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Mankato Family YMCA Summer Camps

We believe that the camp experience is transformational for all ages.

Serving hundreds of thousands of kids, the Y offers a variety of programs from Preschool and School-Age to Teen and Residential camps. Camps give kids the chance to make new friends, learn new skills and engage in indoor and outdoor adventures. We utilize the YMCA core values to teach campers how to be more independent and contribute to a group through physical, social and educational activities.

Preschool & Kindergarten Prep Camp

Under the care of our nurturing preschool staff, campers will enjoy theme related games, art, music, and stories; plus swimming, snacks, playtime, and outdoor play! Kindergarten Prep goes a step further to focus on Kindergarten readiness. Come explore and enjoy our YMCA Preschool & Kindergarten Prep Camps!

School-Age & Specialty Camps

Join us for fun and adventure at the Mankato Family YMCA Summer Day Camps! Each week is filled with action-packed days full of activities focused on our core values: Caring, Honesty, Responsibility, Respect and Faith. Campers will learn through ways of discovery, exploration and community involvement on how to make friends, gain independence and experience new adventures. Specialty camps include Chesley Skate Park Camp, Sports Camp, Equestrian Camp, Pre- Teen Day Camp and Teen Outdoor Adventure Camp.

Resident Camps

Camp Patterson is nestled on 19 acres off the shores of Lake Washington in Southern Minnesota. Utilizing our core values of Caring, Honesty, Responsibility, Respect and Faith – adventure awaits! The YMCA is committed to ensuring campers will be safe, have fun, make new friends, gain confidence and self-assurance in a positive and supervised environment.

Drop Policy, Refunds, and Credits

The Early Bird Registration

Sign up for summer camp before April 20th and get a $10 discount per registered session. Registration for YMCA Summer Camp takes place in February/March of each year. 

A non-refundable deposit of $25 is required for each week your camper plans to attend. This deposit will be deducted from the overall weekly fee and secures your spot unless the remaining balance is not received by the 15th of the month prior to attending.

Full camp payment is due on the 15th of the month prior to the month of camp. For example, if your camper is signed up for camp(s) in June, full payment of all June camps would be due May 15th.

Yes, click the “Register” icon at the top of the website homepage. Click “log in / register online”. On the left side you will see “My Programs and Balances”.

We do offer financial assistance for those in need. Contact our Director Karri Olmanson at [email protected] for more information.

United Way’s Connecting Kids also offers additional scholarship assistance. For more information, visit their website.

Planning for School-Age Camp

Our counselors are trained in CPR, First Aid, child abuse prevention, bloodborne pathogens, emergency procedures, water safety, and our camp curriculum including songs and games that incorporate values and education. All counselors must pass a background check prior to employment.

We have a camp Facebook page called Mankato Family YMCA Camps (@YMCAMankatoCamps) for promotional purposes and the REMIND app for updates.

Campers should come to camp dressed in clothes they can easily move around in, closed toe shoes, a water bottle, bug spray, sunscreen, swimsuit and towel, and a book.

We participate in the District 77 Food Service Program. This means, we provide lunch for Youth Camp attendees this summer. Look for the red apple next to your camp.

Children are not allowed to bring toys and electronic devices including cell phones from home. The YMCA is not responsible for any item that is broken, lost, or stolen during camp.

The Mankato Family YMCA utilizes the School Food Program through district 77. Campers will be provided a hot lunch. If your camper does not want to participate in this program they will need to bring a cold lunch from home. The YMCA also provides an afternoon snack to all campers. Equestrian Campers and Chesley Skatepark campers must bring their lunch. Please note: refrigerators and microwaves are not available for campers use.

If your camper has food allergies make sure to note that on the student’s health form. The YMCA will provide snack options for you camper to accommodate their dietary need.

At Camp

Please communicate with camp staff via REMIND.

To minimize the chance of misplaced clothing and other items, please label all clothing and other property clearly. We are not responsible for lost or missing items. There will be a lost and found container at the sign-out station for all misplaced items each day.

Parents will be notified by camp personnel if their child has not been feeling well for a period of time and does not seem to be getting any better. Moderate injuries will also be communicated to the parent once proper first aid has taken place. In the case of a severe injury needing professional medical attention, the parent or guardian will be contacted immediately.

If a camper is showing symptoms of COVID-19, they will be sent home immediately and will not be permitted until 24 hrs after symptoms were present.

At the first sign of inclement weather during our outdoor activities, campers will be brought indoors or to the nearest shelter until it is safe to return to the scheduled camp activity. The Camp Administration will send out communication if there is an emergency.

Visiting your camper is not recommended during the camp day. If you feel a visit is necessary contact the Camp Director to schedule a day and time.

Camp Dismissal occurs at Door A. Parents/guardians are expected to use REMIND to notify Camp staff prior to their arrival, this allows campers to collect belongings and prepare for their departure. A photo ID is required to pick up your camper. If someone other than the parent/guardian plans on picking up your camper(s), that person must be listed on the parent- camper health/information form.

If your camper brings medications to camp including over the counter medications, it must be in the original container with the original label with their name. Do not pack medications into the camper’s luggage or backpack. Medications must be turned into the Camp Staff upon Check In.

Reach Out to Learn More

Denise Harpestad

Preschool/Kindergarten Prep Camp Director

507.345.9810
[email protected]

Karri Olmanson

Director of Youth Development

507.345.9808
[email protected]

Dustin Slaughter

Youth Activities/School-Age Camp Director

507.386.2706
[email protected]

Anna Lieske

Sports & Recreation Director

507-386-2707
[email protected]

Nicole Rieger

Chesley Skate Camp Director

507-386-2710
[email protected]

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