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GREATER PEORIA FAMILY YMCA
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Peoria YMCA’s Summer Day Camp!

At the Y, Summer Day Camp is a place where every child can learn, grow and belong.

Our full-day camp runs 7:00am–5:30pm, providing families with a safe, engaging and supportive environment throughout the day. Camp is open to children ages 5–10, entering Kindergarten through 5th grade.

Campers rotate through a variety of engaging activities, including creative crafts, group games, outdoor play and hands-on experiences. Weekly learning opportunities are thoughtfully designed to reinforce the YMCA’s core values of Respect, Responsibility, Honesty and Caring, helping children build confidence and character alongside new friendships.

A healthy afternoon snack is provided daily. Click on the links below to explore the Y’s summer camp, find answers to any questions you may have and to register your child for camp.

2026 Summer Day Camp Handbook

2026 CAMP REGISTRATION & CAMP DATES

Click Here to Register For Summer Day Camp 2026

CAMP BIG HOLLOW
Greater Peoria Family YMCA
7000 N Fleming Ln | Peoria
7:00am-5:30pm

CAMP LIMESTONE
Alpha Park
1525 W Garfield Ave | Bartonville
7:00am-5:30pm

CAMP TRAILBLAZER
301 W Butternut St
Elmwood, IL 61529
7:00am-5:30pm

Weekly Camp Themes

Each week of Summer Day Camp features a unique theme designed to spark creativity, curiosity and fun. Activities, crafts, games and special experiences will connect to the theme of the week.

Week 1: Under the Sea
Week 2: Bug Bonanza
Week 3: Crafty Creations
Week 4: Mystery Madness
Week 5: Dino Discovery
Week 6: Game Show Gauntlet
Week 7: Musical Mayhem
Week 8: Island Adventure (This is the final theme week for Camp Big Hollow)
Week 9: Fairytale Fun
Week 10: Weather Wonders

More detailed weekly activity highlights and field trip information will be shared with families prior to each session.

Field Trips

Campers will participate in scheduled field trips throughout the summer, giving them opportunities to explore and connect with the broader community. Specific weeks and destinations will be shared as they are confirmed.

Swimming

Campers will have the opportunity to swim each week. On assigned swim days, please send your child with:

Campers are required to wear proper swim attire and will not be permitted to participate in water activities without appropriate swimwear. Life jackets are required while in the pool unless a camper has successfully completed a YMCA swim assessment administered by our certified lifeguards.

Our trained staff and lifeguards prioritize safety so that every child can participate with confidence and joy.

Attention All YMCA Day Camp Parents: Just a friendly reminder that camp registration will close the Wednesday before the start of each week of camp (for Camp Big Hollow and Camp Limestone). Don’t miss out on securing your child’s spot!

**IMPORTANT NOTE: Childcare Connection paperwork will only be accepted through May 20th.**

Questions about YMCA Summer Camps?
Contact: Amber Scarbeary at amber.scarbeary@peoriaymca.org or 309-692-7631 ext. 104
Cate Norberg at cate.norberg@peoriaymca.org or 309-692-7631 ext. 120

  • Online registration is encouraged for Camp Big Hollow, Camp Limestone and Camp Trailblazer.
  • Click here to register today: OPENS MARCH 1st.
  • Spots will fill up quickly, please register for all weeks you plan to attend!
  • If you need to find the email associated with your online account, please call the front desk at 309-692-7631. The front desk can also send you a reset link for your password to your online account.
  • The weekly rate for Summer Day Camp is:
  • $185/week for YMCA/RiverPlex Members.
  • $245/week for Non-Members. (Weekly Rates Only).
  • At the time of registration, each child will be assigned a $35 non-refundable registration fee.
  • Spots will fill up quickly, please register for all weeks you plan to attend!
  • Yes! Child Care Connection and/or DCFS is accepted through May 20th. Child Care Connection/DCFS paperwork must be emailed to mike.tedford@peoriaymca.org or faxed to 309-692-4892
  • You must register your child(ren) to secure your spot, regardless of the status of your paperwork.
  • Camp fees will be drafted on Mondays 1 week before the first day of your registered camp week
  • To change the billing schedule, please reach out to Mike Tedford mike.tedford@peoriaymca.org for all billing/paperwork questions.
  • 2026 payment schedule can be found in the Summer Camp Handbook 2026.

If your child is registered for camp and unable to attend, you must notify Amber Scarbeary (amber.scarbeary@peoriaymca.org) at least 8 days prior to the start of the next week to avoid fees. Refer to the 2026 Summer Day Camp handbook for more information.

  • Scholarship information is available at the front desk or by downloading our scholarship application here.
  • To be approved, please fax or email all applications and proper documentation to Mike Tedford
  • FAX: 309-692-4892 | EMAIL:mike.tedford@peoriaymca.org 
  • To use our scholarship for Summer Day Camp, you must be denied by Child Care Connection first.
  • Our scholarship differs from the RiverPlex (Park District), you must apply at the YMCA for our scholarship program. We do not accept the Park District Scholarship.
  • Campers are highly encouraged to bring:
  • A backpack
  • A reusable water bottle
  • A swimsuit and towel for swim days
  • A change of clothes every day
  • Tennis shoes
  • Sunglasses/hats
  • Sunscreen *Counselors can only assist with reapplication of spray sunscreen*
  • Note: Please leave all toys and electronics at home!
  • Camp Big Hollow: June 1 – 18, food and transportation will be provided by District 150. After which a sack lunch will be required.
  • Camp Limestone: Campers must bring a sack lunch every day.
  • Camp Trailblazer: Campers must bring a sack lunch every day.
  • Yes, we will have a designated lost and found bin that will be accessible to campers, parents, and staff. The YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Items will be donated to charity if they are not claimed by the end of Summer Day Camp 2026.

Some YMCAs offer overnight camps that run from a few days to a few weeks in scenic outdoor areas that span from New Hampshire to Hawaii. Camp programs offer a wide variety of outdoor adventures led by trained and experienced leaders who guide children and teenagers in having an unforgettable experience. Expect new and fun activities that will add not only build skills, but great new friends and character values for life. Here are a few in the midwest.