Category: Summer Camp

Voted Best In Berks for Summer Camp

Posted on by Chrissy Faller

Voted Best In Berks for Summer Camp in 2025

There’s something special about summer at the Y.

It’s the friendships formed, memories made, and confidence built through a summer of new activities ranging from sports and challenges to music and art. The counselors who become role models. The incredible field trips, days splashing or swimming, weekly themes, games, laughter, and moments kids remember long after summer ends.

That’s why we are incredibly honored to share that the YMCA of Reading & Berks County’s Summer Camp programs has been voted 2025 Best in Berks County by readers of Berks County Living Magazine who voted in the annual community choice awards.

This recognition means even more because it comes directly from the families, supporters, and community members who experience the impact of Y programs firsthand. Every vote reflects trust from parents, joy from campers, and belief in the YMCA mission to help every child belong, grow, and thrive.

As featured in the Best in Berks spotlight, YMCA Summer Camp offers children from kindergarten through age 12 eleven weeks of enriching activities, games, leadership opportunities, themed experiences, and memorable field trips. Campers build confidence, friendships, independence, and character in a safe, welcoming environment designed to help them succeed both during summer and beyond.

At the Y, summer camp is about far more than keeping kids busy while school is out. It’s about creating opportunities for discovery, connection, and growth. Every week gives children the chance to try something new, develop lifelong skills, and feel supported by caring staff and mentors who encourage them to be their best selves.

Our staff is deeply grateful to every family who trusts us with their campers, every staff member who pours heart and energy into creating meaningful experiences, and every community supporter who helps make these programs possible. Together, we are building summers filled with confidence, belonging, and memories that last a lifetime.

Learn More

Here’s to another unforgettable summer at the Y.

YMCA of Reading & Berks County - Recognized as Best Summer Camp in Berks County in Berks County Living Magazine

Why Parents Choose YMCA Summer Camp (And Why It Might Be Perfect for You, Too)

Posted on by Amber Fox

You’re Not the Only One Wondering If Camp Is Worth It 

If you’re staring at a dozen browser tabs titled “Best summer camp near me” or “Affordable day camps for kids,” know this: you’re not alone. Every summer, parents across Berks County hit the same wall of anxiety, questions, and decision fatigue. You want your child to be safe, engaged, and growing, but without taking out a second mortgage. 

Campers having a blast playing in foam at the YMCA summer day camp

Does This Sound Like Your Summer Reality?

Between work schedules, rising costs, and endless kid energy, summer can feel less like a break and more like a puzzle you can’t quite solve. You may be wondering: Will they be safe? Will they make friends? Will it be worth the cost? And most of all, will they love it?

The YMCA gets it. That’s why we’ve designed our Summer Day Camp & Playground programs to support real families like yours with programming that’s safe, affordable, and full of unforgettable fun.  

Why Families Are Choosing the Y This Summer 

Here are some of the top reasons YMCA Summer Camp might be exactly what you need:

1. Safety First: 

Certified staff, low camper-to-staff ratios, and secure facilities give parents peace of mind from the moment of drop-off. 

2. All-Inclusive Pricing:

One weekly camp rate covers transportation and entry to weekly field trips and pool trips, camp activities and supplies, and a full day of care. Upon enrollment, there is a one-time registration fee for the summer and a weekly cost for camp that covers everything else. No hidden surprises! 

3. Theme Weeks:

From music and gameshow fest to science explorers to nature’s wonders, every week brings something new and exciting for kids to look forward to. We want to keep them busy and curious all summer long. 

4. Wrap-Around Care:

Our early morning and late afternoon options provide the flexibility working parents need to make camp work for their schedules. 

5. Accessible for All:

Through financial assistance and scholarships, we make camp possible for more families in our community.

6. Built-in Social Growth: 

Camp helps kids build confidence, learn cooperation, practice social skills, and make lifelong friendships through shared games and group play. 

7. Screen-Free Fun:

 Y camp means a variety of activities like enjoying arts and crafts, playing games and sports, and swimming and exploring new interests. This means no screens, just hands-on experiences and real-world connections. They stay sharp all summer long through STEAM activities including the Y camp challenge of the summer: the Can Structure Challenge! Each branch submits one can structure, built collectively by all the campers at that location.  

8. Trusted Legacy:

The YMCA has been serving children and families in Berks County since 1858. That legacy of care, support, and community is part of every camp day. 

Campers getting ready to play a game at summer camp

9. Parent Communication: 

 We make it easy to stay informed. You’ll get updates and photos and have a direct line of communication with our camp team with the Class Dojo app. 

10. It Feels Like Home: 

The biggest thing parents say? “My kid felt safe and seen.” Our staff teaches through example the critical core values, including respect, honesty, responsibility, and caring, that we encourage them to practice at home too.  

All 10 reasons above connect back to one goal: making summer easier, safer, and more joyful for families. It’s not just camp. It’s a community. 

Ready to Learn More? 

Visit ymcarbc.org/summer-day-camp to explore programs, scholarships, and registration options, or call us. We’re here to help. 

FAQs from Families Like Yours

What age is the YMCA summer camp for?

Camp serves children entering grades 1 through 6 (or ages 6-12) in full-day summer camps at each of our branches and half-day playground programs throughout Berks County at partnering parks. Generally speaking, if kids enjoy our summer camps, they’ll do well in our Before & After-school and School’s Out programs we offer throughout the school year.

What if I can't afford the full cost?

The YMCA of Reading & Berks County has options for financial assistance, scholarships, and flexible payments so we can be affordable and accessible to give all kids fun and opportunity. Don’t rule us out before talking to us.