A TYPICAL DAY AT CAMP & Camp Chase Day Camp Program
At Camp Chase YMCA, summer is filled with energy, laughter, and hands-on adventure. Located on the border of Burlington and Farmington, and backed by the trusted tradition of YMCA camping, Camp Chase creates a safe, welcoming space where kids can explore new activities, build friendships, and grow in confidence each day. From outdoor games and creative arts to nature exploration and team challenges, every moment is intentionally designed to help campers discover what they love — all while heading home each afternoon with stories they can’t wait to share.
A Typical Day At Camp
Pre Camp
Early drop-off campers (or those arriving by bus) can jump right into the fun! Before the camp day officially begins, campers enjoy supervised activities such as playground time, Gaga ball, basketball on the lower courts, or hanging out with friends in the pavilion.
7:00-9:00 AM
Parent Drop-Off
If your camper isn’t registered for bus transportation or Pre-Camp, regular drop-off takes place between 8:45–9:00 AM. Our team will be ready to welcome them with smiles and get them settled in so they’re ready to jump into a full day of Camp Chase fun!
8:45-9:00 AM
Morning Flag/Announcement
Each morning, the entire camp community gathers together to kick off the day. We raise the flag, say the Pledge of Allegiance, and hear important announcements from our leadership team—setting the tone for a fun, positive, and exciting day at Camp Chase!
9:15 AM
Morning Activities
Activities at Camp Chase are thoughtfully planned by age group to make sure every camper is challenged, engaged, and having fun. Each week, all campers rotate through exciting experiences like Arts & Crafts, STEM, Nature Hikes, and Free Swim. Older campers also get the opportunity to add adventure to their week with archery and climbing built right into their schedule. And because summer isn’t complete without time in the pool, Free Swim is offered daily! Of course, we keep the classic camp traditions alive too — campers will enjoy s’mores and tie-dye on alternating weeks, creating memories (and colorful keepsakes) that last long after summer ends.
945 AM to Noon
Lunch
Campers enjoy lunch each day with their group and counselors, giving them time to relax, recharge, and connect with friends. To keep lunches fresh and organized, they are collected at morning check-in, sorted into group-labeled milk crates, and safely refrigerated until lunchtime.
Noon
Afternoon Electives
Afternoon electives at Camp Chase are designed around camper interests and the unique talents of our staff. After lunch each day, campers get to choose which elective they’d like to participate in — giving them the freedom to explore new activities and discover what they love. Options may include swim instruction, free swim, candle-making, karate or martial arts, rugby, and more. By signing up daily, campers can try something new, build confidence, and create a camp experience that’s truly their own.
12:45PM to 2:30PM
Afternoon Flag/Spirit Cup Update
At the end of each camp day, our entire community comes back together to close things out. We lower the flag, celebrate the day, and share updates on our Spirit Cup standings before campers gather their belongings and prepare for pick-up or Post Care. Throughout the week, units earn Spirit Cup points by showing great teamwork and character — keeping their areas clean, demonstrating team spirit, being a good friend, following directions, trying something new, and more. At the end of the week, the unit with the most points proudly takes home the Spirit Cup, celebrating not just fun, but the positive values that make Camp Chase special.
3:15 PM
Parent Pick-Up
Families picking up their campers should plan for dismissal between 3:30–3:45 PM. Our team will have campers organized and ready, ensuring a smooth, safe, and efficient pick-up to wrap up a great day at Camp Chase.
3:30 PM
Dismissal for Busses and Postcare *additional charge for bussing and postcare
At dismissal, campers will be safely guided to their assigned buses or escorted to Post Care activities. Our staff ensures a smooth and organized transition so every camper ends their day at Camp Chase safely and confidently.
3:45 PM
Post Camp
After the regular camp day ends, Post Care provides a relaxed, supervised environment similar to Pre-Camp. Campers will have access to a selection of low-key activities while they wait to be picked up, allowing them to wind down after a full day of fun. For added convenience, Pre-Camp and Post Care options are also available at the Farmington Valley YMCA and the Wheeler YMCA if those locations work better for your family’s drop-off or pick-up needs.
4:00-6:00 PM
Units are not just age groups but small communities arranged by the camper’s grade entering this fall.
Units compete each week for the Spirit Cup by chanting, showing their camp spirit, and overall activity around camp. Please note that we are not offering day camp for ages 3 & 4 that are not entering Kindergarten, our local day camps do offer this age group for more information click HERE.
We understand that campers often come with a friend they would like to be with. We strongly believe that camp is an opportunity to meet new people. As such, we limit requests to one per camper. There is a space on the registration form to make your request or you can contact the camp office. Requests will only be honored for campers within one year of each other in age. Both campers must also mutually request to be in the same group.
(Entering Kindergarten) Our youngest campers experience a full day of fun with caring staff that help guide them through their adventures. Camp activities include: swim lessons, free swim, LEGOS, nature/science, arts & crafts, and sports.
(Entering 1st & 2nd grade) The B’s & D’s are excited to add rock climbing to this Unit. A skilled staff person will help them climb the wall and reach their goals in more than one way! Camp activities include: swim lessons, free swim, nature/science, arts & crafts, rock climbing, and sports.
(Entering 3rd & 4th grade) Our Rockin’ Rascals will explore camp and experience Archery for the first time. Shooting once a week the kids will learn the basics and take aim. Camp activities include: swim lessons, free swim, nature/science, arts & crafts, sports, and rock climbing.
(Entering 5th & 6th grade) “P-U What?”… “P-Unit”! This group loves to show their true camp pride chanting their Unit name as the make their way around the campus. Being introduced to the more challenging features of our Ropes Course, the Pioneers will work together as a team to achieve their goals. Camp activities include: swim lessons, free swim, nature/science, arts & crafts, sports, rock climbing, and archery.
(Entering 7th & 8th grade) This fun loving and energetic group of campers are some of our oldest here at camp. This means that the Rangers are able to participate in every activity available at camp and more. This program also utilizes our low ropes course to foster team work and a sense of community within the unit. Camp activities include: swim lessons, free swim, nature/science, arts & crafts, sports, rock climbing, archery, and Mt. Boards.
At Camp Chase, these groups are known as the “ITs.” They focus on building leadership skills, tackling challenges, and forming meaningful friendships. Our LIT/CIT's go on an overnight field trip to our sister overnight camp, Camp Jewell to participate in some of the many high ropes activities there!
Common Questions
Learn More About Camp Chase
If your schedule changes and you need to drop off your camper(s) late or pick them up early, please call our office at (860) 379-2782. For early pickups, notify camp at the latest before 11:00 a.m. and pick up your camper before 3:00 p.m. or at the regular 4:00 p.m. pickup. For your child’s safety, campers will be released only to individuals listed on the contact sheet who present a valid photo ID.
Our bus cannot return to pick up campers who miss their scheduled bus time. We strongly suggest arriving at least 5 minutes early to the bus stop. If your child misses the bus, you can drop them off at Camp Chase—just call our office to let us know.
Please send your camper each day with labeled items, including:
- Backpack
- Lunch
- Snacks
- Bathing suit
- Towel
- Sunscreen / bug spray
- Water bottle
- Complete change of clothes (for campers under 6)
Campers must wear sneakers or closed-toe shoes unless at the pool. Hats and weather-appropriate clothing are encouraged. Sunscreen should be applied at home before drop-off (see our sunscreen policy). On rainy days, include rain gear.
We know campers enjoy being with friends, but camp is also a great place to meet new people. Therefore, each camper may make one friend request. There’s a spot on the registration form to submit this request, or you can call the camp office. Both campers must be within one year of age and must request each other for the request to be granted.
(Information coming soon—please contact our office for details.)
We hold several Open Houses each spring and also host a parent/camper orientation before the start of camp. Stay tuned for dates and details.
- A $75 non-refundable deposit per session, per child must be included with registration and will go toward the total camp fee.
- The remaining balance is due three weeks before the session starts.
- If a camper is dismissed for behavioral reasons or withdrawn voluntarily, no fees will be refunded.
- Cancellations after June 1 are not eligible for any refund.
- All refund requests (minus deposit) must be submitted in writing.
We provide an afternoon snack only for campers enrolled in post-camp. Lunch is not provided. Please pack a brown bag lunch and drink for each camper, clearly labeled with their name. Lunches will be refrigerated, but please do not send items that need heating, glass containers, or lunch boxes (as storage is limited). If your child needs utensils, please include plastic forks or spoons.
Camp runs rain or shine (and in hot weather). On hot days, we ensure campers have plenty of water breaks and shade. Please send your camper with a water bottle and appropriate gear for wet or hot weather. In severe conditions, your child’s safety is our top priority.
No. Anyone may attend Camp Chase. However, families with an active YMCA of Greater Hartford membership receive a $10 discount per week per camper.
