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 Fairfax County Reston Traditional Camps
WEEK 1: 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!
WEEK 2: BLOCKBUSTER BASH
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 3: RED, Y, & BLUE
Our country has a wide blend of many peoples, cultures and regions that makes us unique in the world. Learn about different aspects of our country from coast to coast and what makes us unique and great!
WEEK 4: ISLAND OF DINOS
Step back in time to explore the age of dinosaurs! Campers will unleash their creativity with dinosaur-themed arts and crafts, dig into STEM activities that bring prehistoric creatures to life, and engage in adventurous group games that spark curiosity. They’ll also build character while learning about the incredible world of dinosaurs, making new friends, and having fun in a setting where imagination and history collide!
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: DR. SEUSS
Step into the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss for a week full of imagination, learning, and laughter! Our Seuss-tastic camp invites kids to explore the wild, wacky, and wonderful through arts and crafts inspired by beloved stories, thrilling group games, creative STEM challenges, and character-building activities that bring out the best in everyone. Perfect for young Seuss fans eager for fun and discovery—Oh, the places they’ll go!
WEEK 7: ONCE UPON A Y
Kids embark on a magical journey through fantasy! Campers will dive into arts and crafts inspired by knights, castles, and dragons, engage in STEM challenges fit for inventors of the kingdom, and join in epic group games that foster teamwork and fun. Along the way, they’ll build character and make lasting friendships, all while exploring a world of imagination and adventure.
WEEK 8: ALOHA SPLASH
Dive into the spirit of island life and Hawaiian culture! Campers will create vibrant, tropical-inspired arts and crafts, explore STEM activities connected to ocean life and island ecosystems. Through character development, they’ll embrace the values of aloha—kindness, community, and respect—while making new friends and unforgettable memories.
WEEK 9: Y-SPIRIT WEEK
Campers will have a blast in earning points for their group through friendly competitions, games, activities, and songs to prove who has the most camp spirit. During the week there will be a Crazy Hat Day, a t-shirt Tie Dye Day, “Twins” Day, a Backwards Day, and more! End the week with a huge celebration and a dunk tank for the camp staff.