Give Your Kids the Best Summer Ever at YMCA Camp Zehnder

For families trying to balance work schedules with a summer that feels meaningful for their children, YMCA Camp Zehnder offers something hard to find: a place where kids can unplug, explore the great outdoors and grow into their best selves under the guidance of trained, caring staff.

YMCA of the Jersey Shore is pleased to announce that registration is now open for five summer 2026 day camps, including its flagship outdoor program at Camp Zehnder, featuring swimming, climbing walls, wooded trails, archery, nature exploration and age-appropriate adventure for campers ages 3 to 15.

Families are invited to experience the outdoor day camp at open houses on Saturday, Jan. 10 and Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m., at the camp’s 140-acre location at 3911 Herbertsville Road in Wall Township.

“We decided to open registration for our summer day camps earlier than past years in order to give families more time to plan ahead,” said the Y’s President and CEO Laurie Goganzer. “It’s also a reflection of the effort and energy we put into creating a truly unique camp atmosphere unlike any other in the Jersey Shore.”

Across all five YMCA camp locations, children gain new skills, form lasting friendships and build confidence in a safe, value-driven environment. Summer camp scholarships are available at every location to ensure all kids have the chance to learn, grow and thrive this summer.

Make Memories and Best Friends

“Summer is often a challenging time for working families,” said Camp Zehnder Director Karen Little. “Parents and guardians can enjoy peace of mind knowing their children are spending their days immersed in activities based upon the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.”

Kids and teens will make memories and forge lasting friendships. Campers can also look forward to weekly themes designed to inspire creativity and curiosity.

At Camp Zehnder, campers will enjoy:

• Beach-front lake
• Outdoor aquatics complex
• KaBoom! Playground
• Climbing walls
• Zipline
• Nature center
• Biking trails
• Basketball court
• Soccer fields
• Shaded pavilions

"When I think about our Y camps, three things come to mind: adventure, friendships and discovery,” said Goganzer. "We give kids and teens a safe and welcoming environment where they can explore new interests, bond with their peers and grow as individuals - all while having an unforgettable summer.”

As part of the Y’s commitment to creating a safe and nurturing atmosphere, every camp counselor receives extensive training in various topics prior to the start of each camp season and are First Aid and CPR certified. A low camper-to-counselor ratio and allergy-aware staff ensures every child receives the attention and care they need.

Camp Zehnder and all YMCA of the Jersey Shore day camps are accredited by the American Camp Association and hold a Praesidium accreditation, meeting the highest industry standards for child abuse prevention and in keeping with the YMCA’s commitment to safety and excellence.

Get Excited for Summer at Camp Zehnder Winter Open Houses

The winter open houses are a chance for families to learn more about the welcoming and encouraging environment at Camp Zehnder. Kids can participate in a variety of events and learn more about the activities available during the summer.

There will also be a job fair at the open houses for teens and adults interested in spending their summer working as a role model for local youth. Available positions include camp counselors, certified swim instructors, lifeguards and other seasonal camp roles.

The 2026 Camp Zehnder season will run from June 22 to August 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Busy families can take advantage of before and after care from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

To help ensure summer camp is accessible to all families in the Jersey Shore area, the Y is happy to announce there is no increase in camp fees from the 2025 season. Special rates are available for active members of the Freehold, Red Bank, Old Bridge and Ocean County YMCAs. The Y also provides financial assistance on a sliding scale as part of its charitable mission and dedication to those in need.

Additional open house dates will be released soon. Future open house dates, registration and other information for Camp Zehnder can be found online at https://ymcanj.org/camp/ymca-camp-zehnder/.

The Y will also offer summer day camps at facility locations in Freehold, Red Bank, Old Bridge and Ocean County, and at select school district locations, including Matawan-Aberdeen and Marlboro. Information is available online at www.ymcanj.org/camp.

As planning for the 2026 day camp season continues, Little expressed her excitement: “Our Camp Zehnder staff is looking forward to giving local kids the best summer ever!”

Why Wait? Warm Up with Camp Zehnder Winter Programs

Little added that kids and families don’t have to wait for summer to get in on the adventures that await at Camp Zehnder and the Lass Aquatics Center, which are open year-round. Winter programs and events include Teen Nights, Winter Seed Sowing, Nature Science, Preschool Playtime, Messy/Not So Messy Art and lap swim with a Lass pass. Registration is now open for events that nurture skills and good health. Registration is open at https://ymcanj.org/camp/ymca-camp-zehnder/.

About YMCA of the Jersey Shore
The YMCA of the Jersey Shore is a cause-driven nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Based in Shrewsbury, NJ, we serve 42,000 people annually in Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean counties. From lifesaving swim lessons and child care to mental health support and chronic disease prevention, we offer programs that uplift people of all ages, incomes and backgrounds. With a legacy of more than 150 years of service, we’re proud to be named a USA Today Top Workplace for 2025 and Top Workplace in New Jersey 2022-2025 by NJ Advance Media. Learn more at www.ymcanj.org.