YMCA of Van Wert County
YMCA of Van Wert County
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    • Camp Clay
    • Rental & Retreats
    • Summer Camp
    • Senior Wellness
    • Services & Amenities
  • Home
  • Memberships
  • Programs
  • Aquatics
  • Board Members & Staff
  • Classes & Training
  • Camp Clay
  • Rental & Retreats
  • Summer Camp
  • Senior Wellness
  • Services & Amenities

Summer Camp

Day Camps at Camp Clay

 YMCA Camp Clay Day Camps are week long programs designed for youth ages 6 - 14 years old.  The program revolves around 3 important aspects of youth development: character building, skill building, and relationship building.  YMCA staff are trained to facilitate activities with an emphasis on safety, learning, and fun. 

Article excerpt from the American Camping Association on the areas of impact provided to campers by summer camp programs:

Day Camp Activities:

  • Active games 
  • Teambuilding/Group bonding
  • Rock climbing
  • Scavenger hunts 
  • Boating
  • Target sports
  • Daily swimming 
  • Arts and Crafts 
  • Nature centered activities
  • Sports
  • Outdoor living skills
  • Creative problem solving
  • Themed activities

Register Now by clicking:  Program Search 

Why Choose Camp Clay Day Camps?

Safety is our top priority. Day Camp staff undergo specific training on risk management, proper facilitation of activities, and behavior/bullying prevention.  As a part of that training, we teach staff how to facilitate the Y's core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in each activity.  In addition, all of our camp programs are designed to create an environment of bonding and acceptance for all participants.  We truly work to mold great futures at YMCA Camp Clay! 

Campers at Camp Clay enjoy a wide variety of staff-led activities such as:

  • Archery
  • Rock climbing
  • Canoeing
  • Daily swimming in our Aqua Park
  • Unstructured free play and camper choice time

Our trained staff are committed to safety, fun, and the core values of the Y: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

We believe summer is about growth—physically, socially, and emotionally. That’s why our programs are designed to support:

  • Character development
  • Skill-building
  • Positive relationships

We also plan weekly off-camp field trips aligned with each week's theme to keep your child’s experience fresh and exciting all summer long.

Day Camp Info:

Dates: June 8th, 2026 - August 7th, 2026

Times: Monday - Friday from 8a - 4p

Ages: 6 - 12 years old

Cost: 

VW YMCA Members             $110 per child

Non Members                       $150 per child

Spots are first come, first serve.  Please register early! Click> Program Search 

Welcome to Summer Camp

 YMCA Camp Clay themes help to make your camper’s experience more fresh and fun each week. Theme activities are sprinkled into the schedule throughout the week and they may include craft activities, active games, or we may take a traditional camp activity and put a theme twist on it!  Check out our theme activities and descriptions below! 

 

Article excerpt from the American Camping Association on the areas of impact provided to campers by summer camp programs:

          "ACA launched its National Camp Impact Study in 2016 to explore the lasting impacts of camp, and what happens at camp to promote outcomes that campers and staff go on to use in school, early jobs, and into adulthood. One of the first steps in this multi-year study was to survey camp alumni between the ages of 18-25 to see what they learned at camp and how they are using what they learned in their lives today. We sent this survey to a sample of camp alumni from ACA accredited camps as well as a sample of emerging adults in the general public—and the findings were nearly the same. The lasting outcomes of camp include relationship skills, independence and responsibility, appreciation for individual differences, and identity development."

Register Now

Young Leaders Program

 Teen leadership is important for the future of our camp programs, our county, and the world!  Giving young adults the skills to be successful in future careers is as essential as interpersonal interactions and they can get plenty of both through Camp Clay's Young Leaders program. 

Young Leaders will directly assist counseling staff with camp activities and camper supervision.  They will learn by doing while enjoying a camp experience that is designed to help them grow! 

Young Leaders Details:

Dates: Stay Tuned for Next Summer 2026

Times: Monday - Friday from 7:30a - 4:30p

Ages: 13 - 14 years old

Cost: $60

Registration must be received by Wednesday of the previous week to guarantee your spot.  Must call the YMCA to register.

Teen leaders will participate in camp activities while assisting camp staff and campers.

Parent Guide for Day Camp

           Once you have registered your camper for a week of camp it is important to review our parent guide for day camp.  This guide includes information for parents and campers about our Day Camp program.  

           If you are a first timer to our programs, this guide will give you the knowledge to have a successful week at Camp Clay.  The packet also includes our health and emergency contact form.

          This form needs to filled out and returned before your camper starts their week.  Please be thorough on this form so that we can best serve your campers.

Parent Guide Click >  Dear Camper Parent/Guardian: 

Meet Our Day Camp Staff

Brittney Boaz

 Brittney's journey with day camp began in 2017, and since 2023 she has had the honor of leading and running the program as its director. With nearly a decade of experience working with youth, Brittney has built her career around a simple but powerful mission — helping kids become the very best versions of themselves.

At the heart of everything Brittney does is a deep commitment to fostering a strong sense of self, developing conflict resolution skills among peers, and nurturing the creativity and imagination that every child carries within them. For Brittney, watching that growth unfold season after season is nothing short of a blessing.

Brittney's impact extends far beyond the camp gates. Whether she's running into campers in art class, cheering at a school football game, or simply passing by in the community, her energy is magnetic — capturing not only the hearts of the kids but the adults around her too. Hearing "Ms. Boaz!" called out with excitement is, without a doubt, one of her favorite parts of the job.

A natural planner and connector, Brittney begins preparing for camp months in advance, carefully crafting themed weeks, special days, and interactive games that keep campers engaged, entertained, and always looking forward to what comes next. She also actively partners with local businesses to secure sponsorships that keep camp accessible and affordable for all families, and she organizes fundraisers to ensure campers have the craft materials they need throughout the season.

Beyond the summer, Brittney helps coordinate youth dances and is always finding new, up-to-date ways to keep kids active and inspired — because for her, the work never really stops. Even in her personal time, she finds ways to stay connected to camp life and continue preparing for the days ahead.

Brittney also previously led the After School Program at the YMCA, further deepening her expertise in youth development and community engagement.

What makes camp truly special to Brittney is the world it creates — a place completely removed from everyday pressures, where imagination runs free, nature is the greatest teacher, and kids can grow without judgment. No peer pressure. Just fresh air, laughter, and endless fun. Every summer manages to surprise her with just how much joy the kids bring — and she wouldn't have it any other way.

Audrey Coil

 Now entering her 5th year with the camp, Audrey brings a wealth of experience, passion, and genuine enthusiasm to everything she does. Currently pursuing a degree in Elementary Education, she is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of the children she works with — both inside and outside the classroom.

What Audrey loves most about camp is the opportunity to connect with kids in an environment where creativity, energy, and fun thrive. She embraces the outdoors and cherishes the chance to be fully present with campers — meeting them at their level, celebrating their ideas, and channeling their incredible drive and imagination.

Audrey takes great pride in designing engaging, thoughtful activities and games that keep campers entertained while fostering teamwork and self-expression. She finds just as much joy in learning from the kids as she does in guiding them — their goofy ideas and unique approaches to challenges never cease to inspire her.

A strong advocate for health and wellness, Audrey is committed to being a positive role model for the campers in her care — encouraging healthy habits, an active lifestyle, and a love for the great outdoors.

There is nothing more rewarding for Audrey than hearing how much campers look forward to returning each year. She also helps run youth dances during the off season as well. She is passionate about creating lasting memories and building a camp experience that kids will carry with them long after the summer ends.

Leah Wilkins

 One of Leah's greatest joys at camp is witnessing the growth of campers — not just throughout a single season, but across the years. There is something truly special about watching kids return summer after summer and seeing how much they've blossomed. Among the most meaningful transformations she observes are the development of self-confidence, the forging of lasting friendships, and the strengthening of all the core values that day camp is built upon.

For Leah, summer memories hold a unique kind of magic — and she is passionate about making every moment count for the campers in her care. Now a parent herself, Leah brings a deeply personal perspective to her role. Understanding firsthand the challenges young children can face, she approaches each camper with empathy and encouragement, helping them navigate obstacles and celebrate every milestone along the way.

With a love for photography and arts and crafts, Leah brings a creative spark to camp that kids absolutely love. She takes pride in incorporating hands-on creative activities into the camp experience and has a gift for capturing those priceless, candid moments that families will treasure for years to come.

Beyond the summer season, Leah continues to give back to the community by helping organize and run youth dances during the off-season, as well as supporting the Free Child Watch program — a testament to her unwavering commitment to youth development and family support year-round.

John Deamicis

 Now in his 3rd year on staff, John brings something truly unique to camp — he grew up here. John has a deep-rooted connection to the community and a genuine understanding of what makes the camp experience so transformative. That familiarity allows him to build authentic relationships with both campers and parents, creating a sense of trust and comfort that can make all the difference — especially for those who may be navigating something new for the first time.

John understands that adjusting to a new environment can be challenging for some kids, and he takes great pride in being a familiar, trusted face that families can rely on. His insight into the community gives him a unique ability to recognize each camper's strengths and help them identify and overcome challenges they may not have even known they had.

One of John's favorite parts of every summer is witnessing the incredible transformation that takes place from the very first day to the last. What begins as shy glances and quiet introductions gradually evolves into big hugs, laughter, and tearful goodbyes — and that journey never gets old. Watching campers push past their fears and step outside of their comfort zones is, in John's eyes, one of the most powerful forms of growth a child can experience.

With so much of the school year spent indoors, John is passionate about giving kids the opportunity to explore the outdoors and discover everything nature has to offer. He believes that time spent outside is not just fun — it's essential for development, curiosity, and confidence.

Each new summer brings a fresh opportunity to create lasting memories, and John couldn't be more excited to continue building those moments with every camper who walks through the gates.

Day Camp Financial Aid

      At YMCA Camp Clay, we want to be able to provide access to a safe and fun camp experience for all youth.  We truly believe that a Camp experience can have a long lasting and positive effect on youth in so many ways.  We do not want to turn away families due to cost.  

Those who qualify for financial aid are eligible to receive up to 40% assistance to support the true cost of camp. Click the button below to review and print our financial aid forms.  Please fill out the forms completely to the best of your ability.  Proof of household finances will be required.

      ALL campers and camp participants will receive the same camp experience regardless of assistance.

      Many parents question the cost of day camp for their children; we encourage them to read the info below to help understand the value of day camp for their children!

Financial Aid forms

Join Us This Summer!

      We truly believe in the value of what we offer, and we would love to welcome your child to Camp Clay. Financial assistance is available for families who qualify—because every child deserves the chance to grow, play, and thrive.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at amy@vwymca.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.

 Camp staff will generally arrive to camp by 7:30a and need a little time to prep for the day.  Drop off between 7:45 and 8a is ok.  Early pick ups need to be reported to the Day Camp Coordinator or Director at the start of the day.   


 If campers would like to bring items from home, like a fishing pole or other item, it needs to be cleared with the Day Camp Coordinator.  Please leave valuable and electronic items at home. 


 At Camp Clay, we arrange our groups by age.  We will do our best to accommodate 1 group request.  Requests must be made prior to camp.  We do our best to create an environment for your camper to make new friends as well! 


 YMCA Camp Clay Day Camps are considered a "tech free" zone.  We prefer that all electronic devices be left at home.  We try to encourage campers and staff to "unplug" at camp and enjoy the outdoors and build interpersonal relationships.  Please show trust in your camper and our staff by encouraging your camper to talk with camp staff about issues they are having in our programs.  Campers can always contact parents through the Day Camp Coordinator if needed. 


 Camp Clay has a concession stand as part of our Aqua Park.  Campers can purchase snacks from the concession stand during Aqua Park swim time if they choose.  You can also send snacks in your campers lunch.  There may be times that we take off camp trips as a part of our program.  If the trip requires extra fees we will inform parents early in the week. 


  All communications outside of check in/check out time should go through the Day Camp Coordinator. 


 All medicines, whether over the counter or prescription, needs to be listed on your health form.  They must be in their original bottle with the label intact.  They will be turned over to the Day Camp Coordinator at the start of the day/week.  The coordinator will keep all medicines in a secure place and dispense the medicine to your camper according to the label.

Emergency medicines like EpiPens or inhalers can be kept secured with the camper, but their counselor must be informed and trained in their use in case of an emergency. 


Testimonials

Keri, Tanner and Tyler Summer 2020 -

Keri, Tanner and Tyler Summer 2020 -

Keri, Tanner and Tyler Summer 2020 -

 "I cannot tell you how much Tanner and Tyler absolutely loved it last summer.  They talk about it all the time. The friends they made and the memories will last a lifetime.  They can’t wait to come back and have even offered to use their Christmas money to help pay for it, so they can come for more weeks." 

Lizz-

Keri, Tanner and Tyler Summer 2020 -

Keri, Tanner and Tyler Summer 2020 -

 "I like going to camp to hang out with my friends and make new friends. the camp counselors are really nice and always have fun activities for us to do. I also love swimming in the big lake and buying snacks from the concession stand. I look forward to camp every year and want to be a counselor when I am older." 

Casey -

Keri, Tanner and Tyler Summer 2020 -

Casey -

 "As a parent, I am so happy the YMCA offers the day camp at Camp Clay each summer. I have 2 children who have attended for the last 4 years. I specifically love the structure of the program and how the counselors incorporate life values into the program while keeping kids engaged. Camp Clay Day camp. is safe and fun summer program that allows my kids to build relationships with kids they may never have met otherwise." 

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