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New Canaan YMCA

Camp Y-Ki

Camp Y-Ki

Camp Y-Ki (NEW! Entering Grades K-6)

camp y ki section

WHERE ADVENTURE AWAITS

Camp Y-Ki offers a traditional camp experience enhanced by innovation. Held at Kiwanis Park, campers entering grades K*-6 will participate in camp songs, arts & crafts, archery, creative arts, team building, nature classes, both traditional and non-traditional sports, and free swim/lessons. Y-Ki is the place for your child to spend the summer making new friends, trying new things, and growing as an individual. Come join our tradition and become part of the Y-Ki family!

*Campers entering Kindergarten must be 5 years old as of 1/1/26

HOURS

Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

EXTENDED DAY

Camp Y-Ki offers extended day options for an additional fee.
Morning: 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Evening: 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm

DATES

Session 1: June 22 – July 3
Session 2: July 6 – July 17
Session 3: July 20 – July 31
Session 4: August 3 – August 14

Age Groups

  • NEW! Cubs* (Entering Kindergarten; must be 5 years old as of 1/1/26)
  • Cougars (Entering Grade 1)
  • Crocodiles (Entering Grade 2)
  • Timberwolves (Entering Grades 3-4)
  • Eagles (Entering Grades 5-6)
  • Leader-In-Training** (Entering Grades 5-6)

*NEW FOR SUMMER 2026: We are excited to introduce a new age group offering, Cubs, open to children who are 5 years old as of 1/1/26. Interested families must participate in an eligibility assessment with Ian Puebla, School-Age & Camp Y-Ki Director, as registration will not be available online. Upon eligibility, this opportunity allows children who are entering Kindergarten to register for Camp Y-Ki, regardless of kindergarten completion status. Registration will be completed by the Camp Y-Ki Director and limited spots are available.

**Click here to learn more about our Leader-In-Training (L.I.T.) program.

Camp Activities

Swimming, archery, arts and crafts, sports, nature, camp songs, outdoor adventure, and special events… the traditional summer camp experience of Camp Y-Ki provides kids with the fun, friends, and personal growth that only summer camp can provide.

Special Events & Field Trips

Campers going into 3rd-8th grade (TWs, Eagles, and L.I.T.s) will go on an off-site adventure once every session. Our older campers will travel to fun venues such as sport complexes, ropes courses, zoos, and extreme sports parks. Campers entering K*-2nd grades (Cubs, Cougars and Crocodiles) will have interactive, high-energy, special events just for them on-site, including foam parties, obstacle courses, reptile experiences, and more!

*Campers entering Kindergarten must be 5 years old as of 1/1/26

Catered Lunch from EB222 Catering, LLC

EB222 Catering, LLC will be offering catered lunch options at Camp Y-Ki this summer! Choose from several different lunch and snack options, including chicken tenders, fries, burgers, quesadillas, ham or turkey sandwiches, etc., and a drink to be delivered to your camper right at camp each week! Fees apply, and food must be ordered at least one day in advance. Click here to learn more.

Our very own Dante’s Café is operated by EB222 Catering, LLC; stop by to try their delicious food!

Registration 2026

Currently available online and at the Member Services Desk (203-966-4528). Click the button below to register! Limited spots in certain age groups.

*All camp forms are due June 1 through CampSpace.

Registration is currently available online and at our Member Services Desk. Spots are available for various age groups, register today! For additional information and any questions, contact Deb Isidro by email.

Special Cares Support

Learn about inclusive support services offered at Camp Y-Ki for children entering grades 1-6 with varying abilities. Preapproval required for support prior to camp registration.

Camp Y-Ki General Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My child is only 5 but has completed Kindergarten. Can they attend Camp Y-Ki?

A: Yes*. If your child has completed Kindergarten, you can register them for Camp Y-Ki.

*NEW FOR SUMMER 2026: We are excited to introduce a new age group offering, Cubs, open to children who are 5 years old as of 1/1/26. Interested families must participate in an eligibility assessment with the Camp Director. If eligible, this opportunity allows children who are entering Kindergarten to register for Camp Y-Ki, regardless of kindergarten completion status. Limited spots available.

Q: Are you peanut/tree nut free?

A: No. We cannot assure you that another child will not come to camp with peanut/nut products.

Q: What are the daily activities?

A: Daily activities consist of morning assembly, with children rotating through activities that include sports, art, water play, teambuilding, nature, music, STEM, and activity specials where children can dive deeper into an area of interest. We have camp lunch around 12:00 PM, followed by additional rotations that include water play, and end the day with a closing assembly. Water play is incorporated into both morning and afternoon rotations, and children will always be brought to our commercial water mister or water play stations to cool off if needed and/or as requested.

Q: Do I have to send a lunch with my child?

A: Yes*. Packed lunches must come labeled and with an ice pack. Water is available throughout the camp day, but please provide a labeled water bottle daily!

*Unless you are participating in the catered lunch option provided by EB222, which will be delivered to camp prior to lunchtime. See additional information in the section above.

Q: Will you group friends together?

A: We will try to accommodate your wishes, but we cannot guarantee any requests. We group our campers by age-group.

Q: How much time is spent outside?

A: We are an outdoor camp. Unless there is inclement weather such as a severe thunderstorm, we are outside all day, every day. Please note that Camp Y-Ki operates “hot weather” schedules on particularly hot days which include extra swim time, additional cooling activities, ample breaks and shade time, and an abundance of activities designed for hot weather days (such as science, crafts, etc.). Please note that camp rarely re-locates due to heat.

Q: What do you do when it rains?

A: Camp Y-Ki will operate at the Kiwanis Park facility whenever possible. Please keep in mind that Camp Y-Ki is an outdoor camp, and that staff and campers may get wet. If inclement weather occurs during the camp day, it is at the Directors’ discretion to move the camp to New Canaan High School located off of South Avenue. Campers are then bussed to the high school to complete their day.

A parent handbook with more information will be provided to the parents of all registered campers before camp begins. Any additional questions may be addressed to Ian Puebla at 203-920-1635 or by email.

Q: Do campers swim every day?

A: Yes. Please send a swimsuit, towel and any swim accessories every day.

Q: Do campers receive swim instruction?

A: Yes! NEW FOR SUMMER 2026: Campers will receive daily swim instruction taught by certified Y swim instructors and aided by counselors.

Q: Do campers receive swim instruction?

A: Yes! NEW FOR SUMMER 2026: Campers will receive daily swim instruction taught by certified Y swim instructors and aided by counselors.

Removed answer as of 2/24/26:

Q: What are the daily activities?

A: Daily activities consist of morning assembly, three activity periods in the a.m. including a swim lesson, lunch around 12:45 followed by an afternoon assembly, then the three more activity periods including free swim, and we end the day with a closing assembly.

Q: Do campers swim every day?

A: Yes. Please send a swimsuit, towel and any swim accessories every day.

Camp Y-Ki Swimming Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Camp Y-Ki not using the Kiwanis Park pond this summer?

A: The Town of New Canaan will no longer be chlorinating the pond. Without chlorination, natural bacteria levels can fluctuate and create unpredictable water conditions. To provide a safe and consistent experience for all campers, we have decided to relocate swimming to our beautiful facilities at the New Canaan Y, and we will have ample water play opportunities (located on dry land) at Kiwanis.

Q: Will campers still swim?

A: Yes! Campers will swim at the New Canaan Y two times per week. Each group will receive swim instruction and free swim time with additional fun pool activities in an indoor pool environment with our own dedicated lifeguards.

Q: How often will my child swim?

A: Each camp group will swim twice per week. The entire camp does not travel to the Y at the same time. Groups are pre-assigned days of the week to swim, and this will be communicated to families in advance.

Q: Will transportation to and from the YMCA for swim impact drop-off or pick-up times for camp?

A: No. Camp drop-off and pick-up times will remain the same. Transportation to and from the Y will occur during normal camp hours.

Q: Who supervises swimmers at the YMCA?

A: All swim times will be supervised by certified YMCA lifeguards and trained camp staff.

Q: Will there still be water activities at camp?

A: Yes! Campers will still enjoy daily water play such as a large water slide and slip & slide, splash activities, water games, commercial misting stations, and other creative cooling activities at Kiwanis Park in addition to their swim days at the Y.

Q: Is this change permanent?

A: This decision applies to the 2026 summer season. We will continue to evaluate future summers based on available information and safety conditions.

Q: Will this affect the quality of the camp experience?

A: We are confident the experience will remain just as fun, safe, and engaging as previous summers. Swimming at the indoor pool in the Y allows for consistent swim instruction, and we are expanding on-site enrichment activities to ensure campers still enjoy a traditional and exciting summer.

Q: Who can I contact with additional questions?

A: Please reach out directly to the Camp Y-Ki leadership team at the Y. We are always happy to talk through any questions or concerns. We can be reached at: [email protected]

 

Camp Y-Ki 2026 Camper Withdrawal Refund Policy Update

All outstanding fees and charges will be settled prior to the issuance of refunds or credits.

Camper Withdrawal:

  • Refund requests submitted through March 7: 100% refund
  • March 8 – March 29: 80% refund
  • March 30 – April 19: 40% refund
  • April 20 – May 10: 20% refund
  • No refunds will be issued after May 11, 2026
  • Pro-rated refunds will be provided for camper withdrawals due to a medical reason, with written verification from a physician.

*All refunds resulting from withdrawal are subject to a $15 processing fee per participant per session.

If the YMCA cancels a session, a 100% refund will automatically be issued.

Refund/Credit Request form must be submitted before the last day of the session.

Contact

For additional information and any questions about Camp Y-Ki, contact Ian Puebla, School-Age & Camp Y-Ki Director, at 203-920-1635 or by email.