With new themes every week, there's always something exciting happening at Discovery Camp!
Few camps offer the variety of activities that you can find at Discovery Camp. Every year, new weekly themes are selected and activities and field trips are built around the theme of the week.
There's never a dull moment at Discovery Camp. Join us this summer to be a part of the fun.
Activities
- Field trips
- Games
- Arts and crafts
- Outdoor fun
- Lessons
- And more!
Dates
In 2025, Discovery Camp runs from June 16-August 15. Closed June 19 and July 4.
Hours
Discovery Camp operates Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Locations
Exact locations will be determined by the School Board in Spring 2025.
- Enka District: Sandhill, Hominy Valley, Candler, and Pisgah
- Erwin District: Johnston and West Buncombe
- Owen District: WD Williams and Black Mountain
- Reynolds District: Oakley, Fairview, Bell, and Haw Creek
- Roberson District: Avery’s Creek, Glen Arden, and Estes
- McDowell District (including Pre-K): Eastfield, Glenwood, Marion, Nebo, North Cove, Old Fort, Pleasant Gardens, and West Marion
Childcare Subsidy Vouchers are accepted for this program. Click here to learn more and to register.
Why parents and kids love Discovery Camp
See what families say about our program.
Info for parents
As a parent, you need to be comfortable leaving your child in our care. See our Parent Handbook to learn about our protocols and policies.
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Discovery Camp FAQ
Financial assistance is available for qualified applicants. Click here to apply.
- The amount of financial assistance that can be provided will be dependent on income and other factors. Please have financial documents ready before you apply.
- You must apply for DHHS vouchers with the Department of Social Services state subsidy program before you can qualify for financial assistance through the YMCA. Call the DSS at 828-250-5500.
Discovery Summer Day Camp is for rising first graders- age 12.
Age groups are broken into different ranges for different activities that are facilitated by our expert childcare staff.
There is also a Pre-K program in the Enka and Owen Districts.
Your child will be able to learn, play, and connect with other children their age while they enjoy exploring.
Discovery Camp starts on a different date every year depending on a variety of factors.
In 2025, Discovery Camp's start date will be June 16.
Daily schedules vary greatly, but a typical day looks like:
| Sample Schedule | |
|---|---|
| 7:30am | Child drop-off and breakfast |
| 8:30am | Free play |
| 9:00am | Morning ceremonies & groups separated for the day's activities |
| 9:30am | Waterplay - pool time - field trip - talent shows, face painting, & gymnasium time - or Wheels |
| 11am |
Lunch |
| 11:30am | Siesta |
| 12:30pm | Group games |
| 2pm | Snack time |
| 2:30pm | YMCA curriculum project |
| 3:30pm | Silent reading time |
| 4pm | Camp songs, group activity & gymnasium time |
| 5:30pm | Child pickup |
Parents typically provide lunch, but the Y can provide it if required. Ask the camp director if you would like lunches provided for your child at summer day camp.
Click here to learn more about our packed-lunch policy and guidelines.
Food from home guidelines
Your child should come to Discovery Camp with:
- Backpack
- Active clothes that are OK to get dirty
- Active sneakers
- Sunblock
- Brimmed hat
- Lunch and snacks
- Water bottle
- Any medications they will need through the day
- Allergy medicine, including an EpiPen if prescribed
If your child will need anything besides what is listed here, a YMCA staff member will let you know.