Register Now for an Unforgettable Summer. Endless Adventures. Lasting Friendships
Lake Valhalla Summer Camp, run by Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, is designed for families who want more than a typical summer program—they want a place where kids feel safe, connected, and excited to show up every day. Backed by 35+ years of camp experience, we create a summer full of outdoor fun, confidence-building moments, and memories that last.
Safety comes first, always. Our team follows current guidance from the CDC and state/local authorities, and we maintain strong standards for supervision, training, and day-to-day operations. We’re also a Praesidium Child Abuse Prevention Accredited Organization, which reinforces our commitment to prevention practices and a culture where every camper is protected, supported, and respected.
Built for ages 6–10, Lake Valhalla Summer Camp blends high-energy play with meaningful enrichment—swimming daily, weekly theme days, team games, STEAM activities, and more, plus three group tennis lessons per week. With caring staff leading the way, campers build independence, friendships, and skills—while having a blast all summer long.
CAMP VIDEOS AND TESTIMONIALS
ABOUT OUR CAMP
NEW 1 WEEK SESSIONS THIS YEAR!
At YMCA Summer Day Camp, we offer a fun and enriching experience for every child, with activities ranging from swimming and arts & crafts to sports, science, and games. Our goal is to create a safe, positive environment where children can try new activities, uncover hidden talents, and make lasting friendships. Through our commitment to the Y’s core character values—respect, responsibility, caring, and honesty—campers will build important life skills and develop a strong sense of community.
In addition to engaging activities, our camp emphasizes Social-Emotional Learning to help children rebuild and strengthen relationships in social settings. We encourage kids to exchange screen time for fresh air, outdoor adventures, and active play, all while exploring nature, discovering new interests, and building self-esteem.
At YMCA Summer Day Camp, there is something for every child. From messy, hands-on fun to meaningful skill-building, your child will have the summer of a lifetime. Our dedicated, caring counselors foster a nurturing environment where kids can thrive, grow, and create memories they will treasure for years to come!
REGISTRATION, PAYMENT AND PLAYERSPACE
DAY CAMP OFFERINGS
SPECIALTY CAMPS – 4th-7th GRADE
Join the action at Esports Camp, where campers dive into the world of electronic sports (esports) every morning from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM! Our state-of-the-art Science and Art Studio is equipped with PC setups, Nintendo Switches, and an Xbox providing the perfect space for competitive gaming.
Esports is an exciting, rapidly growing field that engages young people in organized multiplayer video game competitions. Through our Esports Camp, campers will not only enhance their gaming skills but also develop valuable life skills like strategic thinking, teamwork, and critical problem-solving—all in a safe, inclusive, and monitored environment.
Campers will compete in fun challenges and tournaments featuring popular games such as Minecraft, Fortnite, Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart, and more! After their gaming session, they’ll join the Day Camp program for afternoon activities and swimming. On special days, such as the Camp Trips, Esports campers will enjoy these events in place of their regular curriculum.
If your camper loves a variety of sports and outdoor activities, this is the program for them! Get ready for exciting off-site trips that align with each week’s theme. Campers will travel each morning to local venues to enjoy a wide range of physical activities like rock climbing, ninja courses, indoor turf sports, and more. By exploring different sports, we hope to spark interest, build confidence, and encourage kids to take on new challenges in a fun and supportive environment.
Week 2: Outdoor Adventure
Week 3: Rock Climbing
Week 4: Sports Medley
Week 7: Courses
Week 8: Indoor Adventure
With an open mind and an adventurous spirit, your child will discover the thrill of trying new things while developing important teamwork and sportsmanship skills. After each adventure, campers return to camp for lunch before joining the Day Camp program for afternoon activities and swimming.
On special Camp Trip days, they’ll take part in the larger group excursion, so no sports trips will be scheduled
Open to all skill levels, this camp focuses on improving fundamentals, teamwork, and game strategy. Campers will be transported by school bus to Triple Threat Basketball in Dover for specialized training, and then return to the YMCA for lunch before joining the Day Camp program for afternoon activities and swimming.
Dance is a powerful and inspiring discipline that helps young performers grow both artistically and personally. Through our Dance Academy program, students will build strong foundational skills, develop confidence, and learn essential life skills—such as discipline, teamwork, creativity, and body awareness—all within a supportive, encouraging, and professionally instructed environment.
Campers will dance and learn in our summer dance studio inside the Y and have an opportunity to show off their skills once a week to the rest of camp! After their daily dance session, they’ll join the Day Camp program for afternoon activities and swimming. On special days, such as the Camp Carnival and Camp Trip, esports campers will enjoy these events in place of their regular curriculum.
In partnership with Little Ivy Academy, we are excited to introduce STEM Academy this summer! Join us Week 5 for Robotics and Week 6 for Spy Tech. Work with the experts to create, program, and use their creations for 1 hour each day. Running from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM, campers will dive into hands-on activities for 1 hour, followed by a 30-minute active rotation to keep them energized and engaged.
Week 5- RobotMakers: Robots in Disguise!
Campers will uncover the fun of high-tech creativity and mind-blowing transformations of the LEGO Robotics they create! Campers will spend each day engineering and coding an amazing array of robots, including ones that, walk, or use other materials to “disguise” what they are. When your camper joins us there will be no end to the creativity and fun!
Week 6- Eyes on Spies: Be a Future Spy!
Prepare for an action-packed week of mystery, technology, and high-stakes adventure! Your young agents will join forces to solve top-secret cases using cutting-edge tools and gadgets. Campers will be able to learn about and fly drones, master the art of deciphering complex ciphers, and work together to crack thrilling escape room challenges. Each day will bring new challenges that combine teamwork, technology, and lots of spy-themed excitement. Are you ready to accept your mission?
This program requires an additional registration, like signing up for a class during the camp day! Campers will sail from 9-11am- this means that any camper registered for a specialty program cannot participate because the special and sailing will happen at the same time! Register early because spots are limited!
All participants 12 years and younger must pass the Mountain Lakes swim test. Details about dates and locations of these tests will be sent to registered participants. Campers will need to bring their swim badge, bathing suit, towel, and sunscreen with them each day.
If a camper does not successfully pass the Mountain Lakes swim test, they will NOT be permitted to participate in the program. If we need to cancel the sailing registration, it will not affect or change your camper’s registration for week 4 since they are separate registrations.
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CAMPER AND FAMILY NEED TO KNOW INFORMATION
Email: Nancy Dunham, Camp Bookkeeper –973-507-7021
Simply Gourmet will be providing their services 4 days per week: Monday – Thursday. The base meal price will be $7.75. Each component can be fully customized!
- You can receive text message reminders now!
- To opt in, simply text: simplygourmet to 77222
- Each component of your meal may be customized; (Click on the “edit this day” button on the menu to view your alternate options)
- Nothing is fried and our products are free of nut ingredients.
- Our locally grown produce is brought in fresh daily from area farmers!!
- We proudly offer “wholesome” meal options which have, no artificial ingredients, no growth hormones, no trans fats, and limited gmo’s; only fresh super foods that promote a healthy diet for children!
- Meals are individually packed in recyclable cardboard lunch boxes for each student. Returning customers will log in to your existing account and add your child for this season
- NEW users will need to create an account. (Click on the “How It Works” tab on our home page to follow step by step directions to create an account.)
You may choose to participate every day or any individual days during the month. Orders must be placed three days in advance of the day you would like to receive lunch service. Please keep this in mind when you are placing your orders. We encourage you to order for the whole month to avoid missing days. If your needs change last minute, just call us, we will be happy to add your order!! Follow us on Facebook for helpful updates! https://www.facebook.com/ simplygourmetcaterers.com
You must register for pizza Fridays for each session your camper will attend. This is a separate registration, not included in your weekly registration cost.
9:15 – 9:30am: Morning Meeting, Attendance, Bathroom, Sunscreen, and Snack
9:30 – 11 am: Morning Rotations (Day Camp and Specialty Camp Programming (Specialty Camps)
11 – 11:15 am: Lunch Prep: bathroom, handwashing, and water refills
11:15 – 11:45 am: Lunch at division sites
11:45 am – 12:15 pm: Senior Division (4th-7th grade) recreation and Junior division (1st-3rd grade) ice-cream, chill out, and table activities
12:15 – 12:45 pm: Junior Division (1st-3rd grade) recreation and Senior Division (4th-7th grade) ice-cream, chill out, and table activities
12:45 – 1:00 pm: Bathroom, sunscreen, and water refills
1:00 – 1:45 pm: Hobby Time (elective), Theme Day activities, and Swim*
1:45 – 2:10 pm: clean-up afternoon activities, Snack, and Swim*
2:10 – 2:45 pm: Group Time
2:45 – 2:55 pm: Camp Clean-up and Dismissal Preparations
3:00 – 3:30 pm: Pick-up
3:30-5:30 pm: Post Supervision includes snack and camp favorites rotations
Swim* – Your campers Swim Time (twice per week) could fall between 12:45pm and 2:45pm, will be posted on group schedule.
Morning Rotations: Each morning, campers enjoy three exciting 30-minute rotations, exploring a variety of activities including: dance, arts & crafts, science experiments, gym and field games, GA-GA, archery, engineering challenges, tabletop games, team sports, 9-square-in-the-air, basketball, 4-square, exploring the ecosystem of the creek, and more!
Hobby Time: A chance for campers to dive deeper into their favorite activities, choosing from a variety of electives based on their interests.
Group Time: The final activity of the day, where campers gather in their groups with their counselors to enjoy games and activities they help choose.
Theme Day Activities: Weeks without trips will include a fun themed special activity!
Exciting Special Events Throughout the Summer!
Theme Days (Weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, 7)
Get ready for fun-filled, themed days where campers, staff, and our activities transform into exciting theme centered days! Campers will enjoy themed decorations, dress-up days, creative games and crafts, themed snacks, and inflatables. It’s a day packed with adventure and surprises!
*2 Off-Site Adventures (Weeks 3 and 8)
All campers will embark on an awesome off-site trip! Full details of the trip can be found on our website. Please note: All campers are required to attend the trip, there will be no on-site care available, and trip fees are non-refundable.
Camp Carnival (Week 5)
Week 5 brings our highly anticipated Camp Carnival—an exciting day of carnival rides, games, and activities! Campers will have full access to all the fun, including rides, booths, and special activities. The carnival experience is included as part of your camp registration!
The Camper Care Team focuses on identifying individual needs, fostering positive behavioral growth, and ensuring a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment for all campers. They collaborate closely with camp leadership and counselors to implement developmentally appropriate strategies that help campers succeed.
Communication with parents or guardians regarding significant behavioral concerns or incidents will be handled by camp administrative staff, with thoughtful discussion and collaboration to determine an appropriate and supportive plan of action.
The Zen Zone is a designated calm-down space available to campers who may be feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, or dysregulated during the camp day. This safe and supportive area allows campers to pause, reset, and regain emotional balance in a healthy way.
The Zen Zone is thoughtfully equipped with sensory and calming tools such as stress balls, sensory bottles, fidget toys, journals, books, and therapeutic games. These resources help campers practice self-soothing strategies, redirect challenging behaviors, and develop emotional regulation skills.
As part of our commitment to whole-child development, the Zen Zone supports positive camp experiences by promoting emotional well-being, resilience, and healthy interactions—skills that benefit campers both at camp and beyond.
- *My child is new to swimming; will they be safe in the water? *
We understand that your child beginning swimming can be scary for both the child and guardian. Swim Evaluations will help create the proper support team for the child and better prepare us for their entry into swimming. During lessons, we are always fully staffed with lifeguards who are certified and heavily trained in safety procedures and emergencies. We also staff Deck Supervisors to offer extra supervision for all lessons.
2. *What safety devices does the YMCA use for beginners? *
The Lakeland Hills YMCA uses “bubbles,” which are adjustable child life jackets. As children’s swim skills increase, layers of the bubbles are removed until they progress enough for us to discontinue the use of the bubble. We do not allow individuals to bring their own floatation or safety devices.
- Bubbles are mandatory for beginner swimmers! They are implemented to ensure the safety of your children.
3.*How do I know what my child is being taught inswimlessons? *
Lesson skills and goals are listed in our brochure which can be found on the website, on the pool deck bulletin board, or in the lobby. Parents can also ask the Aquatics Leadership Team for information about the skills being taught or request a swim lesson sheet that explains what is being covered. We ask that all questions for the aquatics team are asked via email.
- *What is the ratio of students to instructor? *
The ratio is 1 instructor to 6-7 children and a maximum of 8 individuals in a lesson. At times you will see two swimming instructors in the class to increase supervision.
- *What is the level system? *
After your child undergoes an evaluation, they will be assigned to a group based on their abilities. Instead of using traditional labels like ‘level,’ we use a color system to ensure that every child feels valued and treated equally.
- *How much time do the children spend in the pool? *
The children will be spending half an hour in the pool, twice a week.
- *What should my child bring to swimming? *
Children should wear appropriate YMCA swim attire, such as a one-piece, bodysuit, rash guard, swim cap, and goggles. Long hair must be tied back or covered with a swim cap. While goggles are optional, the aquatics department has extras available if needed. Please note that towels are not provided, so please be sure your child has one.
- *Is there a possibility my child can move up to a higher level? *
If your child is excelling in class, the deck supervisor on duty will determine if they’re ready to move up to a higher level. Please note that the instructor will continually assess your child’s skills and technique. If the instructor believes it’s time for your child to advance, they will discuss their recommendation with the deck supervisor, who will then evaluate your child’s progress.
- *How do you determine my child’s swimming level? *
Your children will be swim tested 2 kids at a time. They will have to swim free style and back stroke to the instructor in the water. This is not a progressive swim lesson, so they are being lightly evaluated to be placed in a group of low, medium, or high. Your child’s group may be subject to change if there are different kids in the class that day.
Waldo is the 3rd party software we use to post all camp pictures. It uses facial recognition technology to scan photos and search for your camper so you can get notifications when we post pictures of them! Once you have registered for camp, you will receive access to join this summer’s album and have a chance to set up your accountWaldo is the 3rd party software we use to post all camp pictures. It uses facial recognition technology to scan photos and search for your camper so you can get notifications when we post pictures of them! Once you have registered for camp, you will receive access to join this summer’s album and have a chance to set up your account.Waldo is the 3rd party software we use to post all camp pictures. It uses facial recognition technology to scan photos and search for your camper so you can get notifications when we post pictures of them! Once you have registered for camp, you will receive access to join this summer’s album and have a chance to set up your account.
CAMP HIGHLIGHTS AND CAMPGROUNDS
Included in Camp Fee:
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Daily Activities
- Swim Lessons 2x per week
- Hobby Time
- Special Events and Theme Days
- “Big Fun Time” Events Weekly
- Ice Cream every day
- Hypoallergenic Sunblock
Program Features
All staff are 18 years of age or older.
• Camper Care Team and Zen Zone to support camper well-being
- Convenient drive through drop-off and pick-up
- Filtered and chilled water bottle filling stations
- Post-supervision available (must add at the time of registration – cannot be altered later)
- Optional caterer lunch program (Simply Gourmet Monday-Thursday & Pizza Fridays)
Campgrounds
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Two sports fields
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Archery course
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Parkour course
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Two gaga pits
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Air-conditioned gymnasium
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Picnic Pavilion with water and electricity
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Bathrooms, changing rooms and shower area (separate from YMCA member locker rooms)
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Handwashing stations
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Indoor six-lane pool
STAFF QUALITY COUNTS
Better Camp Counselors Make Better Kids!
The quality of camp staff is an important consideration when choosing the right summer camp for your child. At the Y, we aim to impress with camp counselors who are fun and responsible.
Why Our Y?
Our camp includes swimming, arts and crafts, sports, science, and games. Our goal is to provide a safe, positive, fun day at camp for your child. We want every camper to try a new activity and discover hidden talents and strengths, plus make new friends. The Y teaches and models our character traits: respect, responsibility, caring, honesty. With the elements of Social-Emotional Learning, campers will be able to rebuild relationships in social settings.
HOW WE HIRE COUNSELORS
Every year, the YMCA posts open summer camp positions. We provide growth opportunities for college students planning on working in the field of youth development. In addition, we have experienced camp staff as Activity Leaders in charge of each Division.
Applicants participate in an individual interview. A job offer is contingent on three reference checks and a thorough background screening. Before they begin their job as a camp counselor, they are given a training manual which outlines policies and procedures. All staff are required to complete thirty hours of training prior to the start of camp.
HIRING
Looking for a summer job? Email our Camp Director: Linnea Berry at linneab@Lhymca.com
Linnea Berry, Camp & Youth Program Director:
Quentin Pickering, Assistant Camp and Youth Program Director
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