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 Bethesda-Chevy Chase / YMCA Ayrlawn Program Center Traditional Camps
WEEK 1: 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 2: 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 3: EVERYDAY IS A HOLIDAY
Welcome to the “Every day is a Holiday” camp, where each day is a celebration of fun, excitement, and traditions of holidays all year round! At this one-of-a-kind camp, every day feels like a party as we dive into the spirit of different holidays and cultures, bringing joy and festive cheer to everyone every day. Imagine starting your week with a New Year’s party, experiencing the thrill of Halloween midweek, our 4th of July summer celebration and wrapping it up with valentine’s day, when we celebrate our friends and families.
WEEK 4: 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 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: 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 7: MOVIE STARS
There is nothing like a start-studded event with glitz, glamour and lights camera action! We will roll the red carpet out on day one and have paparazzi ready. Movie stars can’t work without writers, grips, and more. Students will write their own script, design a set, plan wardrobe and put on a production ready for off, off Broadway.
WEEK 8: ONE IF BY LAND, FUN IF BY SEA
Life underwater can be a good thing. How is life down there? Campers will explore life under the sea by creating their own mini aquariums to explore how sea creatures live. Invited guests will be local pet stores to share how to care for aquatic animals, local marine specialist and even a trip to the Baltimore Aquarium to see first-hand how these animal live in their habitats. Throughout the week, campers will learn how to respect water and create a campaign to teach people how to protect the ocean.
WEEK 9: ARYLAWN NINJA WARRIOR
Start your training early for this one! Learn about ninjas and the way of the warrior. This week we’ll tackle challenging obstacle courses and compete for the title of Ninja Warrior, a title NONE have been able to claim…yet…
WEEK 10: 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!