WHEN SCHOOL IS OUT, THE Y IS IN!

We offer School’s Out Camps throughout the year when school is not is session.

Feel free to attend at any location across the city. We can’t wait to see you there!

Questions? Please contact the Youth Development office at BeforeAndAfterSchool@indymca.org or (317) 484-9622. If you are interested in utilizing a CCDF voucher, please contact the Youth Development office. For more information on CCDF and to see if your family qualifies, please click here.


School's Out Camps

Ready, Set, Explore!

The YMCA’s School’s Out Camps Enrichment programs are offered at select locations when school is out, including Fall Break; Winter Break; Spring Break; Flex days; Martin Luther King Jr Day; Presidents Day; and Snow Days.

Youth Development Program Components

21st-Century Skills

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Dosage: 2X/week
Description: Project-based learning aligned with school-day curriculum that includes collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, & problem solving

Arts

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Dosage: 1 hr/week
Description: Projects with clear learning objectives that engage youth in planning, implementation, and debriefing

College & Career Readiness

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Dosage: 2X/month
Description: Activities that allow participants to explore career paths and higher education opportunities (e.g., career club, trips to local colleges, etc.)

Family & Parent Engagement

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Dosage: Minimum of 1X/3 months
Description: Multiple ways for parents and families to engage including monthly events, interactions with staff, and volunteer opportunities

Global Learning & Inclusion

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Dosage: 1 hr/week
Description: Cultural events and projects that explore diverse perspectives, ideas, beliefs, and customs

Health & Wellness Wellness & Nutrition Physical Activity

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Dosage: 30 minutes/day 30 minutes/day
Description: A time for small groups or partners by grade to work on homework in the presence of an adult staff member Broad-based conceptual/cognitive learning that may/may not directly relate to school content beyond homework

Academic Enrichment Homework Help Math or Literacy

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Dosage: 30 minutes/day 30 minutes/day
Description: A time for small groups or partners by grade to work on homework in the presence of an adult staff member Broad-based conceptual/cognitive learning that may/may not directly relate to school content beyond homework

Leadership Development

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Dosage: 2X/week
Description: Experiences that intentionally allow participants to plan, develop, and lead program components with staff support

Service-Learning

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Dosage: 1 project/quarter
Description: Projects with clear learning objectives that engage youth in planning, implementation, and debriefing

Activities

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Center Choices

Children are given a variety of activity options, ranging from center choices to staff-directed learning centers.

Individual or Small Group

Activities may be initiated by staff with the expectation that all staff will work on the activity (e.g. homework or quiet time), or they may be initiated by the children themselves.

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Project Time

Time is set aside for children to begin or return to a long-term project needing specified space, tools, or leadership.

Large Group

Activities are designed for large group participation under the leadership of a staff member (e.g. active games or group discussions).

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Indoors and Outdoors

We strive to balance indoor and outdoor activities, with a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity and movement each day.

Program Goals

At the Youth Development YMCA School’s Out Camp program, we will serve your child with compassion, patience, skill and respect. It is our desire that staff and parents become partners to better serve your children. In turn, we ask that you, as a parent, help us. Let us know of any concerns, ideas or thoughts that you may have regarding the School’s Out Camp program. The YMCA is a place for families, and we want to do everything possible to strengthen and support your family.
The staff at the YMCA believe each child is a unique individual with his/her own rate of development. Our goal is to introduce children to as many new experiences as possible and help each child feel confident and secure in a fun, safe environment. We are dedicated to molding the lives of our kids and creating friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
All YMCA SOC programs are designed to help your child(ren) meet the following goals:

    • Grow personally
    • Learn core values
    • Develop specific skills
    • Improve relationships
    • Develop leadership ability
    • Appreciate diversity

HAVE FUN!

Core Values

The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis works to accomplish its mission by living and sharing the following core values:

  • Caring: considerate to the needs and feelings of others
  • Honesty: being trustworthy and truthful
  • Respect: treating others, the environment, and yourself with dignity
  • Responsibility: accepting accountability for your actions and role in the community

40 Developmental Assets

The Search Institute has identified 40 developmental building blocks, or ‘assets’ that help young people grow up to be caring, competent, and responsible. YMCA camping programs are designed to give children the support they need to develop into healthy young people.

Check out our School's Out Camps!

Kids doing crafts at a table