YMCA launches summer day camp site in Millsboro

This summer, more than 100 Sussex County families will have a trusted, affordable place to send their kids.

The YMCA of Delaware is expanding its summer programming with the launch of YMCA Camp Millsboro, a new day camp site at Millsboro Middle School. 

The announcement comes as Sussex County continues to face a significant childcare desert, where demand for licensed childcare far exceeds availability, leaving working families with few safe, enriching options for their children during the summer months.

Serving youth in kindergarten through fifth grade and teens in grades six to eight, the new camp will run from Monday, June 15, to Friday, Aug. 21, offering families in the Millsboro area increased access to high-quality summer programming in a safe and engaging environment. When structured summer options aren’t available, too many children spend their days indoors, isolated on devices, missing out on opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, skill-building and exposure to positive adult role models.

“At the Y, we are committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive, especially during the summer months," said LoriKay Paden, community vice president and executive director of the Sussex Family YMCA. "The addition of YMCA Camp Millsboro allows us to expand our reach in Sussex County and provide more families with a trusted place for their children to stay active, build friendships and continue learning while school is out."

No family will be turned away due to cost. The YMCA of Delaware offers financial assistance on a sliding scale, and the Y is actively working with the State of Delaware to accept Purchase of Care, a state subsidy program that helps income-eligible families afford childcare, so every child has access to a safe, high-quality summer experience regardless of their family's financial situation.

YMCA of Delaware Summer Camp programming delivers a well-rounded experience that includes outdoor play, arts and crafts, STEM activities, sports and enrichment opportunities. YMCA Camp Millsboro campers will participate in weekly off-site field trips, including beach outings, as well as water-based activities designed to keep children active and engaged throughout the summer. In addition to recreational programming, the camp will incorporate language arts and math into daily activities to support academic development and help prevent summer learning loss.

The YMCA of Delaware maintains a strong commitment to safety. All camp staff undergo background checks and are trained in child abuse prevention, CPR, first aid and best practices in youth development.

In addition to the traditional day camp, YMCA Camp Millsboro will offer a teen leadership program for students in grades six to eight. It will run Monday through Thursday from June 29 through Aug. 20, and is designed to promote character development, community involvement and leadership skills through activities such as team building, service projects and enrichment opportunities.

To learn more, go to ymcade.org.