WILMINGTON — The YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina is thrilled to offer children of all ages an array of summer camp opportunities designed to cultivate friendships, develop skills, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re a busy parent, an adventurous child, or a teen seeking leadership opportunities, the Y is here to make Summer 2025 your best one yet! With options for every schedule and interest, the YMCA offers traditional day camps, specialty camps, sports camps, and overnight camps.
More Camps Than Ever in Summer 2025
This year, the Y is expanding its summer camp offerings, with a wide variety of programs available in New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender, and Sampson counties, including YMCA Camp Kirkwood. Online registration for all camps opened on January 1, and detailed information, including the 2025 Camp Guide, is available on the YMCA’s website to help families choose their perfect camp experience.
Traditional Day Camps
The YMCA is proud to provide two traditional day camp options: YMCA Youth Day Camp and YMCA Leaders in Training (LIT) Camp. YMCA Youth Day Camp is a classic week-long camp that is packed with sports, crafts, and weekly field trips, offering a well-rounded experience for campers. Designed for teens, YMCA LIT Camp gives older youth the opportunity to build leadership skills and mentor younger campers.
Where to Find these Traditional Day Camps
- New Hanover County: Youth Day Camp and LIT Camp are available at the Midtown YMCA, Nir Family YMCA, Purpose Church, and Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church. Additionally, the Nir Family YMCA offers a Preschool Day Camp for younger children.
- Brunswick County: Youth Day Camp is available in Leland and Shallotte, while LIT Camp is offered exclusively at the Leland location.
- Pender County: Youth Day Camp and LIT Camp are available at Hampstead United Methodist Church. Youth Day Camp is also offered at Wesleyan Chapel United Methodist Church.
- Sampson County: Youth Day Camp and LIT Camp are available at the Sampson County YMCA.
Specialty and Sports Camps
For children with specific interests, the Y offers an exciting lineup of specialty and sports camps. Specialty Camps, available in New Hanover County, include options like Art Camp, Babysitter Boot Camp, Fitness and Athletic Training Camp, Dance Camp, Girls on the Run Camp, Top Chef Cooking Camp, and Water Adventures Camp. Sports Camps are where young athletes can develop their skills in flag football, soccer, or a swim stroke clinic at the Nir Family YMCA. The Ogden YMCA Activity Center also offers multi-sport camps, along with volleyball, futsal (indoor soccer), and basketball camps.
YMCA Camp Kirkwood
Located just outside of Wilmington in Watha, NC, YMCA Camp Kirkwood has been a haven for campers for more than 50 years. Spanning 195 acres of woods and featuring a 10-acre lake, it provides a unique outdoor experience where campers can unplug and reconnect with nature. Thanks to a partnership between Friends of Camp Kirkwood and the YMCA of Southeastern NC, the camp boasts a long list of fun, engaging activities including ropes courses, ziplining, outdoor education courses, tree climbing, paddleboarding, and more!
- Classic Overnight Camp: Campers stay in cabins with peers, choose majors and electives tailored to their interests, and enjoy a week filled with adventure and connection. A two-week session is now available as well!
- Youth Day Camp: Enjoy the camp’s land and water activities during the day while returning home at night. Bus pick-up and drop-off locations are available in Wilmington, Hampstead, and Rocky Point.
- Mini Overnight Camp: A two-night, three-day introduction to sleepaway camp.
- Adventure Camp: An authentic camping experience featuring outdoor living skills, canoeing, hiking, and traditional camp activities.
- Leaders in Training Camp: A two-week overnight program focusing on leadership development, life skills, camp activities, and offsite trips.
With so many options available, there’s a YMCA camp for every kid. Don’t miss the chance to give your child a summer of exploration, growth, and fun. Learn more and register online at www.ymcasenc.org/camp!
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