settings and learn important life skills through dynamic, interactive lessons and trail exploration.
Youth entering 3rd–6th grade in fall of 2026 who identify as girls or gender-expansive.
Girls Have Heart, June 15-19
Girls Have Power, July 20-24
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. Drop-off between 9 - 9:30am, pick-up between 3:30 - 4pm.
Carl Cozier Elementary, 1330 Lincoln St, Bellingham, WA 98229
The Y will transport campers to and from various parks and locations.
Drop-off at the bus loop, near Potter Street.
Girls on the Run Camps: Youth entering 3rd–6th grade in Fall of 2026 who identify as girls or gender-expansive.
Trail Blazers Elementary Camps: Youth entering grades 2nd-5th in Fall of 2026.
Trail Blazers Middle School Camps: Youth entering grades 6th-8th 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, $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.
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 the camp programs, please email Tifanie at ttreter@whatcomymca.org.