Our Traditional Camps thrill campers and spark a sense of wonder with classic outdoor games, inspired arts and crafts, and inventive STEM activities all day long. Water days and/or pool time ensure campers can beat the heat or build their aquatics skills. And every Friday, campers and their families can look forward to an exciting celebration of kids’ achievements that week!
YMCA Alexandria Traditional Camps
WEEK 1: TREASURE ISLAND
Scavenger hunt and look for clues to solve where the treasure lies. Campers will create their own treasure maps, go on a treasure hunt, and build their own pirate ship in this exciting camp. Campers will create their own sea shanty to sing at camp opening at the end of the week.
WEEK 2: JUNGLE SAFARI
What’s that hiding behind the bush that is so cleverly camouflaged? What’s that sound? Come learn about the cool animals that make the jungle their habitat and, these creatures need to eat. The jungle habitat is an awesome place with many ecosystems coexisting. Using animal crafts, jungle–themed games and other resources, campers will learn about animal conservation, ecosystems and habitats.
WEEK 3: FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA- EXPLORING AMERICAN MUSIC & DANCE
America’s melting pot includes a variety of customs and cultures but what is a universal unifier is music. Campers will explore a variety of America music from Country, rap, R&B, jazz, and more. And what makes music more fun is also dance. Campers will learn dances from the 60’s, 70’s and beyond like the robot, the bump, the jerk and more and well, what’s the best way to end a week of music, but a dance party with costumes to match. Who will win the “twist” competition?
WEEK 4: WORLD TRAVELER
Over the course of five days, campers will immerse themselves in the culture from around the world. They will create a menu from one of the countries, identify clothing from the culture, visit a restaurant from the country and invite someone from the country’s local embassy to talk about the country’s culture. Campers will also create a journal about their experiences for the week. They will also create a game to teach others about the country. The week will end with a living museum where visitors can “speak to” the new experts about the country.
WEEK 5: IT’S A THINGAMAJIG
STEM shapes our everyday experiences and is designs our future. Our Thingamajig camp opens doors to strategic thinking and creative expression by challenging children to invent solutions to everyday problems using only what can be re-purposed around them. This is a very special week as our Junior and Senior campers will be invited to attend the Annual YMCA Thingamajig Invention Convention—a one of a kind STEM-based gathering where youth and community partners come together to learn, explore, experiment, and discover.
WEEK 6: THE SKY IS THE LIMIT
Join us for a week of exploring outer space as we learn about our solar system and venture off on a mission to star systems unknown. Participants will explore modes of air travel and the history of flight. Participants will make and design a variety of airplanes, rockets and explore the night sky!
WEEK 7: SUPERHEROES
What makes a hero SUPER? Well, of course, it’s YOU. Campers will create their own super-alter ego describing their super power, create a costume, and engage and play your favorite camp games with a super twist. Learn how you can be a superhero for others to look up to. A super hero museum will be presented at the end of the week
WEEK 8: UNDER THE BIG TOP
Come one, come all, it is circus week! Whether it Circ de Solei or Ringling Brothers, the Big Top and the 3 rings are in full effect. From practicing juggling or learning a few magic tricks, campers will plan a circus. They will transform into clowns, Ring Masters, and more! Campers will create carnival games, practice face painting. They will end the week with a circus show for families.
WEEK 9: SUMMER CELEBRATION
Its summer time and that means it is time to celebrate! Come have a summer bash at the Y during this week of party games, water fun, and activities. End the week with a huge party to celebrate the start of summer!