The North Suburban YMCA Opens their 2026 Summer Camp Registration

Northbrook, IL; December 2025 – Registration is now open for active members for the North Suburban YMCA’s (NSYMCA) acclaimed Summer Camps. The 2026 Camp Guide, featuring dozens of exciting new day camps for children in preschool through junior high, is available online: NSYMCA camps provide a safe, nurturing, and creative environment where children can learn, explore, and grow. Campers enjoy fun, active experiences that promote friendships, confidence, and curiosity, while taking full advantage of the Y’s indoor pool, large gym, outdoor sports fields, and playground. Many programs also include weekly field trips to engaging venues throughout the Chicago and the suburbs.

The Y camps are offered weekly for children ages 3 through 8th grade, along with convenient before- and after-care options, a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program for teens, and inclusive camps designed to support individuals with special needs. Flexible payment plans and financial assistance are also available to ensure every family can experience a summer at the NSYMCA. The 2026 summer offerings include:

Specialty Camps: Art Explorers, 3-D Toys (NEW), Builders and Destroyers, Craft-tastic, Game-On (NEW), Getting Messy, Jewelry and Beads, Mad Scientist, WhoDunnit?

Premier Specialty Camps: Anime Camp, Battle Robots, Battle Robot Tanks, Engineering Race Cars, Epic Competitions (NEW), Fishing Camp, Magic & Balloon Camp, Sew Much Fun, Skate Park Camp, Video Game Truck Party, and more.

Culinary Camps: Premier sessions with Chef Rachel, offered across six sessions.

Performing Arts Camps: Dance and Cheer Camps led by the Y’s Performing Arts and Sports Departments, each concluding with a performance showcase.

Full-Day Field Trip Camps: Thrill Seekers, Ultimate Destinations, Y on the FLY, Water Park, and Wisconsin Trotters.

Special Services Camps: Inclusive programming for children ages K-8 and 9-12.

Camp Registration Timeline:

• 12/1/25: Active Member Registration begins (current NSYMCA members as of 10/1/24 and prior members)
• 01/02/26: New Member Registration begins (members with active NSYMCA membership after 10/2/24)
• 02/02/26: Non-Member Registration begins

All camps are led by highly trained counselors under the guidance of Camp Director Ricky Gonzalez, who brings over 18 years of camp management experience to his seventh summer at the NSYMCA.

“Our camps are created for busy families and active kids,” says Gonzalez. “Parents keep returning year after year because they trust that their children are in a safe, nurturing environment. Our flexible scheduling makes it easy to balance work and travel, and we’re always developing fresh, creative programs that inspire kids to learn, explore, and grow.”

Families are also invited to the FREE KidPalooza Event on Sunday, February 1, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Guests can meet the camp director and leadership team while enjoying an inflatable obstacle course, family swim, games, face painting, snacks, a passport game with prizes, and much more. If you are interested in being a vendor or sponsor of this event, please email Kim Nyren at knyren@nsymca.org or CLICK HERE for the application.

NSYMCA Summer Day Camps begin June 8, 2025. Payment plans and scholarships are available for members. Early registration discounts are available until April.

For more information, visit nsymca.org, contact Ricky Gonzalez at rgonzalez@nsymca.org, or view the camp resources online:

• Camp Guide: [CLICK HERE]
• Registration Form: [CLICK HERE]
• Camp Availability: [CLICK HERE]

About the North Suburban YMCA

The North Suburban YMCA services Northbrook and 14 surrounding communities with programs and tools that help its residents become healthier, more connected, and confident, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The NSYMCA focuses on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility and is a charitable organization, inclusive and welcoming to all in our community. Learn more at NSYMCA.org.