A CAMP UNLIKE ANY OTHER
Campers at Camp Discovery dive into weekly themes designed to spark curiosity and hands-on learning. From creative challenges to art experiments and science investigations, each week is packed with opportunities to explore, invent, and problem-solve. Local guest speakers from around Greater Pittsburgh including scientists, artists, engineers, and innovators, join the fun to share their expertise, inspire campers, and connect real-world ideas to the activities at camp. Along the way, children participate in team challenges, creative problem-solving games, and interactive experiments that make learning exciting, collaborative, and unforgettable.
Campers leave Camp Discovery with new skills, a love for learning, and memories of a summer spent exploring, creating, and connecting with friends.
We All Need a Little Help Sometimes - Financial Assistance
We all need a little help sometimes. If cost is a concern, consider applying for financial assistance today and make this summer camp experience possible for your camper.
ART AND IMAGINATION
Creativity takes center stage as campers experiment with hands-on art projects, sculpture, and innovative design challenges. From painting and drawing to crafting 3D creations, children explore different mediums and techniques. This camp will spark imagination, encourages self-expression, and lets campers see their ideas come to life.
STEM EXPLORERS
Campers become scientists, engineers, and inventors as they explore the exciting world of STEM with fun interactive challenges. Each week will give campers the ability to tinker, test, and explore through engaging projects designed to inspire critical thinking and a love of innovation.
MOVING ADVENTURES
Campers explore the wonders of physical fitness and fun through interactive games and team building activities. They might dive into the pool, race on the outdoor field, and build strength together. This camp combines challenging play with fun teamwork to inspire a deeper understanding of the importance of movement.
CHARACTER BUILDING
Campers will focus on building character through teamwork, responsibility, and positive decision making. Through hands on activities and new challenges, they'll grow in confidence, learn to communicate with others, and discover the strengths that make them uniquely powerful.
2026 WEEKLY THEMES
| 2026 WEEKLY THEMES |
June 15-19, 2026 Abbaracadbra Adventures Abbaracadbra! Get your Golden ticket to a fun filled week with Werid Eric. We will step into a world of wonder by learning real tricks, exploring the secrets behind illusions and master the basics of balloon twisting. Embrace your inner weird on Friday by wearing your wackiest outfit as we amaze our friends and family with a mini magic-and-balloon showcase that highlights our creativity, confidence and showmanship. |
June 22-26, 2026 Artful Impressions Week Explore the world of pottery painting and creative design. Campers will work with Elaine from Clay Café Through guided instruction and open-ended projects. Campers will build confidence as young artists while learning about color, pattern, and technique. Each day encourages imagination and personal expression as campers create meaningful, one-of-a-kind pieces. This enriching week celebrates creativity, exploration, and the joy of making something truly their own. |
June 29-July 3, 2026 Science in Motion Get ready for a week where the world of science comes alive! Spark your curiosity, problem-solving and creativity as you become a junior scientist. Junior Scientist will mix, measure, build, blast off, and explore the mysteries of STEM. From fizzy reactions, messy experiements to creative engineering challenges, each day offers a new opportunity to question, test, and discover that ignite imagination and excitement. By the end of the week, campers will have discovered just how fun science can be—and may even inspire the next great inventor! |
July 6-10, 2026 Imagination through Puppetry This week, campers will team up with Pittsburgh Puppetry to explore the imaginative world of puppets and performance! Campers will design and create their own puppets, learn storytelling techniques, and bring characters to life through movement and voice. Each day encourages creativity, teamwork, and self-expression as campers discover how puppeteers craft stories that captivate audiences. Families will get a golden ticket as the week wraps up with a playful showcase where campers share their new creations and characters! |
July 13-17, 2026 Game Masters Unite Have you ever wanted the opportunity to designing your own game? While now if your chance to experiment with mechanics, themes, and rules as they construct their own board games. Campers will also get the chance to partner with instructors from The Knight School to develop critical thinking, strategy, and creativity. Through engaging chess lessons and guided game-building challenges, campers will explore logic, decision-making, and innovative design. This enriching week promotes confidence, collaboration, and thoughtful play as campers learn to think like both players and creators. |
July 20-24, 2026 Art that Inspires Elaine from Clay Café returns this week to guide campers through an exciting exploration of art, creativity, and glass design! Campers will experiment with vibrant materials, learn new artistic techniques, and create beautiful pieces ranging from painted pottery to colorful glass fusion projects. Each day offers a fresh opportunity for imagination as campers discover new ways to shape, decorate, and express their artistic visions. By the end of the week, they’ll take home stunning, handcrafted art they’ll be proud to display. |
July 27-31, 2026 Taking the Stage Explore the amazing world of Theater and earn a golden ticket. Campers will work collaboratively to develop performance skills including voice projection, expression, memorization, and ensemble work. Guided by instructors, they will rehearse a short play, explore character development, and learn the foundations of stagecraft. This week emphasizes confidence, creativity, collaboration, and communication. Campers will conclude the week with a performance that showcases their growth as young performers and their ability to work together as a cast. |
August 3-7, 2026 Marshal Arts Mastery Own your strength! Join us as we explore the key values of respect, perserverance, confident and self-discipline through Martial Arts. Instructors from Roaring Lion Martial Arts will introduce campers to foundational karate techniques and the discipline behind the practice. Through structured lessons and positive coaching, campers will strengthen both physical and personal skills. The week concludes with a short demonstration highlighting their progress. |
August 10-14, 2026 Beyond the Field Discover the world of Ultimate Sports campers will participate in a range of specialty sports and games that highlight teamwork, strategy, coordination, and fair play. Through activities like Ultimate Frisbee, cooperative challenges, and innovative group games, campers will develop athletic skills while strengthening communication and confidence. This dynamic week emphasizes inclusivity, sportsmanship, and discovering the joy of trying something new. Your golden ticket to the ultimate sports game awaits. |
CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT
Create Your Login For Ease of Registration for Summer 2026
Non-Member? Create a Free Account Today!
If you're not currently a YMCA member but would like to register for Summer Day Camp, Before and After School Care, or any other YMCA program, and have not created an account in CORE yet, you can create a free account in advance to streamline the registration process when it opens. Here’s how:
- Follow the link: https://pittsburgh.recliquecore.com/login/
- On the far right of the screen, select "I have never been a member or participant and I want to create a new account."
- Create your login information and click "Continue."
- On the branch selection page, choose "Youth Enrichment/Childcare" to access program registration as a Non-Member. This includes $0 membership dues, and you'll only be charged for the programs you select.
- Complete your profile by adding authorized adults for child pick-up and the child(ren) who will be participating.
- Once your profile is set up, click "Add Program" to select the Youth Enrichment Program or any other desired program.
PAYMENTS
DEPOSITS:
A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $10-$25 per week, depending on the camp chosen, will be charged at the time of registration. The deposit is required to hold your spot, as many of our camps sell out. The remaining weekly fee will be drafted on the Friday before a given camp week. Payments will be made via debit/credit card or bank draft only and will be scheduled automatically. Campers will not be permitted to attend camp until fees are paid in full.
CANCELLATIONS, WITHDRAWALS, AND REFUNDS:
Cancellations and withdrawals made fewer than 14 days in advance will be charged the full tuition.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
Applications for financial assistance are available here, or by contacting the Youth Development Business Office at 412 573 4166.
CAMP FEATURES AND DAILY SCHEDULE
There is no place like Y Day Camp – To belong, achieve and build relationships. A home away from home where kids laugh, learn, explore and grow in the outdoors while creating memories and friendships that last a lifetime. Kids discover not just the wonders of day camp, but the joy of exploring their unique traits, talents, and interests and the power of sharing their strengths and skills to benefit the group.
- Well-trained and vetted staff who serve as positive role models
- Environment centered around team building, physical activity, and a weekly theme
- Activities in arts & crafts, outdoor education, & STEM
- Exposure to new, fun, and enriching experiences
- An atmosphere that fosters achievement, relationships, and belonging
- Special activities designed to reduce summer learning loss
DAILY SCHEDULE
Daily hours for each YMCA meet the needs of many families in the communities served. Each day camp is closed on July 3 (for July 4th), a national holiday. Confirm with your camp for specific camp weeks and hours. Each program has a daily schedule to meet the needs of the children. Schedules are posted at the site and are provided to each family weekly. Camp splits time inside and outside. Outside time is in the sun, shade, or shelters.
SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE
Before/After Camp Hours Varies by camp location (7/7:30 to 9AM and 3:30 – 5:30/6PM) Supervised
activities engage campers with board games, reading, arts, relationship-building conversations, and other activities.
Basic Camp Hours 9AM– 3:30PM
MORNING
Opening Ceremony
Huddle by groups
Variety of Traditional Camp Activities
Camper Choice & Play Options in small, mixed-aged activities
LUNCH
AFTERNOON
Camp Readers Explore 30 (CRX30)
Mastery Skill Building Activity
Enriching Camp Activity Stations
Learning, global awareness, healthy eating, and physical activity
Camper Choice & Play
Closing Ceremony & Reflections for the day
OUR STAFF
DAY CAMP STAFF
Recruiting, selecting, training, and supporting the staff is essential today's camp success. The YMCA leaders have 30 hours of training, background checks, first aid, CPR, experience in working with camper, knowledge of recreation activities, and must model the Y’s core values.
STAFF RELATIONSHIPS OUTSIDE OF THE Y PROGRAM
For the safety and protection of your camper and our staff, Y employees are not permitted, under any circumstances, to provide individual transportation for any camper or to bring or take a camper home. Y staff and personnel are not allowed to babysit for program participants, spend time outside of the program with our families, or contact families by personal phone, email, social media, or internet. Please do NOT put our staff at risk of losing their position with us by asking them to compromise these YMCA staff policies.