Summer feels like it’s still a long way off — until you check the calendar and realize the school year has only a handful of weeks left. For Upper West Side families trying to lock down a plan before the bell rings on the last day, the window is narrower than it looks, and one of the neighborhood’s most established summer programs is already watching its registration list shrink.
The West Side YMCA, a fixture on West 63rd Street for generations, has opened registration for its summer camps, and limited spots are going quickly. Traditional camp options run alongside specialty tracks that cover everything from sports to STEAM.
What sets the program apart, according to the organization, is a combination of expert counselors, a summer designed around each child, engaging activities geared toward developing new skills, and instructional swim lessons — a perk that distinguishes Y camps from most other options in the city. Sibling discounts are available for families enrolling more than one child.
The YMCA of Greater New York is the city’s leading nonprofit individual and community health and well-being organization, working across all five boroughs to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Camps are offered at dozens of locations citywide, but the West Side YMCA serves as the Upper West Side’s neighborhood hub.
Registration is open now. Interested families can sign up here.
