The work of the Y stretches far beyond the walls of our branches and dives directly into communities throughout Burlington and Camden Counties. We take pride in meeting the community where they are and providing free programming based on their needs.
All the planning of our programs takes place at our administrative office in Camden, but all the programs take place in the community! We have established strategic partnerships with schools, policymakers, residents, and other community stakeholders to create programs and policies that support healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility.
Interested in joining one of our programs, bringing a program to your community, or supporting our programs through volunteer work or donations? Get in touch with our Camden Y team today!
You can also follow along with the fun via our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Our Programs
Soccer for Success®
Soccer for Success® is a free after-school program that is proven to help kids establish healthy habits and develop critical life skills through caring coach-mentors and family engagement. The YMCA in partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Campbell’s Soup Company, and United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey has provided Soccer for Success® in Camden City for the last 7 years with over 2,000 kids participating in the after-school based program.
Watershed Education by Bike
Kids aged 11 to 14 participate in riding and learning events designed to teach them how different factors affect the watershed and ecosystem, and consequently, their own lives. Purposeful trails and destinations in Camden County are ridden to in a group and environmental learning continues off the bike at those destinations. Environmental resources along the Cooper River, as well as from Camden County Open Space programs provide a structured environmental education to the youth.
Safe Places to Play
The YMCA Safe Places to Play program staffs several parks with trained counselors who keep youth engaged, safe, and active after school and throughout the summer with structured activities and sports. Grant funding currently allows the Y to continue to lead the charge in ‘taking back’ the public parks in the City of Camden by offering this great program at no-cost to Camden residents. Children have access to fun playground equipment, as well as group games and sports led by Y staff.
CATCH
CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) Global Foundation is a charity founded in 2014 to increase the availability and adoption of evidence-based health programs. Camden Y has introduced CATCH to Camden schools with great success! Students have enjoyed participating in non-tradition sports and activities such as ultimate frisbee, floor hockey and whiffle ball. In addition, this program also weaves in components of character development by teaching healthy communication and team building activities.
Community Volleyball Program
Through the Camden Y, we offer volleyball programs for middle school boys and girls. We focus on developing the fundamental skills of the game to help prepare middle school students for their high school programs while emphasizing the value of participating on a team, creating an environment for new friendships, physical activity, and instilling new passions into a younger generation of athletes.
Camden Y Adventure Camp
Keep your kids active and social this summer! Through the Camden Y, we host Adventure Camp where kids can play outside, explore, and make new friends. We are excited to have yet another fun and safe summer with our campers! We know your kids will be hungry after a full day of activities, so we are providing breakfast, lunch, and a snack to all participants.
Y Achievers
The Achievers Program is the YMCA’s flagship college preparation and career readiness program. Each week, teens learn more about themselves and how they can make their mark in an ever-changing landscape while exploring options for after graduation.
Youth Civic Engagement
YCE encourages students to become active, informed, and engaged citizens. Students will learn about advocating for positive change in their community, systems of government, the democratic process, and so much more! Participation in YCE includes our Model UN program and Youth & Government program.