Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Everyone is welcome at Camp Sky-Y! You don’t need a YMCA membership to join the adventure. Have a current Y membership? You’ll receive $200 off your camp fee! We honor current memberships from any YMCA across the country.

Yes! A $100 deposit per camper, per week reserves your spot and gets the countdown to camp started. Your deposit is due at registration and is non-refundable and non-transferable. Each camp session is one week, so if you’re registering for multiple weeks, you’ll pay a $100 deposit for each week.

These optional extras can help you plan your camper’s experience:

• Specialty Trails: For campers over age 12 who want to explore a special interest, Specialty Trails are available for an additional fee. See the trail descriptions for options and pricing.
• Transportation: Bus transportation between Phoenix and Camp Sky-Y is $100 each way or $150 round trip.
• Stayover: Campers attending consecutive weeks can stay at camp between sessions for $300 per stayover.
• Camp Store: You can add funds to your camper’s store account for snacks, drinks, and Sky-Y souvenirs.

Taking the camp bus? The adventure begins in Phoenix! We offer transportation from Phoenix to camp and back. Review the transportation details provided for your session for the pickup location, departure time, and return information.

Yes! We want more children to experience the friendships, adventures, and growth that happen at Camp Sky-Y. Partial scholarships are available based on individual financial need, and families are encouraged to contribute what they can toward camp tuition.

Apply directly through our Financial Assistance Application. Scholarships are processed through our Finance Department. For questions or help with the process, contact skyybilling@vosymca.org.

A camp deposit is still required when requesting a specific session, and payment arrangements must be completed before your camper attends.

Final camp payments are due May 15. Taking care of your balance means one less thing on your summer checklist and more time to get excited for camp!

Camp Sky-Y welcomes campers ages 7–16, with separate opportunities for older teens through our Counselors in Training program. Some programs and Specialty Trails have additional age requirements so campers can enjoy experiences suited to their stage of development.

Any age exceptions must be approved by Sky-Y leadership. If you have questions about the right program for your camper, please contact our team.

• Check-in: Sunday, 1–3 p.m.
• Check-out: Saturday, 9–11 a.m.

We know campers are eager to get their adventure started! Early check-in is not permitted. Before 1 p.m., our staff are preparing cabins and putting the finishing touches on camp so they’re ready to give your camper a warm welcome. Please plan to arrive during the designated check-in window.

All required forms and waivers are completed online. Please finish them before arrival to help make check-in smooth and get your camper one step closer to the fun!

At pickup, a parent or guardian must sign out their camper with the Assistant Camp Director and present a valid photo ID.

If someone else will be picking up your child, please submit the pickup authorization change in advance by emailing azycamps@vosymca.org. The authorized person must also present a valid photo ID when signing out your camper.

Every day brings new adventures, time with friends, and opportunities to try something new! Here’s a sample of how we spend our days:

• 7:45 a.m. — Flag Raising & Horseshoe: Gather with our camp community to start the day.
• 8 a.m. — Breakfast: Fuel up for the adventures ahead.
• 9 a.m.–Noon — Morning Programs: Explore activities, practice skills, and take on new challenges.
• Noon — Lunch: Recharge and swap stories with friends.
• 2–5 p.m. — Afternoon Programs: Keep the fun going with more activities and adventures.
• 5 p.m. — Dinner: Enjoy a meal together before the evening fun.
• 7–9 p.m. — Evening Program: Come together for camp favorites like skits, dances, and campfire memories.

This is a sample schedule; activities and times may vary.

Yes. All campers must have completed a physical examination within the two years before attending camp. Please plan ahead so your camper’s exam is current before their session begins.

Camp Sky-Y follows consistent routines, sets clear expectations, and helps campers know what’s coming next. This predictable rhythm can be reassuring for many children, including neurodivergent campers, while still leaving room for adventure and choice.

Every camper is different! Please share your child’s needs during registration and contact our team before camp so we can discuss the support they may need to participate successfully.

Adventure takes energy! Campers enjoy three meals a day, prepared by our professional kitchen team.

Please include all food allergies and dietary restrictions in your camper’s online forms. If your child needs special meal accommodations, contact us before their session so we can discuss their needs and plan together.

Not ready for the fun to end? Campers attending consecutive weeks can stay at camp between eligible sessions for $300 per stayover. This gives families an option to avoid an extra pickup and drop-off trip while campers continue their Sky-Y experience.

Laundry is completed by our amazing Sky Y staff on-site. You do not need to provide detergent unless your child has an allergy or needs specialized detergent. Stayovers are offered between select sessions; check availability when registering.

Camp days follow a familiar rhythm of meals, activities, cabin time, and evening programs. Knowing what comes next helps campers settle in and feel comfortable, while new adventures keep each day exciting. Along the way, there’s time to build friendships, practice independence, and celebrate accomplishments big and small!

Yes! Let the camp adventure begin in Phoenix. Air-conditioned bus transportation between Phoenix and Camp Sky-Y is available for $100 one way or $150 round trip.

Please reserve transportation at least two weeks before your session. Pickup location and travel details will be provided before camp.

• Sunday bus check-in: 10:30 a.m.
• Saturday return pickup: 11:30 a.m.–noon.

Our team will notify families of any delays.

Adventure works up an appetite! Our kitchen team prepares three meals a day, plus snacks, to keep campers fueled for the fun. View our 2026 Camp Menu for a look at what’s cooking.

Please list food allergies and dietary restrictions in your camper’s online forms and contact us before camp to discuss any special meal needs.

• Sunday check-in at camp: 1–3 p.m.
• Saturday checkout at camp: 9–11 a.m.

Early check-in is not permitted. Before 1 p.m., our staff are preparing cabins and getting everything ready to welcome your camper. Arriving during the check-in window helps us give each family a great start to camp!

At checkout, the authorized pickup person must present a valid photo ID. Submit any pickup authorization changes in advance to azycamps@vosymca.org.

Yes! Each camper may request a cabinmate in the same age group and of the same gender. We do our best to honor requests, but placement is not guaranteed.

Coming with a friend can make that first day feel more familiar, and camp is also a wonderful place to build new friendships! Our counselors help every camper feel welcome and included, whether they arrive with a buddy or are meeting their cabinmates for the first time.

Yes! Camp Sky-Y has an on-site Health Center and live-in health staff to support campers throughout their stay. If your camper feels unwell or needs first aid, a staff member will accompany them to the Health Center for care.

If a camper needs medical attention beyond what we can provide at camp, a director will accompany them to a local medical facility. Parents or guardians are notified whenever a camper visits a doctor or stays overnight in the Health Center.

Caring for your camper guides how we plan activities, train staff, and operate camp. Our staff receive training in first aid, CPR, and camp safety procedures, and our on-site health staff provide additional support.

Campers practice emergency procedures during their session so they know what to do and where to go. We also coordinate with local emergency responders, with emergency services just minutes away.

Whether they have a question, feel homesick, or need a little encouragement, campers can turn to their counselor or any camp staff member. Staff are identifiable by their camp shirts and/or name badges, and we help campers get to know the people they can ask for support.

All visitors must check in at the Camp Office and be accompanied by a staff member while visiting camp.

Yes! Our Camp Store offers snacks, camp clothing, and souvenirs to bring a little Sky-Y magic home. Campers have opportunities to visit throughout the week, and the store is also open to families on arrival and departure days.

Campers use funds in their store account rather than cash. You can add money during registration or at any time on your camper’s CampBrain account so they’re ready to pick out a treat or a favorite camp keepsake!

Campers ages 12 and younger have at least two staff members in their cabin, while campers ages 13 and older have at least one. Our overall camp ratio is one counselor for every eight campers, helping us provide guidance, encouragement, and support throughout their stay.

Great camp experiences start with a caring, prepared team! Staff are selected for their experience working with children, activity knowledge, sound judgment, and commitment to being positive role models. Our screening process includes background checks and reference checks.

Before campers arrive, summer staff complete a week of training covering first aid, CPR, youth protection, camper support, behavior management, activity planning, and group leadership. The Executive Director, Camp Director, and Program Director provide supervision and support throughout the summer.

From morning activities to evening programs, campers are supervised by trained counselors throughout the day. They participate in activities with their cabin groups, giving them familiar staff and friends to share each adventure with.

Younger and first-time campers receive additional structure and encouragement to help them settle into camp, learn the routines, and feel comfortable asking for help.

All Camp Sky-Y staff complete YMCA-required background checks and comprehensive training in youth engagement, safety procedures, CPR, first aid, and camper support. We look for people who can connect with children, lead with care, and help campers build confidence while having fun.

Think classic camp charm with comfortable touches! Our renovated cabins are fully enclosed and have electricity, doors, windows, and heating and air conditioning. Campers sleep in built-in twin bunk beds with four-inch mattresses.

Each cabin accommodates up to 12 campers and two counselors, creating a welcoming home base for sharing stories, building friendships, and recharging for another day of adventure.

Cabins are assigned by age and gender, helping campers connect with peers at a similar stage of development. Campers sharing a cabin are no more than three years apart in age.

Each camper may request one cabinmate of the same gender and age group. We do our best to honor requests while creating welcoming cabin groups where everyone has opportunities to make new friends. Campers in different cabins can still enjoy time together throughout the week.

Absolutely! A little encouragement from home can brighten your camper’s day. Mail packages a few days before the session begins, or bring them to check-in and our camp staff will arrange them for your camper to pick up!

Please label each package with your camper’s first and last name and the day you would like it delivered. Check our packing list for care package suggestions.

Yes! Missing home is a normal part of adjusting to overnight camp, especially for first-time campers. A camper can miss their family and still have a wonderful time making friends and discovering new adventures.

Our staff offer reassurance, help campers connect with their cabinmates, and encourage them to participate in camp activities. An early letter home may capture a tough moment rather than their whole experience, so please reach out if something concerns you. We’re here to work through it together and keep you informed.

Encouraging letters from home can help, too! Let your camper know you believe in them and are excited to hear about their adventures. Cell phones are not permitted at camp, allowing campers to focus on friendships and camp life. Families can enjoy camp photos or contact our team with questions or concerns.

For an urgent concern involving your camper that cannot wait until morning, call the Camp Office at (800) 660-1385. After-hours phone support is available for true emergencies.

We love welcoming families on arrival and departure days! These are great opportunities to meet our staff, see camp, and share in your camper’s excitement.

Want a sneak peek before summer? We encourage families to schedule a camp tour to explore Sky-Y, ask questions, and help their camper feel more comfortable before their adventure begins. Contact our team at azycamps@vosymca.org to arrange a visit.

Because sessions are just one week long, we discourage midweek visits so campers can settle into their routines, build friendships, and enjoy their experience. If your camper is attending consecutive weeks and you’d like to visit between sessions, please coordinate with our team in advance.

Enjoy a little camp magic from home! Visit our Camper Photo Gallery to see moments from your camper’s week, or send a letter to brighten their day.

To write your camper, visit our About Camp Sky-Y page and click “Write My Camper” on the right side of the page.

Camp letters are printed every day at 3:30 p.m. and delivered at dinner. Share some encouragement, let them know you’re cheering them on, and tell them you can’t wait to hear about their adventures!

Whether your child is ready for their first overnight adventure or is a returning camper eager for new challenges, Sky-Y offers opportunities to grow, connect, and have fun. We welcome campers ages 7–16, with programs that balance adventure, independence, and support.

Have questions about readiness or your child’s individual needs? Let’s talk! Our team can help you explore program options and what your camper may need for a successful camp experience.

Whether your child is ready for their first overnight adventure or is a returning camper eager for new challenges, Sky-Y offers opportunities to grow, connect, and have fun. We welcome campers ages 7–16, with programs that balance adventure, independence, and support.

Have questions about readiness or your child’s individual needs? Let’s talk! Our team can help you explore program options and what your camper may need for a successful camp experience.

Still have questions?

We’re here to help you feel prepared and excited for camp! For registration questions, session changes, or general information, email azycamps@vosymca.org or call (800) 660-1385.

For billing or scholarship questions, contact skyybilling@vosymca.org.