Why Parents Choose Us

The YMCA of Greater Birmingham has been a trusted youth program provider in Central Alabama for over 100 years. So much more than childcare, our values at Summer Camp reflect a commitment to strengthening community through programs that support healthy living, youth development and social responsibility.

🧡 Their Child Belongs
Kids are known by name, welcomed with intention, and feel included for exactly who they are.

🛡️ Safety They Trust
Highly trained, carefully screened staff provide a safe, well-supervised environment every day.

🌱 More Than Childcare
Campers build confidence, character, and social skills through intentional, values-based programming.

🎨 Choice & Variety
Daily choice-based activities and new experiences each week keep children engaged and excited.

☀️ Peace of Mind
Parents know their child is happy, cared for, and growing in a place they trust.

🏊🏾‍♀️ Commitment to Water Safety
Free swim lessons during the camp day for campers who need additional instruction to pass the YMCA swim test

Our Values

Our Commitment to Child Safety and Abuse Prevention
At the YMCA of Greater Birmingham, child safety is foundational to everything we do. We follow Praesidium-informed practices and YMCA safety standards that promote prevention, accountability, and transparency. Staff receive training in child abuse prevention, supervision, and safety protocols to ensure every child is protected physically and emotionally.
👉 Learn more about our safety policies, reporting procedures, and family resources.

Staff Training Active Supervision
We prioritize the safety and well-being of every child through low staff-to-child ratios, monitored sign-in and sign-out procedures, and active supervision at all times. Our staff are carefully selected, thoroughly screened, and trained to create a safe, supportive environment where children thrive.

Engaging, Developmentally Appropriate Activities
Camp experiences are designed to support the whole child—building confidence, skills, healthy habits, and positive relationships through engaging, fun, and developmentally appropriate activities.

Strong Communication and Family Partnership
We believe child safety and success are strongest when families and staff work together. Clear communication, responsive staff, and ongoing feedback ensure each child has a positive, well-supported camp experience.

How to Register

Click HERE for instructions on how to register. 

Deposits

Deposits will be required at the time of registration for each week. This deposit will hold your child’s spot for that particular week. Deposits vary by branch $0-$20 per week. Deposits are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another week. 

All fees must be automatically paid from your checking account or debit/credit card. Fees will be scheduled for payment on the Wednesday prior to the week of care. You will be charged for each week you reserve, regardless of attendance, unless you cancel under our cancellation policy. i3 Academy and Alabaster City Schools camps do not require a deposit. 

Late Registration

Registration is open online through the Thursday prior to the week of care. Campers registered on Thursday or later for the upcoming week and/or registered after the start of the current week will be charged a $10 late registration fee, and payment will be processed with the weekly fees.

Refund/Cancellation Policy

If the YMCA cancels a week, a full refund will be issued for fees paid. If a parent wishes to cancel a week, 2 weeks’ advance written notice is required, using the appropriate cancellation form. Registration Fees and Weekly Deposits are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another week. No refunds or credits for weekly fees will be issued for requests that do not meet the 2-week notice, and the weekly balance will be considered due.  CLICK HERE to submit a cancellation request.

Medication

Your written permission is required to administer medication and medical procedures to your child. Any prescriptions sent to the child care facility must be in its original container and must be clearly labeled with your child’s name, the name of the drug, and directions for administering the drug. A new authorization form is needed each week. Click the red button below to complete the form. CLICK HERE to complete the form or select the red button below.

Parent Manual

Our Parent/Guardian Manual provides information to help you and your child have a successful experience. Please read everything carefully and let us know if you have any questions or concerns. CLICK HERE to read the manual or select the red button below.

Child Protection

The YMCA of Greater Birmingham has zero tolerance for abuse and will not tolerate the mistreatment or abuse of children and teens in its programs. We are proud to have Praesidium Accreditation®, a designation that publicly demonstrates to consumers that the YMCA of Greater Birmingham has achieved the highest industry standards in abuse prevention. CLICK HERE to learn about our abuse prevention and policies or select the red button below.

Red To Green

Exclusively for YMCA Day Campers, this program gives campers who are unable to pass the YMCA swim test the opportunity to take FREE swim lessons during camp if their parent opts in. When registering for Summer Day Camp, you will be asked if your child can pass the YMCA Swim Test. If you select “No,” you will be prompted to choose if you would like your camper(s) to take FREE swim lessons during their camp day. 

Why It Matters

NEW: Multi-Week Discount

The YMCA will apply a multi-week discount after registration to campers with an active membership who register for 6 or more weeks at once on or before May 15, 2026. Membership must be active at the time of registration to receive the discount. At any point, if the camper cancels week(s) and drops below 6 weeks and/or the camper becomes inactive on membership, the multiweek discount will be removed effective with the next scheduled payment.

Weekly Discount

Members save $50 per week for summer day camps based at our six membership branches (Greystone YMCA, Hoover YMCA, Pelham YMCA, Shades Valley YMCA and Trussville YMCA)

Removing Financial Barriers

The YMCA of Greater Birmingham is committed to ensuring children have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive—regardless of a family’s ability to pay. Financial Assistance helps remove barriers to accessing Y programs and services. Awards are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Renewal of Childcare Financial assistance is required at the start of each camp season. Even if your family has been previously approved, please complete the application for consideration.
👉 Apply for Financial Assistance HERE

BILLING/ACCOUNT QUESTIONS

childcare@ymcabham.org

Branch/Youth Center Camps

Greystone YMCA

Contact: Melanie Norman | mnorman@ymcabham.org

5414 Highway US-280
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 981-0144

Hoover YMCA

Contact: Joy Mann | jmann@ymcabham.org

2250 John Hawkins Parkway
Hoover, AL 35244
(205) 682-1399

Northeast Community YMCA

Contact: Micah Hudson | mhudson@ymcabham.org

628 Red Lane Road
Birmingham, AL 35215
205-833-7616

Pelham

Contact: Niki Hunsberger | nhunsberger@ymcabham.org

2610 Pelham Parkway
Pelham, AL 35124
(205) 664-9622

Shades Valley YMCA

Contact: Erica Jones | ejones@ymcabham.org

3551 Montgomery Highway
Homewood, AL 35209
(205) 870-9622

Trussville

Contact: Fred Hatcher | fhatcher@ymcabham.org

5920 Valley Road
Trussville, AL 35173
(205) 655-2224

Youth Center

Contact: Kawanna Brickler | kbrickler@ymcabham.org

2400 7th Ave. North
Birmingham, AL 35203
205.324.1643

School-Based Camps

i3 Academy Summer Learning

Contact:
Wendy Ayers | Area Youth Development Director | wayers@ymcabham.org
Imen Saunders | Site Director | isaunders@ymcabham.org
230 49th St N,
Birmingham, AL 35212

Alabaster City Schools – Summer Learning

Contact:
Gabby Tyson | Area Youth Development Director | gtyson@ymcabham.org
Briana Williams | Executive Director | bwilliams@ymcabham.org

Thompson Middle School
100 Warrior Dr,
Alabaster, AL 35007

Homewood City Schools – Day Camp 

Leadership Team
Yunitka Enge | Camp Director | yenge@ymcabham.org
Carrisa Long | Camp Director | clong@ymcabham.org
Gabby Tyson | Area Youth Development Director | gtyson@ymcabham.org

Shades Cahaba Elementary School
3001 Independence Dr
Homewood, AL 35209

Homewood City Schools – Math & Literacy Camp

Contact:
Gabby Tyson | Area Youth Development Director | gtyson@ymcabham.org
Yunika Enge | Site Director | yenge@ymcabham.org
Carissa Long | Site Director | clong@ymcabham.org

Shades Cahaba Elementary School
3001 Independence Dr
Homewood, AL 35209

Hoover City Schools – Math & Literacy Camp

Contact:
Wendy Ayers | Area Youth Development Director | wayers@ymcabham.org
Java Lacey | Site Director | jlacey@ymcabham.org
Briana Williams | Executive Director | bwilliams@ymcabham.org

Green Valley Elementary School
3200 Old Columbiana Rd,
Hoover, AL 35226

Trussville City Schools – Day Camp

Contact:
Jaylin Hale | Area Director | jhale@ymcabham.org
Charity Miller | Site Director | cmiller@ymcabham.org
Jordan Markle | Site Director | jmarkle@ymcabham.org

Paine Elementary
7500 Gadsden Hwy
Trussville, AL 35173

Trussville City Schools – Math & Literacy Camp

Contact:
Jaylin Hale | Area Director | jhale@ymcabham.org
Charity Miller | Site Director | cmiller@ymcabham.org
Jordan Markle | Site Director | jmarkle@ymcabham.org

Paine Elementary
7500 Gadsden Hwy
Trussville, AL 35173

YMCA Sleepaway Camp Cosby

Online: campcosby.ymcabham.org/

Administrative office: (256) 268-2007

2290 Paul Bear Bryant Rd
Alpine, AL 35014