specialty camps

The YMCA offers a wide variety of half-day and evening specialty camps. Campers can pursue their interests with other campers and learn new skills in a safe and fun environment. Enjoy a full day of active games, crafts, and fun by signing up for either mornings or afternoons in Sun and Fun Day Camp. Pre- and post care is available for the specialty camps.

NEW! Birkett Twilight (Ages 8-12)
You don’t have to come to Camp Birkett during the day to experience all of the great activities! This year we will be offering the Camp Birkett experience, and much more, during evening hours. Participate in all of the traditional activities including archery, canoeing, arts and crafts, swimming and sports. You will also get to see a side of Birkett not seen during the day time hours. Evening campfires, fishing and group activities round out a fun filled Birkett Twilight week! Daily transportation is included from the Ann Arbor YMCA to Camp Birkett at 4:30 p.m. Campers return to the Ann Arbor YMCA at 8:30 p.m. each day.

NEW! Design Star (Ages 8-12)
Put your imagination to the test this summer and get creative! Your camper will spend a week designing and making his/her favorite item of clothing as they work towards our parent show on the final day of camp. Sewing machines will not be used, but campers will be able to create designs, patterns and beading using Velcro and fabric glues. Parents are invited to come to the parent show at 3:30 p.m. on Friday to see their child’s creations as they show off what they have worked on during the week. This camp will also include some traditional camp activities such as games and arts & craft projects.

NEW! Extreme Sports Camp (Ages 8-12)
What can be crazier than a week of extreme sports to get the adrenaline pumping! This travel-based camp takes a tour through some of the more exciting sports offered in our area. Activities may include Go Karting, Sailing, Rock Climbing, Laser Tag and more! Most trips require waivers that must be completed 14 days in advance of the first day of camp.

NEW! Orienteering (Ages 8-12)
Orienteering offers a different take on a traditional day camp experience. Based out of Camp Birkett during the
early evening hours, campers will learn how to use a map and compass to cross unfamiliar terrain. During their time at camp, participants will enjoy learning about orienteering while engaging in games and activities that are meant to be both fun and informative. Activities will include capture the flag, treasure hunting and survival scenarios all with an Orienteering twist.Daily transportation is included from the Ann Arbor YMCA to
Camp Birkett at 4:30 p.m. Campers return to the Ann Arbor YMCA at 8:30 p.m. each day.

CANCELLED: Baseball Bonanza (Ages 12-16)
Join us for a baseball tour that only comes around once! During this evening camp, we will see 5 baseball games in five nights! Teams include the Detroit Tigers (3), Toledo Mudhens (1) and Lansing Lugnuts (1). The fee includes all tickets and transport to and from the Ann Arbor YMCA. Because of the specific nature of game times, departure and arrival times at the YMCA will vary. Participants and their parents should be comfortable with an estimated time range of 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Specific departure times will be provided on a per game basis closer to the camp session. (THIS CAMP HAS BEEN CANCELLED. We apologize for any inconvenience.)

An Amazing Race (Ages 8-12)
Campers will have a blast as they discover clues and attempt to solve various challenges with their teammates and counselor. Campers will be divided into teams and will experience numerous team-building activities that will test their mental and physical limits. No team will be eliminated, so all campers continue on their journey to victory. All these activities promote problem solving skills, diversity awareness, self-esteem, critical thinking and leadership development.

Dance: Making a Musical (Ages 7-12)
Covering hits from Grease to High School Musical, your child will be the star of the show as they learn the words and moves to some of their favorite musical songs and dances. This two-week camp will teach kids new dance moves, rhythm, style and coordination as they create a routine to be performed on the final day of camp. Campers should wear comfortable clothing and tennishoes each day. Parents, family and friends are encouraged to attend the show on the final day of camp.

Fishing Camp (Ages 8-12)
The Ann Arbor YMCA brings this timeless summer tradition home with a week-long camp focusing on the basics of rod and reel fishing.  Located at Camp Birkett, this camp offers hours of fishing in the waters of Silver Lake.  Trips to other local fishing holes could include rivers, ponds and a trout farm.  Fishing Camp will take a catch and release approach and will focus on topics like fish identification, bait, rod and reel maintenance, and much more. The Ann Arbor YMCA provides fishing poles, but campers are welcome to bring their own.  Daily transportation is available from the Ann Arbor YMCA to Camp Birkett at 4:30 pm. Campers return to the YMCA at 8:30 pm each day.  

Horseback Riding (Ages 7-12)
Horseback Riding - English Style! This half-day camp will introduce your son/daughter to the basics of horsemanship and riding. Each day includes a 45-minute riding lesson that focuses on walking, trotting, posting and guiding. Campers will spend time learning about the various aspects of horse care, grooming horses and riding. This camp is held at a fully accredited United States Pony Club school. Campers will ride twice a day and should pack a lunch, as this is an all-day camp. Please see Parent Planner for a complete list of items to bring. Drop-off and pick up is at the YMCA. Horseback Camp runs as a morning and/or afternoon option.

Mad Scientists (Ages 8-12)
Take science outside the classroom! If your child enjoyed Camp Prodigy, then he or she will love this tour through the sciences! Each day your child will be engaged in different science-based experiments.  Campers try their hand at building a solar cooker, making ice cream and soda, digging for dinosaur bones and creating volcanic eruptions. This camp will also include some traditional camp activities such as games and arts & crafts projects.

Mountain Biking (Ages 8-12) 
Our Mountain Biking Camp, located at Camp Birkett, offers an experience unlike any other at the YMCA. Campers will learn basic mountain biking skills including bike maintenance, riding, and technique. Campers will also take field trips to local recreation areas to ride trails and put into practice skills learned. Bikes will be provided by the Ann Arbor YMCA, but all safety equipment including helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads should be provided by the participant. Daily transportation is available from the Ann Arbor YMCA to Camp Birkett at 4:30 p.m. Campers return to the Ann Arbor YMCA at 8:30 p.m. each day.

Prodigy (Ages 8-12)
Camp Prodigy is a unique opportunity for your child to learn and be challenged. Campers will learn about famous inventors and scientists as they tackle the forces of physics, engineering and mechanics and overcome mind-boggling challenges. Working in teams, campers will build bridges, assemble transistor radios, construct catapults and launch their own rockets!

Survival Camp (Ages 8-12)
Learn how to survive in the wild with our popular Survival Camp! Children will have fun learning about the basics of outdoor living, camping and team building skills. They will develop character skills through activities and games including fishing, constructing shelters, campfire building, emergency signalling, orienteering and more. Your child will put all these skills together and have the chance to spend the final night of the program camping on the shores of Silver Lake at Camp Birkett.

Theater Camp (Ages 7-12)
This two-week theater camp will concentrate on character development, voice projection, stage presence, and other theater basics. In addition to playing theater based games, the troupe will write a short one-act play that they will rehearse and perform on the last day of camp. Campers will be involved in the entire theatrical production from beginning to end.  Parents, family and friends are encouraged to attend the performance on the last day of camp.

Register online for specialty camps