YMCA North Shore – Summer Camp 2026
Support Center Knowledge Base (FAQ)
General Camp Questions
What dates do YMCA summer camps run?
Most YMCA North Shore camps run from late June through August, but exact start and end dates vary by location and camp type.
➡️ Best practice: Confirm the specific camp and location before giving dates.
What ages can attend YMCA summer camps?
Camps generally serve children ages 5–12, with additional programs for:
Preschool / Mini camps: ages 4–6 (location dependent)
Teen Camps: ages 11–12
CIT (Counselor-in-Training): ages 13–14
Age ranges are strict unless director approval is given on a case-by-case basis..
How do families choose the right camp?
Guide families based on:
Child’s age
Location preference
Schedule needs
Interests (sports, arts, STEM, outdoors)
If unsure, offer to pass details to the local camp team for follow-up.
Registration & Enrollment
How do you complete a camp enrollment in Daxko?
How to complete a camp enrollment: Members - We strongly encourage all members to enroll themselves online vs. coming into a local Y for camp registration.
When does registration close?
For most camps, registration closes Thursday or Friday at 12:00 PM for the following week.
Some specialty or partnership programs may differ.
Can families register after the deadline?
Generally no, unless approved by the local camp team.
➡️ If asked, submit a ticket or escalate to the camp registrar.
Who helps with camp enrollment?
Sales Team: Enrollment assistance, waitlists, Flexible Pricing
Member Support Center: General questions, enrollment support, and ticketed requests
Is financial assistance available?
Yes. The YMCA offers Flexible Pricing (income-based assistance); apply here www.northshoreymca.org/flexible-pricing/
Flexible Pricing must be approved BEFORE camp enrollment, and cannot be applied retroactively. Cases requesting retroactive Flex for extenuating circumstances must be submitted to Gerald MacKillop for review.
➡️ Flex applications are handled by the Sales Team, typically within 1-2 business days.
Pricing & Payments
How much does camp cost?
Pricing varies by:
Camp type
Location
Member vs non-member status
➡️ Agents should never guess pricing. Always check the system or refer to Sales.
DEPOSITS & REGISTRATION FEES
A $15 non-refundable deposit is required for each camp week at the time of registration.
Deposits may be transferred to another week within the same summer (pending availability).
All remaining camp tuition is automatically charged 8 days before the start of each camp week.
Can you make changes to camp enrollments?
Yes, within certain parameters. Changes must be submitted in writing, via support request tickets, which are forwarded to local camp registrars for review and processing. Common requests include:
Camp changes
Withdrawals
Schedule adjustments
CAMP CHANGE DEADLINES
Thursday Deadline: Cape Ann, Greater Beverly, Ipswich, Lynch/van Otterloo, Salem
Friday @ 12:00 Deadline: Haverhill and Plaistow
LOCAL CAMP REGISTRARS
Greater Beverly (GBY) - Jen Forgione
Cape Ann (CAY) - Heather Hughes
Salem (SAY) - Ivone Baez
Ipswich (IPS) - Kathie Woods
Lynch/van Otterloo (LVO) - Sandi Novello
Haverhill (HAV) - Chris Diaz
Plaistow (PCY) - Meghan Woodworth
Are refunds available?
Refunds depend on:
Timing (before deadlines)
Camp-specific refund policy
➡️ Refund and withdrawal requests must be submitted via Freshworks support ticket.
➡️ Printable/shareable Camp Refund Policy
REFUND SCHEDULE
Refund eligibility is based on how many days remain before the first day of the camp week you are registered for.
The $15 deposit is non-refundable and is excluded before percentages are applied. “Days prior” refers to calendar days before the Sunday of the registered camp week.
All refund requests must be submitted in writing. Once a camp week begins, no refunds or credits are issued for missed days
Daily Operations
Where is drop-off and pick-up?
Drop-off and pick-up occur at the camp location, including before/after care, unless otherwise specified (e.g., Children’s Island). Parents should receive email confirmation with drop-off and pick-up details before the start of camp.
➡️ Always confirm location-specific instructions.
Do camps offer before and after care?
Some locations offer before and/or after care. Availability and hours vary.
➡️ Confirm by camp location in Daxko Operations.
Is transportation provided?
Transportation is limited and location-specific.
Most camps do not offer transportation unless clearly stated (e.g., Camp Tricklin’ Falls provides bus options, Children’s Island requires boat times).
Do camps provide lunch?
Some locations participate in Summer Eats partnerships
Many camps do not provide lunch
Families should be advised to pack lunch and snacks unless otherwise noted.
What happens if it rains?
Camps operate rain or shine.
Light rain: outdoor activities adjusted
Heavy weather: activities move indoors when possible
If weather will impact camp operations timeframes, parents will be notified directly (e.g. Children’s Island boat timeframes may change based on weather)
Specialty & Teen Camps
What are specialty camps?
Specialty camps focus on a single interest, such as:
Sports (basketball, soccer, gymnastics)
Performing arts
LEGO / creative programs
Some specialty camps:
Are half-day only
Have limited enrollment
Do not offer before/after care
Be sure to review the camp guide and/or Daxko Operations to learn more details.
What is a CIT program?
CIT (Counselor-in-Training) programs are:
For ages 13–14
Leadership and skill-building focused
Limited enrollment
Not all locations offer CIT programs.
Inclusion & Camper Support
Does the YMCA support children with diverse needs?
Yes. The YMCA is committed to inclusive practices and supporting camper success.
However:
Camps cannot provide 1:1 support
Families may be contacted to develop an Individualized Support Plan
What inclusion questions are asked during registration?
Families may be asked about:
Routines or supports used at school/home
IEPs or therapy services
Our Inclusion Team will reach out to parents based on those initial answers, to provide appropriate supports for the child.
What should agents say about accommodations?
✔ “We’ll share this information with the camp team so they can best support your child.”
❌ Do not promise specific accommodations or staffing.
Concerns, Behaviors & Safety
What if a parent is concerned about camper behavior or bullying?
Agents should:
Validate the concern
Gather brief details
Ask what outcome the family wants
Escalate to the camp director
What if a family is unhappy with their camp experience?
Listen and document the concern.
➡️ Escalate quality concerns to the local camp leadership.
Escalation Guide
Escalate immediately if:
Safety concerns are mentioned
Behavioral incidents are reported
Inclusion needs are unclear
Refund disputes fall outside policy
Helpful Reminders for Agents
Be calm, warm, and reassuring
Do not guess—check or escalate
Families value clarity and care, not perfection
Need more detail?
Review YNS Camp 101 Training
Review full Summer Camp 2026 Preview slide deck
Visit each local Y’s Google Site Camp page for specific staff contacts, FAQs and details
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