Welcome to camp at the Carl E. Sanders Family YMCA at Buckhead!
Families in Buckhead can count on the Carl E. Sanders Family YMCA at Buckhead for a flexible and enriching summer camp experience.
Full-day camp runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with convenient early drop-off beginning at 7:00 AM and extended pick-up available until 6:00 PM. For families who need shorter options, half-day morning camp is offered from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM (drop-off starting at 7:00 AM, pick-up between 12:00–1:00 PM), and half-day afternoon camp runs from 1:00–4:00 PM (drop-off between 12:00–1:00 PM, pick-up until 6:00 PM).
Campers can explore Traditional Camp activities, sharpen their skills in Sports Camps, or step into Teen Leadership programming designed to build responsibility and confidence. Located in Buckhead, the Carl. E Sanders Family Y summer camp creates a structured, supportive environment where kids stay active, make friends, and grow all summer long.
Explore our camp offerings below and register today, either online or in person at your Y.
Register Now
This is a full day camp that allows campers to learn and explore new and exciting activities each week while making new friends. Each week revolves around a different theme.
Weekly Themes include
Wild West
Jungle Safari
World Soccer
Survivor Challenge
Carnival
Road Trip USA
Color Wars
Music Mania
Water Week
Aloha Summer
Teens will develop leadership skills during camp through helping lead activities with younger campers, and job shadowing.
This is a half day camp (9:00am - 1:00pm) that allows our campers to learn and explore new and exciting activities each week while making new friends. Each week will have it's own theme and activities based around the theme.
Our flag football sports camps works on flag football skill development through drills, scrimmages, and games.
Participants will work on leveling up their gaming skills and approach gaming with a holistic approach. Topics will include, being a responsible digital citizen, sportsmanship, teamwork, etc.
Step into the rhythm this summer! Our full-day dance and cheer camp is perfect for campers who love to move, groove, and express themselves through music. Each day features engaging dance classes that explore a variety of styles—from jazz and hip-hop to contemporary and more while building confidence, coordination, and creativity.
This camp is designed for more intermediate/advanced swimmers. They will work on stroke development and prepare them for potential swim team competitions. Campers will get outside pool swimming time as well.
Our Soccer Sports Camp focuses on skill development through engaging drills, exciting scrimmages, and fun games. Campers build confidence, improve technique, and learn teamwork in a supportive and active environment. Whether they're new to the sport or looking to sharpen their skills, this camp offers a great mix of learning and play.
Experience the thrill of tennis, pickleball in one camp!
Campers will participate in tennis in the morning and pickleball in the afternoon.
Players will learn essential skills, improve technique, and enjoy friendly matches in a fun, active environment. Perfect for all levels.
Our Camp Boomerang is a smaller camp usually capped at 15 students who are neurodivergent. It is a camp for children with diverse abilities ages 5-12 and they will be immersed in our traditional camp activities.
These activities include sports, STEAM activities, swimming, arts and crafts and much more. They will swim on Fridays each week.
Consultation call must be had with the director before registering for this camp. Please let the Sanders camp team know if you have any questions or concerns.
For questions, please reach out to Sander's Camp team or Eva Moffat at EvaM@ymcaatlanta.org.
Financial Assistance is available, and applications are due by April 15, 2026, at ymcaatlanta.org/financial-assistance.
Having trouble registering? Please check our FAQs, or contact the Member Service Center at memberassist@ymcaatlanta.org or (404) 267-5353.
Make a donation to support a child's camp experience.
FAQ's
Camp Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Drop Off Starts at 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Pick Up 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
We will have a carline in the front of the building by the playground for drop off and pickup. We will have staff running the car line and also at the check-in wristband table. Morning Carline begins at 7:00 am and ends promptly at 9 am. You can pull through the front drive for drop off - please ensure you sign in your child.
From 9-9:30 am check-in will be located at the playground entrance. We will not offer carline services during this time, please walk your child to the staff member to sign in.
Campers will receive wrist bands based on which camp they are registered for that week. If they are in two camps they would receive two wristbands.
The only times that we would not be outside for check in or check out is if there is heavy rain or a storm. Then drop off or pickup would be inside at the camp desk.
Please make sure to have your ID for pickup. It is non-negotiable in the summer for the safety of everyone.
If the adult picking up the child is not on the authorized pickup list we would have to reach out to the parent/guardian and make sure it is okay to add them or have them pickup the camper that day. Also, we can only have six listed in the system.
Camp Desk - Between 9:30 am and 4 pm, all campers should be escorted by a parent/guardian into the front lobby where the camp desk is located for camper check-in. For picking up for half day camp between 12:00 and 1:15 pm, we will have our midday carline outside during that time period for your convenience.
Pickup for Preschool Camp between 12- 1 PM will take place at the Playcenter.
Camp begins promptly at 9 am, please try if able to have your camper arrive on time so that they do not miss key instruction and/or activities.
Early Pickup will take place at the Camp Desk except the half day am camps will have a carpool line. From 3:30 - 4 pm, there may be a delay in picking up your child, since that is a transitional time for our entire camp. We ask that you avoid picking up during this time.
From 4-6 PM, you will not be able to pickup your camper inside of the building during this time, unless weather changes the carline procedure.
As a safety precaution we prefer that all parents remain in their car to pick up their child.
**If you are late picking up (after 1 pm for half day campers, after 6:00 pm for full day), we ask that you call ahead and let us know.
Please clearly mark clothing, water bottle, backpack and lunch box with child’s name and phone number.
- Backpack
- 3-4 snacks
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Water Bottle (No Glass) (Refillable)
- Hat
- Plastic Bag or a Swim Bag for Swimsuit and Towel
- Tennis Shoes
- Swimsuits and Towel for Swim
- Swim Goggles if wanted/needed
- Swim Shoes
- Change of Clothes
- Extra pair of Clothes just in case
- A good attitude
- Candy
- Cell phones, laptops or any type of electronics
- Sports equipment
- Games
- Toys
- No Valuables
If you wish to bring a lunch, please do not bring any nut products and label your child's lunchbox.
Extra Clothes, Tennis Shoes and Swim Shoes for Pool, Swimwear and towel, Campers should wear clothes suitable for running, crafting and playing games both indoors and outdoors.
Sunscreen:
We are not allowed to apply sunscreen. (Children must be able to apply their own sunscreen and we ask parents to apply the first coat of sunscreen before dropping off for the day.)
Hydration:
There will be water and bathroom breaks during the day.
Illness Policy:
To maintain a safe and healthy environment for all participants, anyone who is ill, which includes but is not limited to oral temperatures of 100.4 degrees F or higher, any contagious symptoms such as rashes, sore throat, congestion, vomiting, etc. may not attend camp.
If your child falls ill or has a fever over 100.4 F during camp, we will move them to a monitored, isolated room for immediate pickup and call the parents for pickup.
The YMCA will keep parents/guardians informed of illnesses, injuries, and exposure to communicable diseases.
For Illness:
Campers will not be able to return to camp until at least 24 hours have passed since last fever without the use of fever-reducing medications
• AND symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, etc.) have improved
Allergies:
Please clearly indicate any food, environmental, or medication allergies during registration and on your child’s health forms. Be as specific as possible to help us ensure appropriate accommodations. If your camper has a severe allergy, please speak directly to the Camp Director prior to your camp session.
Medication:
If your child requires emergency medication (such as an EpiPen or inhaler), it must be provided to camp staff in its original container, clearly labeled with your child’s name and usage instructions. An Allergy Action Plan or other relevant medical documentation must also be submitted.
YMCA staff can administer prescription medication when we receive all appropriate medical forms. All prescription medications must be in the original container with the pharmacy label. All over-the-counter medication must be in the original packaging, clearly labeled with your camper’s name and accompanied by a doctor’s note.
If it is a rainy day the campers for outdoor sports and games will be in the gym. They will split the basketball court for the different camps.
For the heat policy the campers will not be outside when it gets over a certain temperature especially 89+ for extended periods of time. Campers in traditional camp and swim camp will swim every day. Other camps will have certain swim days.
Lunch will be at 12:00 PM.
Bring your own 3-4 snacks. No Sharing and please be aware of allergies.
Absolutely no nut products.
PRE-SCHOOL CAMP 9AM - 1PM Pre-school camp is a four hour camp M-F, for our preschoolers where they will engage in similar activities of traditional camp- but modified for their age! 9am–1pm. TRADITIONAL CAMP – EXPLORERS/VOYAGERS/PATHFINDERS 9AM - 4PM Campers in traditional camp will engage in various indoor/outdoor activities and games, outdoor swimming, basketball, steam, tennis, arts and crafts. Camp will also have weekly themes and some activities will match these themes!
SPORTS CAMP – SOCCER 9AM - 12PM Soccer Camp is a great way for athletes to gain knowledge and develop their skill set. Each week the campers will focus on training 8 various skills, focusing on 2 skills each day. These skills will include: goalie training, dribbling, passing, ball control, cone drills, footwork, shooting, and striking. Each skill set training will be adjusted, depending on the age of participants in each group. 5-12 years old.
SPORTS CAMP – FLAG FOOTBALL 9AM - 12PM Athletes can enhance their skill set and acquire knowledge by attending Flag Football Camp. Our qualified Y flag football coaches will work on eight different skills, each day concentrating on two of them. These abilities include: throwing, catching, route running, flag pulling, defense, game rules, ball running, and three-step drops. The age distribution of participants in each group will determine how each skill set training is modified. 5-12 years old.
SPECIALTY CAMP – SWIM TEAM 1PM - 4PM This camp is designed for more intermediate/advanced swimmers. They will work on stroke development and preparing them for potential swim team competition. Campers will get outside pool swim time as well. 5-12 years old.
SPECIALTY CAMP – TEEN COUNSELOR IN TRAINING 9AM - 4PM Teens will develop leadership skills during camp through helping lead activities with younger campers, and job shadowing.
SPECIALTY CAMP – RAQUET 9AM - 4PM The Full-Day Racquet Sports Camp offers participants a full day of tennis and pickleball lessons. In the morning, campers receive up to 3 hours of tennis instruction, focusing on fundamental skills and receiving personalized coaching. After a lunch break, participants switch to pickleball, learning the rules, strategies, and techniques specific to the sport, all instructed by our certified pros.
SPECIALTY CAMP – Dance/Cheer 9 - 4PM Campers will learn different Dance concepts and go through a normal Dance class with warmup, working on a performance piece for that Friday that they will perform for other Campers and staff. Campers will learn tumbling techniques, followed by the choreography of a cheer routine and stunting techniques. They will work on either a dance or cheer routine each week.
SPORTS – ESPORTS 1PM - 4PM With the guidance of an esports counselor, campers will learn to play a variety of video games, build friendships, and develop healthy habits through group discussions and activities. Video games are restricted to games rated E for everyone or E10+ for everyone ages 10 and up.
Our Camp Boomerang is a smaller camp usually capped at 15 students who are neurodivergent. It is a camp for children with diverse abilities ages 5-12 and they will be immersed in our traditional camp activities.
These activities include sports, STEAM activities, swimming, arts and crafts and much more. They will swim on Fridays each week. Consultation call must be had with the director before registering for this camp. Please let the Sanders camp team know if you have any questions or concerns.
Yes, all Camps will swim. It just depends on the day. Traditional and Swim Camp will swim everyday. Also, we do have a camp week theme called water week.
BEHAVIOR & BULLYING POLICY Bullying is not an isolated incident. Each child entering our camp program will attend a camp orientation on the first day of the session where staff will discuss camper expectations, our behavior policy, and the zero-tolerance policy against bullying. All parents will be notified by an incident report, a phone call, or email if their child is involved in a reported incident. If a camper cannot adjust to these rules and expectations, we reserve the right to terminate the camper’s enrollment indefinitely.
To maintain a safe and respectful environment, we have a Zero Tolerance Policy for any form of aggressive behavior, whether verbal, physical, or emotional. This policy applies to all children, staff, and adults involved in our programs. In cases where aggression is deemed severe (e.g., physical violence or severe bullying), immediate dismissal from the program without prior warnings may occur. By implementing this policy, we are ensuring that all participants can enjoy a safe, supportive, and positive camp experience.
Families will receive weekly emails about welcome letter to camp and other important information.
Also, we will have Class Dojo again where they will receive important updates about the week of camp.
Contact: EvaM@ymcaatlanta.org or SBYCamp@ymcaatlanta.org or DanielJ@ymcaatlanta.org for Dr. Jones.
Label Everything Camp items are often misplaced, so label all belongings including water bottles, towels, clothing, and sunscreen with your child’s first and last name.
Apply Sunscreen Before Drop-Off.
Send a labeled bottle for reapplication and make sure your child knows how to use it if appropriate.
Pack for the Full Day Make sure your child is prepared for all activities. Include extra clothes, a towel, a plastic bag for wet items, a refillable water bottle, and weather-appropriate items such as a hat or light jacket.
Plan for Smooth Drop-Off Arriving earlier in the drop-off window helps your child settle in and allows for a smoother transition into the day.
Review the Daily Schedule Talk with your child about what to expect each day. This helps reduce anxiety and builds confidence.
Communicate with Staff Introduce yourself to counselors and share any important information about your child. Clear communication helps staff provide the best support.
Expect End-of-Day Fatigue Camp days are active and can be tiring. Plan for some downtime after pickup and keep evening schedules manageable.
Encourage Independence Help your child practice managing their belongings and basic tasks like opening lunch containers. This builds confidence and self-sufficiency.
Hi, I’m Dr. Jones! I have over 12 years of experience working with youth and creating programs that help young people learn, grow, and have fun. I’m passionate about building positive environments where everyone feels supported, confident, and ready to try new summer camp experiences.
I love traveling and trying new foods, especially finding great spots with amazing desserts. I’m also a big fan of music and good vibes, and I believe every day is a chance to learn something new and have a little fun along the way.
Have a positive attitude and know that your family will have a fun summer.