Covington Y 2026 Summer Day Camp

Open: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Camp hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Pre care hours: 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Post care hours: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Drop-Off / Pick-Up Location: 
Youth Center Lobby (next to the tennis courts)

Please use the side ramp entrance and ring the doorbell for assistance.

Parents/Guardians must:

• Sign campers in and out daily
• Present a photo ID
• Be 18 years or older

Please do not send children into camp without an adult.

If early pick-up is required:

• Notify the director by email or written note at morning drop-off.
• Include camper name, camp group, and pick-up time.

Early check-out is not available between 3:45 – 4:00 PM due to end-of-day transitions.

Please send your camper with the following items:

• Backpack
• Peanut-free meals and snacks
• (Breakfast and lunch will be provided beginning in June. Microwaves and meal deliveries are not available.)
• Refillable water bottle (Water only)
• (No juice boxes, sports drinks, or flavored drink additives.)
• Spray sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Extra change of clothes
• Ziploc bag for wet items

Please label all items with your child's name.
 

A Lost & Found area will be maintained during the week. Unclaimed items will be donated at the end of each week, so please check regularly.

The YMCA is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal items brought to camp.
 

Specialty Camps

Specialty campers will participate in their specialized activities for part of the day and join traditional camp programming for group activities during the remainder of the day.

Due to the active nature of Specialty Camps, campers are expected to participate in the scheduled daily activities. These camps are designed for participants who enjoy being active and engaged for a significant portion of the day.

Sitting out of activities is not permitted unless medically necessary. If a camper is unable to participate due to a medical condition or temporary injury, a completed medical form and/or a doctor's note must be provided to the Program Director prior to the start of the camp week.

Swim Camp:

Campers will spend approximately half of each day in the swimming pool. Participants must be able to swim independently and pass a swim test administered by certified lifeguards. This camp is not designed for beginner swimmers.

Sports Camp:

Campers will participate in a variety of high-energy sports and physical activities for approximately half of the day. This camp is best suited for campers who enjoy active and competitive play.

Items Not Allowed at Camp To help ensure safety and minimize distractions, please do not send: 

• Cellphones
• Tablets
• Gaming systems
• Headphones, or electronics
• Toys
• Cards, or games from home
• Money or valuables Jewelry or accessories that hang or could get caught
• Perfumes, makeup, glitter, or nail polish
• Sports drinks, energy drinks, or sugary beverages
• Hooded sweatshirts or clothing with inappropriate wording or graphics
• Sandals or flip flops
• Blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals

Wacky Wednesdays: Campers are encouraged to dress in the weekly theme. 

Weekly Camp Themes Week Dates: 

Theme Wacky Wednesday Social Emotional Learning Week 1 - May 26–29 

Wild West Western Day Self-Awareness 

Week 2 - June 1–5 Jungle Safari Safari Day Self-Management 

Week 3 - June 8–12 World Soccer Sports Day Responsible Decision Making 

Week 4 - June 15–19 Survivor Challenge Silly Sock Day Social Awareness 

Week 5 - June 22–26 Carnival Silly Hair Day Relationship Skills 

Week 6 - June 29–July 3 Road Trip USA Red, White & Blue Day Self-Awareness 

Week 7 - July 6–10 Color Wars Tie Dye Day Self-Management 

Week 8 - July 13–17 Music Mania Superstar Day Responsible Decision Making 

Week 9 - July 20–24 Water Week Hat Day Social Awareness 

Week 10 - July 27–30 Aloha Summer Silly Sock Day Relationship 

SkillsFun Fridays: Campers may wear their team color and enjoy special activities.

Team Colors: 

Younger Campers: Yellow 

Middle Campers: Orange 

Older Campers: Red 

Specialty Campers: Green Camp is active and often outdoors. 

Please have campers wear: 

Comfortable clothing Closed-toed shoes and socks 

Clothing that can get dirty Swimsuit (Younger campers may benefit from coming dressed for swim).  

Extra Clothes & Personal Care Campers should bring an extra set of clothing daily in case of accidents or water activities. 

Children are encouraged to manage personal care independently, including: 
Changing clothing Using the restroom 
Applying sunscreen or bug spray Staff will assist when appropriate.

If a camper does not have extra clothing or requires additional assistance, parents may be contacted. 

For health and sanitation reasons: Soiled clothing will be placed in a plastic bag. Underwear involved in bowel accidents may be discarded unless parents request otherwise. YMCA staff cannot wash clothing. Please also send personal care items if needed (deodorant, feminine hygiene products, etc.).

Required Forms:

• The State of Georgia requires Form 3231 (Immunization Record) for all campers.
• Forms must be submitted no later than the Friday before your child begins camp.
• Required documents include:
• Form 3231 Immunization Record
• YMCA Medical Waiver
• Medication Authorization Form (if applicable)

Medication must be brought to camp and approved by the director.
 

Illness & Communicable Disease Policy:

For the safety of all campers, children should remain home if they show symptoms of illness.

Campers may return to camp when:

• 24 hours have passed since fever without medication
• Symptoms have improved

Children showing signs of illness during camp will be separated from the group and parents will be contacted for pick-up.
 

Behavior & Safety:

To ensure a safe and positive experience for all campers, YMCA staff expect campers to follow camp expectations, listen to staff directions, and treat others with respect.

If a camper's behavior creates a safety concern or significantly disrupts the program, staff will work with the camper to redirect the behavior. Parents may be contacted if concerns continue.

In rare situations where a camper cannot safely participate in the program, the YMCA reserves the right to request early pick-up or suspend camp participation.
 

Diverse Abilities & Medical Needs:

We want every child to succeed at camp.

Parents are asked to notify the Program Director at least two weeks before camp if their child has:

• Medical needs
• Allergies
• Behavioral supports
• Emotional support needs
• Required accommodations

A meeting with the director may be requested to ensure we can best support your child.
 

Life Jacket Option:

Parents may sign campers up for a YMCA life jacket during Monday check-in.

Campers who choose a life jacket will use it for the entire week and remain in the shallow end of the pool.

Campers may also bring their own approved life jacket.
 

Swim Test:

Certified lifeguards will administer swim tests each Monday.

Campers must pass the swim test to access the deep end of the pool.
 

Photo Policy:

If your child may not be photographed, please submit legal documentation to the director two weeks prior to camp attendance.

Heat & Outdoor Safety Camp activities take place outdoors for much of the day. Staff closely monitor weather conditions and adjust activities as needed to keep campers safe.

Campers will be encouraged to drink water frequently, take shade breaks, and apply sunscreen throughout the day. Please send campers dressed for warm weather and with a refillable water bottle each day. 

Camp continues in light rain. If thunder or lightning occurs, campers will move indoors until it is safe to return outside. Umbrellas are not permitted. Please send a poncho or rain jacket if desired.

Camper will have the opportunity to eat breakfast, lunch, and 2 snacks per day. (Breakfast and lunch will be provided *NOT SNACKS* beginning in June. Microwaves and meal deliveries are not available.) 

Sharing food and/or lunch boxes is NOT allowed. Each camper will need their own shelf stable lunch in a labeled lunch box. Clear water only! No water drink drops, powders, sports drinks, or additives permitted.

We are so excited to welcome your camper to YMCA Summer Camp! 

Our team has planned an amazing summer filled with outdoor adventures, friendships, creativity, and fun! Summer camp at the Y is super fun and engaging! Each week has a new theme and exciting activities. We have wacky Wednesday dress up days and fun Fridays. 

Each week we have indoor and outdoor activities, swimming, steam projects, and arts and crafts. To learn more about Y summer day camp you can scroll above. You can view the 2026 Parent Handbook here.   

As an additional resource, you can check out our camp orientation video for more information on everything you need to know about camp here. 

Yes, each day campers will swim and every day (Weather permitting). 

On Fridays campers will engage in fun and interactive in house field trips and/or activities.

Behavior & Safety To ensure a safe and positive experience for all campers, YMCA staff expect campers to follow camp expectations, listen to staff directions, and treat others with respect. 

If a camper's behavior creates a safety concern or significantly disrupts the program, staff will work with the camper to redirect the behavior. Parents may be contacted if concerns continue. In rare situations where a camper cannot safely participate in the program, the YMCA reserves the right to request early pick-up or suspend camp participation.  

Diverse Abilities & Medical Needs: We want every child to succeed at camp. Parents are asked to notify the Program Director at least two weeks before camp if their child has: Medical needs Allergies Behavioral supports Emotional support needs Required accommodations A meeting with the director may be requested to ensure we can best support your child.

Emergency Contact: Parents/guardians must remain reachable by phone during camp hours. If a child becomes ill, injured, or needs to be picked up early, we must be able to reach a parent or emergency contact promptly. 

Please ensure all emergency contact information in your YMCA account is current before the start of camp.  

Contacting Your Camper YMCA camp is a cell-phone-free environment to encourage engagement and social interaction. If devices arrive at camp, they will be collected and returned at dismissal. Campers may use the YMCA phone if they need to contact a parent.

For questions or emergencies, please contact the camp director at: (404) 259-6264

• Label everything!
• Send extra change of clothes including under garments, ensure your camper can change in and out of a wet bathing suit independently.
• Send a refillable water bottle.
• Go over camp expectations with your camper before arriving at camp.
• Encourage camper to let a counselor or director know if they need anything (physically or emotionally)
• Answer the phone when camp calls (we will only call when needed or arranged ahead of time)
• Pack plenty of snacks and food (your camper may not like what camp has to offer each day)
• Do not deliver food or gifts to camp.
• Your camper may benefit from coming dressed in their swimsuit each day.
• Encourage camper to make new friends and try new things!

Bethany brings over 25 years of experience working with children in a wide range of settings, including schools, churches, international counseling environments, outreach ministries, and overnight camps. Her diverse background has given her a deep understanding of how to care for, encourage, and connect with children from all walks of life.

Bethany is passionate about helping students thrive—emotionally, socially, and spiritually—and is committed to creating a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment for every camper. Her leadership is rooted in both experience and a genuine love for kids, making her a trusted and encouraging presence for families.

She will be joined by Shelby and Mallory, this year’s site leads, who help support the camp’s mission and daily operations.

Outside of camp, Bethany enjoys a good cup of coffee, spending time with her three grown children, and relaxing with her very beloved (and super squishy) cat.