Ensuring Every Child Has a Chance to Attend Camp

Summer is supposed to be a magical time for kids — full of freedom, adventure, and memories that last a lifetime. But for many local families, the cost of summer camp makes that dream feel just out of reach.

That’s where the YMCA of Greenwich is stepping in.

This summer, the Y is kicking off its annual Summer Camp Scholarship Campaign, a community-driven effort to make camp accessible to every child, no matter their family’s financial situation. The mission is simple: to give all kids the chance to have a safe, enriching, and fun-filled summer.

And the need is real. Last year, 40% of campers and half of the children in the Y’s after-school enrichment program received financial assistance. Thanks to community support, those kids had a place to learn, grow, and play — while their parents had peace of mind knowing their children were in a safe and nurturing environment.

More Than Just a Week of Camp

Camp at the Y isn’t just about fun and games — though there’s plenty of that, too. It’s also about keeping kids engaged, supported, and safe during the summer months.

For example, many kids lose one to two months’ worth of academic progress over the summer — a challenge known as the “summer slide.” But YMCA camp includes enrichment like reading time, STEM projects, and arts activities to help kids stay sharp and curious.

Water safety is another huge focus. In a coastal town like Greenwich, learning to swim isn’t optional — it’s essential. At camp, kids take part in swim lessons and free swim time, helping them build confidence in the water and learn life-saving skills.

Of course, there’s also just the joy of being a kid. Campers take field trips to the beach, the aquarium, and local parks. They make new friends, try new things, and have the kind of summer every child deserves.

How You Can Help

The Y’s campaign makes it easy to give back — and every donation, no matter the amount, helps open the door for another child to attend camp. Here’s what your support can do:

• $100 provides a week of afternoon camp for a child attending summer school

• $250 helps cover nearly two weeks of extended care for a working family

• $500 sponsors one full week of traditional camp

• $1,000 covers two weeks of Discovery Camp for a preschooler

• $2,500 funds five weeks of camp and extended care for a child in a dual-working household

If you're looking for a meaningful way to make a difference this summer, this is it. A donation to the YMCA’s Summer Camp Scholarship Campaign isn’t just a gift — it’s an investment in a child’s future.

To learn more or to make a donation, visit: https://greenwichymca.org/Summer-appeal