AT THE Y, SUMMER IS ALL ABOUT BIG SMILES, MESSY HANDS, ENDLESS ADVENTURES, AND NON-STOP FUN!

It’s where kids build lasting friendships, explore their passions, and discover a place they truly belong. From cannonball contests and nature walks to creative projects and team challenges, every day is filled with chances for campers to step outside their comfort zones and make memories they’ll talk about long after summer ends.

Whether your child is joining us for the first time or returning for another unforgettable season, you can count on the Y for inclusive, affordable, and action-packed opportunities to grow, explore, and have fun all summer long. From sports to STEM, arts to outdoor adventures, every program reflects our commitment to helping youth stay active, curious, and connected to their community.

This year, we’re excited to offer both a traditional Day Camp experience with Camp Compass Roots and an even wider variety of half-day specialty camps for kids hoping to dive deeper into their interests or try something completely new! No matter which camps you choose, you can feel confident knowing your child is spending their time off from school in safe, engaging indoor and outdoor spaces supported by our caring, experienced staff. Whether they spend a full day with us or just a few hours, campers will unplug, play, and experience a summer full of connection, creativity, and confidence they’ll never forget!

WHAT’S NEW IN 2026?

For kids hoping to spend their whole day the the Y, we’ve been hard at work reimagined what Day Camp looks like with our new Camp Compass Roots. Campers can look forward to exciting field trips throughout the summer, new adventures, and plenty of fun in the sun with their friends!

We’ve expanded our Creative Explorers specialty camp series with more weeks and a wider age range, giving more kids the chance to cook, create, and experiment all summer long. We’re also thrilled to introduce a brand new week, Dream Designers, for all of our young fashionistas!

And of course, no camp season would be complete without swimming and poolside fun with friends! For the first time ever, we’re bringing our signature April Break Swim Camp into the summer sunshine so kids can dive into even more aquatic adventures!

CONTACT US

CAMP COMPASS ROOTS
Nicole McClendon-Walker
Childcare Director
Nicole.McClendon@OTOYMCA.org

CREATIVE EXPLORERS
Nicole McClendon-Walker
Childcare Director
Nicole.McClendon@OTOYMCA.org

YOUTH SPORTS CAMPS
Chris Wesley
Sports & Fitness Director
Chris.Wesley@OTOYMCA.org

GYMNASTICS CAMPS
Samantha Harding
Head Coach, OTO Gymnastics
OTOYgymnastics@OTOYMCA.org

CHEER CAMPS
Mikayla Mallett
Head Coach, OTO Cheer & Tumbling Sports Coordinator
Mikayla.Mallett@OTOYMCA.org

SWIM CAMPS
Taylor Rogers
Head Coach, Canoe City Swim Club & Marketing Director
CCSC@OTOYMCA.org

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

At the Y, we are committed to reducing financial barriers for families so that everyone has access to opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Thanks to the generous support of our Annual Campaign donors and the Old Town – Orono YMCA Foundation, we are proud to provide income-based Financial Assistance for Membership, Child Care, and Program fees to ensure everyone in our community can access our Y.

In addition to our Financial Assistance program, we are also proud to offer discounts for many of our hometown heroes and their families, including First Responders, Healthcare Workers, Teachers, Active Duty Service Members, and Veterans.

CAMP COMPASS ROOTS

ENTERING KINDERGARTEN – 12 YEARS OLD

Find your path. Grow your passions. Discover your next great adventure.

Camp Compass Roots is the place where kids learn to lead by example, communicate with kindness, and support their peers through hands-on challenges, structured activities, creative play, and plenty of time outdoors. Whether your child is shy or social, passionate about science, sports, or art, our dedicated staff meet them where they are and help them build confidence while discovering the leader within themselves.

From solving problems together and trying new things right at the Y to exciting field trips that fuel curiosity and connection, every adventure helps campers unplug, find their spark, and form friendships that last far beyond the summer.

With a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, no two days are the same. It’s a high energy, hands-on experience designed to keep kids active, engaged, and always eager for the next adventure. Surrounded by supportive friends and trusted adults, campers discover new passions, strengthen essential life skills, and create stories they’ll be excited to share long after the camp season ends.

Weekly activities include:

  • Outdoor nature exploration
  • Arts and crafts
  • Science and engineering activities
  • Swim lessons + free swim
  • Open gymnastics and tumbling play
  • Sports, group games, and relays
  • Field trips throughout the summer

FULL TIME (5 days)

  • Standard Rate: $290
  • Active Family Membership: $260

PART TIME (3 days)

  • Standard Rate: $205
  • Active Family Membership: $175

To ensure camp remains accessible to families across our community, we’re proud to accept state subsidies, offer multi-child discounts, and provide income-based financial assistance.

To enroll your child:

  • Complete and return the 2026 Registration Packet*
  • Pay the one time, non-refundable Activity Fee
  • Pay the non-refundable $280 deposit**

*Registrations will be processed in the order completed packets are received; however, full-time enrollments will receive priority
** Deposit will be applied to your weekly fees for the first week(s) of camp

ACTIVITY FEES
Our Activity Fees have been restructured! This year, we’re offering three levels to choose from based on what you’re comfortable paying:

  1. BACKCOUNTRY BASICS ($75): This adjusted fee covers only the basic field trip fees and camp shirts
  2. EXPLORATION ESSENTIALS ($100): This partially subsidized fee is designed for those who can support our basic field trip costs as well as additional transportation and activity expenses
  3. FRONTIER FUEL ($125): Power the ultimate summer adventure! This fee most accurately accounts for the true cost of our summer adventures, including basic costs, transportation and activity expenses, and our daily snacks and meals

CREATIVE EXPLORERS

5 – 10 YEARS OLD • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Dream it. Design it. Discover it.

Our Creative Explorers specialty camps help young chefs, artists, inventors, and makers unlock their creativity and bring big ideas to life. Each week is filled with hands-on projects and imaginative activities, ranging from tasty kitchen creations and eye-opening STEM experiments to nature-inspired art and fashion design, giving kids the chance to explore new interests while building confidence in their creative abilities.

Our passionate staff are experts at helping every child unleash their creativity. Campers spend their mornings diving into engaging projects tailored to their ages and skill levels, celebrating self-expression, and growing their sense of curiosity and discovery. With supportive adults leading the way, Creative Explorers is the place where kids feel inspired, valued, and excited to bring their ideas to life!

Made with nature. Inspired by conservation.

Budding eco-artists transform recycled and natural materials into original creations and garden projects. Through daily discussions and hands-on activities centered on sustainability, campers discover how everyday objects can spark big ideas and how their art makes a positive impact on the world around them.

Whisked with wonder. Shared with joy.

Young chefs step into the kitchen for a week of delicious discovery and culinary creativity! Campers learn kitchen basics as they mix, measure, experiment with kid-friendly recipes, and develop confidence and lifelong skills with every bite.

Does your child have allergies or dietary restrictions? Please let us know by emailing Nicole.McClendon@OTOYMCA.org when you register!

Built with curiosity. Driven by discovery.

Science and engineering come alive as campers tackle STEM missions and hands-on experiments that challenge them to problem-solve, invent, and explore. Along the way, they’ll earn innovation badges and gain confidence in their abilities to test ideas, think outside the box, and take on new challenges.

Designed with flair. Worn with confidence.

Fashion meets imagination and individuality as campers craft fashion-forward projects using age-appropriate sewing and design techniques. From accessories to mini-collections, kids explore their personal style throughout the week, ending with a special Runway Show for their families and friends!

Created with boldness. Expressed with heart.

Artists explore a world of texture, color, technique, and movement as they experiment with clay, paint, tie-dye, pastels, chalk, and so much more! Each day offers new ways to express big ideas and create one-of-a-kind masterpieces that showcase their artistic style, imagination, and unique perspective.

CREATIVE EXPLORERS ONLY

  • Standard Rate: $180
  • Active Family Membership: $130

PACKAGE: CREATIVE EXPLORERS & CAMP COMPASS ROOTS (NOT including CCR fees)

  • Standard Rate: $108
  • Active Family Membership: $78

To ensure camp remains accessible to families across our community, we’re proud to offer multi-child discounts and provide income-based financial assistance.

ECO CREATIONS

  • Week 2, June 22 – 26

CULINARY KIDS

  • Week 3, June 29 – July 3
  • Week 6, July 20 – 24
  • Week 9, August 10 – 14

FUTURE INNOVATORS

  • Week 4, July 6 – 10
  • Week 7, July 27 – 31
  • Week 10, August 17 – 21

DREAM DESIGNERS

  • Week 5, July 13 – 17

IMAGINATION UNLEASHED

  • Week 8, August 3 – 7

YOUTH SPORTS CAMPS

5 – 10 YEARS OLD • 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Campers rotate through a variety of sports, including soccer, basketball, flag football, and wiffleball, while learning fundamentals, practicing teamwork, and boosting their overall athleticism. With encouraging coaches and a new game each day, athletes will stay active and have plenty of fun along the way.

From dribbling to defense, athletes build fundamental basketball skills through engaging drills and fun, team-based games. As they pass, shoot, and score, campers grow their confidence on the court while developing sportsmanship, communication skills, and a love for the game.

This camp helps players strengthen their essential soccer skills and build field awareness with game-style play and developmentally-appropriate drills. With experienced coaches and plenty of opportunities to try new things, athletes gain confidence and improve coordination while enjoying team-focused fun!

  • Member Rate: $130
  • Guest Rate: $160

To ensure camp remains accessible to families across our community, we’re proud to offer multi-child discounts and provide income-based financial assistance.

ALL SPORTS CAMP

  • Week 4, July 6 – 9

BASKETBALL CAMP

  • Week 5, July 13 – 16

SOCCER CAMP

  • Week 6, July 20 – 23

GYMNASTICS CAMPS

6+ YEARS OLD

Build your courage. Watch your skills soar.

Help your child develop strength, confidence, and body awareness in a safe and supportive environment. From first time gymnasts to experienced athletes, our coaches ensure every camper builds coordination, gains courage and celebrates every breakthrough along the way!

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Campers learn new skills on floor, beam, bars, and vault through safe, level-appropriate stations and drills that reinforce proper technique. No matter their previous experience, all athletes are supported, challenged, and encouraged every step of the way.

8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

For athletes competing with the OTO Gymnastics Team, this camp blends structured skill development with fun team-building activities and conditioning. Gymnasts build excitement for the upcoming season and sharpen their skills before ending the week with a team sleepover that strengthens connections and creates lasting memories.

REC GYMNASTICS CAMP

  • Member Rate: $115
  • Guest Rate: $175

OTO GYMNASTICS TEAM CAMP

  • $250

To ensure camp remains accessible to families across our community, we’re proud to offer multi-child discounts and provide income-based financial assistance.

REC GYMNASTICS CAMP

  • Week 6, July 20 – 24
  • Week 7, July 27 – 31
  • Week 8, August 3 – 7

OTO GYMNASTICS TEAM CAMP

  • Week 10, August 18 – 21

CHEER CAMPS

6+ YEARS OLD (EXCEPT BEGINNER CAMP)

Find your voice. Let your spirit shine.

Help your child build confidence, teamwork, and spirit in a positive environment where every athlete is encouraged to grow! Whether they’re brand new to cheer or have years of experience, campers will develop new skills, celebrate each other’s successes, and discover the joy of expressing themselves and supporting their team.

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Campers learn new skills on floor, beam, bars, and vault through safe, level-appropriate stations and drills that reinforce proper technique. No matter their previous experience, all athletes are supported, challenged, and encouraged every step of the way.

8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Designed for athletes with two or more years of experience, this camp focuses on advancing skills and strengthening technique. Athletes grow as leaders while challenging themselves, supporting their teammates, and celebrating progress together.

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Campers spend the week progressing and refining their tumbling skills through safe and level-appropriate drills that emphasize proper form, body control, and technique. Athletes build strength, consistency, and confidence as they grow their skills step by step.

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Campers are introduced to beginner jump technique and foundational tumbling skills in a supportive and high-energy environment. Athletes build coordination, strength, and confidence through level-appropriate drills that focus on safe skill development.

8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
For athletes preparing to compete for OTO Cheer in the 2026-2027 season, Team Camp blends conditioning and skill development with a variety of fun activities! Athletes can expect to connect with teammates, build skills, and step confidently into the upcoming season.

TUMBLING CAMP + CHEER JUMP & TUMBLE CAMP

  • Member Rate: $115
  • Guest Rate: $175

BEGINNER CHEER CAMP

  • Member Rate: $175
  • Guest Rate: $250

EXPERIENCED CHEERLEADER CAMP

  • Member Rate: $160
  • Guest Rate: $230

OTO CHEER TEAM CAMP

  • Member Rate: $250
  • Guest Rate: $300

To ensure camp remains accessible to families across our community, we’re proud to offer multi-child discounts and provide income-based financial assistance.

BEGINNER CHEER CAMP

  • Week 2, June 22 – 26

EXPERIENCED CHEERLEADER CAMP

  • Week 3, June 29 – July 2

TUMBLING CAMP

  • Week 6, July 20 – 24

CHEER JUMP & TUMBLE CAMP

  • Week 9, August 10 – 14

OTO CHEER TEAM CAMP

  • Week 10, August 17 – 20

SWIM CAMPS

8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Perfect for both kids who are curious about competitive swimming and current age-group swimmers, Developmental Camp builds strong fundamentals, fosters a love for the sport, and helps athletes feel strong, confident, and capable. With high-quality coaching and positive reinforcement, campers work through a variety of in-water drills, play-based dryland activities, and team-building games that help them grow as swimmers while building leadership and communication skills that will serve them far beyond the pool deck.

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Grow your confidence, build resilience, and discover what it means to train with passion and purpose! Under the careful guidance of our experienced CCSC Coaching Staff, advanced age group and senior-level athletes take their training to the next level with four days of dryland, in-water skills and drills, goal-setting sessions, and team-building activities designed to elevate performance and redefine what’s possible.

DEVELOPMENTAL SWIM CAMP

  • Member Rate: $140
  • Guest Rate: $215

HIGH PERFORMANCE SWIM CAMP

  • Member Rate: $275
  • Guest Rate: $350

To ensure camp remains accessible to families across our community, we’re proud to offer multi-child discounts and provide income-based financial assistance.

DEVELOPMENTAL SWIM CAMP

  • Week 8, August 3 – 6

HIGH PERFORMANCE SWIM CAMP

  • Week 9, August 10 – 13

Join the Fun & Save

Start a Family Membership for the best rates on child care, FREE parent-child classes, FREE open toddler play, FREE family events throughout the school year and steeper discounts on other youth programs!

Healthy Snack Boost!

The Old Town-Orono YMCA, through CACFP, provides nutritious afternoon snacks to every youth enrolled in our child care programs, fueling fun, healthy growth and development.

https://www.fns.usda.gov/civil-rights/usda-nondiscrimination-statement-other-fns-programs

More Youth Activities!

Youth enrolled in our child care programs have the opportunity to join other exciting youth activities at the Y, including additional swim lessons, gymnastics, and sports. If scheduled during program hours, our dedicated staff will ensure your child safely gets to and from their program. Please note, there is an additional fee for these programs.