GIVE THE GIFT OF SUMMER CAMP
Every child deserves a summer filled with friendship, discovery, confidence, and opportunity — but for many families, the cost of camp can be out of reach. Through the YMCA of Greenwich’s Summer Camp Scholarship Program, children across our community are able to experience safe, enriching, and affordable summer care regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
This year alone, the YMCA of Greenwich will provide more than $850,000 in scholarships and financial assistance, helping ensure that programs remain accessible to those who need them most. Today, 50% of summer camp spots are reserved for children receiving financial aid, reflecting the growing need for affordable childcare and enriching summer experiences in our community.
Your support does more than send a child to camp — it provides a safe place to learn, grow, build friendships, stay active, and create lifelong memories.
“We initially thought summer camp wouldn’t be possible for our family. Thanks to YMCA financial assistance, our daughter was able to attend camp, build friendships, grow in confidence, and create memories she still talks about today.”
-Parent of a Summer Camp Scholarship Recipient
500,000 + projected to be awarded in childcare scholarships in 2026
50 % of camp spots reserved for children receiving financial aid
100 weeks of of campership support provided through the Town of Greenwich
PARTNERING WITH THE TOWN OF GREENWICH TO SUPPORT LOCAL FAMILIES
In partnership with the Greenwich Department of Human Services, the YMCA participates in the Town’s annual Campership Program, helping children ages 5–14 from low-income families attend summer camp.
This year, the YMCA increased its campership commitment from 65 weeks to 100 weeks of camp support — a 54% increase in assistance compared to last summer — helping more local children access safe childcare, friendship, outdoor play, and positive summer experiences.
MORE CAMP OPTIONS THAN EVER
The YMCA of Greenwich now offers more summer camp experiences than ever before, serving children and teens of all ages and interests. Programs include:
- Traditional day camps
- Teen leadership programs
- Specialty camps focused on sports, STEM, aquatics, and creative exploration
- Outdoor adventure camps at Camp Seton
- Half day camps with bussing for children enrolled in Greenwich Public Schools' summer school
Through our partnership with Scouting America, children — including many receiving financial assistance — now have the opportunity to experience hiking, boating, archery, climbing, and outdoor exploration at Camp Seton.
WHY DONATE TO OUR SUMMER CAMP CAMPAIGN?
Your donation to our summer camp appeal campaign helps ensure that everyone in our community has access to critical child care, water safety education, and fun summer memories. Here's how your support makes a difference:
PROVIDE CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS
Last year, 40% of our campers and 50% of the children in our after school enrichment program received financial assistance. Summer camp scholarships ensure that all the families in our community have access to safe and accessible child care during the summer months.
PREVENT "SUMMER SLIDE"
The average student loses 1-2 months of math and reading skills over the summer, also known as “summer slide”. Enrichment activities provided at camp, such as reading and STEM projects, significantly contribute to a child’s academic achievement, ensuring they don’t fall behind during the summer months.
SUPPORT SUMMER WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTION
In our waterfront community, it’s extremely important that all children have the opportunity to learn life-saving, critical water safety skills. At camp, kids get the opportunity to learn water safety skills and build confidence in the water through swim lessons and free swim time.
MAKE SUMMER FUN ACCESSIBLE FOR EVERYONE
At YMCA summer camp, children play outside, learn new sports, make friends, and take weekly field trips to places like the beach, the park, the aquarium, and more! Supporting camp supports a child having a summer filled with the opportunity to explore and have fun.