Give Your Kids the Best Summer Ever at the 
Freehold Family YMCA

(Feb. 2, 2026) – For families trying to balance work schedules with a summer that feels meaningful for their children, the Freehold Family YMCA day camp 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 summer day camps, including camp at the Freehold Y, featuring swimming, sports, games and age-appropriate adventure for campers ages 6 to 15.

Families are invited to experience the summer day camp at an open house on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, from 10 a.m.– 1 p.m. at the Freehold Y located at 470 East Freehold Road in Freehold, where a special incentive will be offered.

All guests will be entered to win a free week of camp with the purchase of one or more weeks of Freehold Y 2026 summer camp (*excluding specialty camps).

Guests can also enjoy these fun activities during the open house:

10 a.m. - Together We Move (Preschool)
10:30 a.m. - Teamwork Tots (Parent & Child)
11 a.m. - Ninja Warrior
11:30 a.m. - Flag Football
12 p.m. - Blaze Pods
12:30 p.m. - Social Labs

Across all 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 Freehold Family YMCA Executive Director Glenn MacAfee. “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 the Freehold Y day camp, campers will enjoy:

• Swim lessons and recreational swim
• Science and nature
• Art
• Sports and games

Extended day and specialty camps are also available for children 6-12, including:

• New “All Things Games” Camp: Designed for gamers, dreamers, strategists and competitive players of every level, campers will explore fantasy quests, master strategic battles and jump into high-energy tournaments all while learning how to game responsibly.
• Underground Explorers Camp with Mad Science: Campers will discover ancient civilizations and the tools and artifacts they used in everyday life.
• NASA: Journey to Outer Space Camp with Mad Science: Campers will explore planets, moons, and other space phenomena and even participate in a real NASA style rocket launch.

The Freehold Y summer camp also offers RMIT (Role Model in Training). Through this career development program, teens ages 14-15 build skills for future success through mentorship, camp-based learning activities and interactive camp projects under the guidance of RMIT instructors.

For younger children 3-5 years old, the Freehold Y provides My Y Preschool Day camp, with just the right amount of swimming, sports and games for younger campers in a safe, nurturing environment. Details can be found online at https://ymcanj.org/myysummer.

"When I think about our Y camps, three things come to mind: adventure, friendships and discovery,” said Freehold Y Camp Director Terrell Wilson. "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.

The Freehold Y summer camp 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 the Winter Open House

The February 21 open house is a chance for families to learn more about the welcoming and encouraging environment at the Freehold Y summer camp. 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 house 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 Freehold Family YMCA day camp 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 provides financial assistance on a sliding scale as part of its charitable mission and dedication to those in need. Learn more at www.ymcanj.org/fa.

Additional open house dates will be released soon. Future open house dates, registration and other information for the Freehold Y summer camp can be found online at https://ymcanj.org/camp/freehold-day-camp/.

The Y will also offer summer day camps at Camp Zehnder in Wall and other Y facility locations in Red Bank, Old Bridge and Ocean County. School district “wrap around” camps are being hosted at school-based locations in Matawan-Aberdeen and Marlboro, conveniently bringing the fun of YMCA summer camps to local schools. Information is available online at www.ymcanj.org/camp.

As planning for the 2026 day camp season continues, Wilson expressed his excitement: “Our Freehold Family YMCA day camp staff is looking forward to giving local kids the best summer ever!”

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 60,000 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.