A safe, inclusive, and enriching environment where kids can learn, grow, and thrive all summer long.

At the YMCA, summer means more than sunshine and swimming pools—it means adventure, learning, and lifelong memories. Our Full and Half Day Summer Camps are designed to give kids a space to explore their passions, build friendships, and develop confidence in an environment where they feel they truly belong. For families seeking a meaningful and supportive summer experience, the Y stands out as a trusted partner. Choose just one week or come all summer long!

Why YMCA Summer Camp?

The YMCA has been a cornerstone of community support for over 175 years, and Countryside YMCA has been in Lebanon, Ohio since 1978. We are committed to strengthening communities by providing all children—regardless of background or ability—access to opportunities that help them reach their full potential. Our Full and Half Day Summer Camps reflect this mission by offering more than just fun; they provide a framework for growth, connection, and discovery.

At the heart of our camp program is our commitment to equity and inclusion. Every camper is welcomed as their full self and encouraged to participate in activities that nurture their spirit, challenge their mind, and strengthen their body. Guided by our values—caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith—we work to ensure each child experiences belonging and achievement every single day.

What Does a Day at Camp Look Like?

Each day at Countryside YMCA Summer Camp is thoughtfully structured to balance physical activity, creative exploration, and social-emotional development. And with over 126 acres and a 230,000 square foot facility no matter the weather we have plenty of indoor and outdoor space for our campers. Here’s a glimpse into a typical day at Summer Camp:

• Morning Devotional: We begin with a warm welcome, setting positive intentions and go over one of Countryside YMCA’s 5 core values each day. Respect, Honesty, Caring, Responsibility, and Faith. Our core values unite with a common cause. They are the shared beliefs and essential principles that guide our behavior, interactions with each other, and our decision making. This inclusive activity sets the tone for community building.
• Enrichment Activities: Campers will have two and a half hours of instruction, activity, or focused learning in their desired camp. For example if your camper is signed up for gymnastics camp they will spend the morning in out indoor gymnastics center where they will focus on gymnastic skills. We have over 50 camps to choose from to keep your camper engaged. These activities spark creativity and curiosity.
• Packed Lunch & Snack: A way your camper will get to practice responsibility is by bringing their packed lunch/snacks with them to camp each day, along with a refillable water bottle. We will have set time for lunch under our outdoor pool pavilion, but we also encourage campers to listen to their bodies and stay hydrated throughout the day and have one of their packed snacks as needed. 
• Outdoor Play & Swimming: Unless your camper is signed up for aquatics camp, they will most likely have an opportunity to enjoy the outdoor pool (weather dependent) for an hour in the afternoon. A great way to cool off and have some fun. Physical wellness is key to our programming, and time in the pool allows all kids of varying abilities to splash and play together. Campers enjoy sports, games, and swimming, all under the careful supervision of trained staff and lifeguards. And if we have rainy weather, we have an indoor family play pool that campers will be able to utilize as well.
• Team Challenges & Group Games: The camp experience would not be complete without some general camp games like gaga ball, kick ball, tag, soccer, basketball. Our Discover and Adventure camps also have their very own camp shelters with board games and campers will have opportunities to work together to solve problems, create skits, or tackle obstacle courses, promoting collaboration, leadership, and inclusion.

What Makes the Y Different?

1. A Camp for All Kids

The Y creates accessible environments where youth of all backgrounds and abilities are not only welcomed but celebrated. Our commitment to inclusive programming means that whether your child has a disability, is new to the community, or comes from a historically marginalized background, they will be embraced and supported.

From sensory-friendly spaces to trained staff who understand trauma-informed care and neurodiversity, we’re actively removing barriers so that every child can participate fully. Half Day camps can provide a shorter, calmer, and air conditioned environment where campers have more opportunity to choose to work independently on STEM, pottery, slim, or art project.

2. Trusted, Trained Staff

Our camp counselors are more than supervisors—they’re mentors, role models, and friends. Carefully selected and rigorously trained, staff undergo background checks, CPR/First Aid certification, and child abuse prevention training. They also receive instruction on conflict resolution and problem solving to ensure a respectful, empowering experience for all.

We also involve local educators, artists, and community leaders to enrich our curriculum and reflect the diversity of the neighborhoods we serve. We are thrilled to be able to partner with Lebanon Police Department for our Jr. Police Academy Camp, the Warren County Career Center for several NEW Camps like RoboTech Engineers, Builders & Makers, and Chef’s Adventure Academy.

3. We have a Responsibility

Every decision we make is because we believe we have a responsible to make a positive and measurable impact on our community through Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. This includes offering financial assistance so that cost is never a barrier, because we believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve.  It also means we listen to families—particularly those from underrepresented communities—and adjust programming to meet real, lived needs.

By offering sliding scale pricing, bilingual resources, adaptive programming, and partnerships with local organizations for transportation and accessibility supports, the Y is breaking down systemic barriers to summer enrichment.

Parent Peace of Mind

We understand the anxiety that can come with sending your child away for a full day. That’s why transparency and communication are essential parts of our program.

• Email Updates: Parents receive email the week prior to camp starting, and throughout the week as needed, depending on your camper.
• Open communication: You can reach your camp director any time to ask questions, express concerns, or offer feedback.
• Safe, clean facilities: We adhere to high standards for cleanliness, safety protocols, and emergency preparedness.

Hear from Our Families

🌟 “My daughter comes home each day from Camp Countryside with a huge smile and new stories. She’s more confident, creative, and has made so many friends.”
– Maya, parent of a 9-year-old camper

🌟 “As a working mom, I can’t always be there during the day, but I trust the YMCA team. They care about my son’s emotional and physical wellbeing, and that means everything.”
– Rachel, parent and YMCA member

🌟 “I love that the Y celebrates who my child is. They’ve been supportive and inclusive, and have made sure that my child, who has a disability, feels empowered every day.”
– Dante, parent and community advocate

Your Child’s Summer, Their Story

No two campers are alike—and that’s the point. At the Y, we don’t expect children to fit into a mold. Instead, we offer them a canvas to create their own summer story. Whether they’re discovering their love of nature, on our Nature Trail or on one of our Field Trips, mastering a backflip in Gymnastics or Cheer Camp, swimming the length of our outdoor Olympic sized pool for the first time, or simply making a friend, our program is tailored to honor their individuality.

In line with the Y’s social media vision, we also celebrate these moments with user-generated content (UGC), testimonials, and community-driven storytelling. With parental permission, we share uplifting stories on our digital platforms to highlight the joy, resilience, and growth we witness every day.

Join the Adventure

Registration is open and there is still time to register for weekly Summer Camp at the Y. Half Day Summer Camps are for preschool campers or those interested in Arts and STEM programs. Our specialty High Adventure camps fill up fast and are limited, so you may need to join a waitlist. But we still have spots available in our half day cooking, paper crafts, and drawing camps, as well as full day gymnastics, aquatics and discover camps. 

Here’s how you can register:

✅ Click here or stop by the front desk.
✅ Browse camp offerings and dates.
✅ Apply for financial assistance if needed—we’re here to help.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  ✅ Pack your camper’s bag and get ready for a season of fun, friendship, and discovery!

Final Thought

The Y isn’t just a camp. It’s a community. It’s a support system. It’s a place where kids feel empowered to be exactly who they are—and inspired to become even more. This summer, give your child the gift of a camp experience that celebrates their unique self and sets them on a path toward lifelong growth.

Because at the Y, we’re building the next generation of leaders and change makers—one camper at a time. 📢 Ready to get started? Click for more information, pricing, and to secure your child’s spot.