Child Care & Camps | YMCA of the Chippewa Valley
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From their very first friendships to unforgettable summer adventures, the Y is here for every stage of childhood. Our licensed, high-quality programs provide a safe, nurturing environment where kids learn, play, build confidence, and belong—before school, after school, during breaks, and all summer long.

Care That Grows With Your Child

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The YMCA Early Learning Community child care programs work to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities by developing the mind, body, and spirit through the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility

Days Gone By YMCA Early Learning Community & 4K

Eau Claire South YMCA

6 weeks to 5 years

Days Gone By YMCA Early Learning Community strives to offer high quality early childhood care and education to families in the Chippewa Valley. We believe that each child has been created by God to be a unique and special individual with a wonderful purpose. 

Chippewa Falls YMCA Early Learning Community

Chippewa Falls YMCA

4 weeks to 5 years old

The Chippewa Falls YMCA Early Learning Community child care programs work to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities by developing the mind, body, and spirit through the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

4K Cardinals Chippewa Falls

Chippewa Falls YMCA

4-5 year olds

The YMCA Early Learning Community partners with the Chippewa Falls School District for the Chippewa Falls 4K Cardinals program, to better prepare students for kindergarten. The program focuses on school readiness.

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This state-licensed program offers children care where they can stay engaged in a fun, safe, and friendly atmosphere. Each site offers a unique program to help individual children develop positive self-esteem. Daily activities may include group discussions, group play, positive interaction, arts & crafts, homework help, and outdoor play. Care is provided until 6:00 PM at your child's After School Program site. An afternoon snack is provided.

Before School Care

5-12 years old

This program is available for children enrolled in all Eau Claire elementary schools (all public and private schools). Before School Care is designed to provide quality, licensed childcare for children before their school day begins. Care is available for 5-12 years old.

Cost per day: $12-$14

Eau Claire Area Sites

After School Care

5-12 years old

This state-licensed program offers children care where they can stay engaged in a fun, safe, and friendly atmosphere. Each site offers a unique program to help individual children develop positive self-esteem. Daily activities may include group discussions, group play, positive interaction, arts & crafts, homework help, and outdoor play. Care is provided until 6:00 PM at your child's After School Program site. An afternoon snack is provided.

Cost per day: $14-$17

Chippewa Falls Area Sites

Eau Claire Area Sites

Elk Mound Area Site

Menomonie Area Site

School's Out Care

5-14 years old

In YMCA School's Out Care, kids engage in physical and educational activities that encourage them to explore who they are and what they can achieve. It’s a safe place to learn, have fun, and get active during the school year when school isn't in session (snow days, holiday breaks, and scheduled non-school days).


School's Out is designed to provide quality, licensed childcare for children who are enrolled in the YMCA Before and After School Care when the schools are not in session. Daily plans include sports, arts and crafts, and many other activities to keep your child motivated, social, and active. Enrollment availability varies.

Cost per day: $45-$48

Chippewa Falls Area Site

Eau Claire Area Site


Before School Care
After School Care
Schools Out Care
Summer Camp
EC Downtown Camp Academy
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The YMCA of the Chippewa Valley offers Summer Day Camps for the children of the Chippewa Valley! We provide your child(ren) the opportunity to explore their interests and build positive relationships all while under the care of our qualified staff. With four convenient locations, we strive to provide a fun, engaging, and enriching program where the campers achieve success and build life-long memories of belonging and relationships! ​ Our program focuses on social and emotional development, Y values, teamwork skills, & positive habits. Campers will also participate in weekly field trips to various locations.

Quality Staff

Our camp teams consist of certified staff with an interest in education, recreation, or a similar youth-focused field, who make day camp an exciting experience for every camper. Our staff are trained in basic water safety, first-aid, child abuse prevention, emergency procedures, and CPR. ​

 

Why is our camp different?

  • We form authentic partnerships with the children.

  • We support and participate in children’s purposeful play.

  • We support meaningful learning.

  • We guide behavior and develop skills.

  • Children are heard and their opinions are valued.

  • There is trust and respect for everyone, by everyone.

Typical Camp Schedule

Opening (time varies by location) | Open for Care - Supervised Open Play

9:00 AM | Morning Meeting

9:15 AM | Group Activities

10:00 AM | AM Snack Break

10:30 AM | Group Activities

11:30 AM | Supervised Open Play

12:00 PM | Lunch Break 1:00 PM | Outdoor Recess

2:30 PM | PM Snack Break

3:00 PM | Group Activities/Craft

4:00 PM | Supervised Open Play

5:00 PM | Station Play

6:00 PM | Final Pick-up Time

Ready to Register?

  • The YMCA offers a General Membership. In order to receive discounted pricing as a member, you must have an active membership prior to enrollment. You must remain a Member from registration through the entirety of camp to continue to receive member pricing.

  • Please have your child(ren)'s information ready prior to registration. Per licensing, we are required to have immunization records, as well as additional information such as authorized pick-ups, allergies, and medical conditions.

  • If you have an outstanding balance, you will be unable to register for Summer Camp if you have outstanding balance on your account. Please call our membership service desk to resolve the outstanding balance.

  • Due to high demand and limited spaces, we suggest if you have not created a Daxko account to do so before registration begins.

  • All registrations need to be completed online via our website.

Camp Academy

Eau Claire Downtown YMCA

Camp Academy at the Eau Claire Downtown YMCA is offered in partnership with the Eau Claire Area School District and is available to ECASD students at no cost. This enriching summer experience combines learning, exploration, and fun through engaging activities, field trips, swimming, and plenty of outdoor time. Camp Academy provides a safe, supportive environment where campers can stay active, build friendships, and enjoy a summer they will always remember.

Camp Dates:

June 8-August 14, 2026

Monday-Friday, 8:15 AM-4:30 PM


Cost:

Pricing: FREE for all children who are enrolled in the Eau Claire Area School District. Only ECASD students can attend Camp Academy.

Meals:

PM Snack is provided.

Wrap Around Care: Camp Academy program runs from 8:15 AM-4:30 PM. Care needed beyond those hours will be part of our wrap around care.

  • Wrap around care will be offered from 6:30-8:15 AM and 4:30-6:00 PM.

  • Cost is $85 a week for Members and $110 for Non-Members.

  • Sign up for wrap around care will be available after initial camp registration and only is available for those who get into Camp Academy.

Camp Chippewa

Chippewa Falls YMCA

Camp Chippewa at the Chippewa Falls YMCA delivers a classic summer camp experience full of adventure and connection. Campers enjoy exciting field trips, swimming, outdoor play, and hands-on activities that encourage creativity, teamwork, and confidence. With a welcoming atmosphere and a balance of fun and structure, Camp Chippewa creates unforgettable summer memories for every child.

Camp Dates:

June 8-August 21, 2026

Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM-6:00 PM

Cost:

Pricing is PER WEEK

  • 5 Day Camp
    YMCA Members: $225 - you must remain a Member from registration through the entirety of camp to get member pricing.
    Non-Members: $275
    Registration fee is $50 per child

Meals:

The Y will provide breakfast, lunch, and PM snack. Campers can bring their own PM snack if they prefer.

Mini Camp Chippewa

Chippewa Falls Early Learning Community

Mini Camp Chippewa is for children who have completed 4K and/or are entering Kindergarten and filled with thrilling adventures and even bigger smiles! Each week is an exciting journey, featuring sunny strolls, splashes in the pool, and explorations of Irvine Park. With a fantastic variety of visitors, your child’s summer will be brimming with fun, friendships, and unforgettable memories!

Camp Dates:

June 8-August 21, 2026

Mondays-Fridays: 6:00 AM-6:00 PM

Cost:

$270-$290

Meals:

All meals and snacks will be provided by the YMCA Early Learning Community

Camp Menomonie - Full Day Care

Oaklawn Elementary School

Full Day care is offered when summer school is not in session.


The YMCA of the Chippewa Valley is proud to partner with the School District of the Menomonie Area to offer summer camp that compliments the district summer school offerings. Providing trusted, quality care and a summer to remember to our Menomonie students!


Camp Dates:

June 9-August 14, 2026

Full Day Care is available when Summer School is not in session. Click on the registration button to see all available dates for care.

Cost:

Cost per day: $48-$55

Meals:

To be determined

Camp Menomonie - Afternoon Care

Oaklawn Elementary School

Afternoon care is offered on Summer School days. Busing will be provided from summer school programming to Oaklawn Elementary.


The YMCA of the Chippewa Valley is proud to partner with the School District of the Menomonie Area to offer summer camp that compliments the district summer school offerings. Providing trusted, quality care and a summer to remember to our Menomonie students!


Camp Dates:

June 9-August 14, 2026

Afternoon care is offered on Summer School days. Busing will be provided from summer school programming to Oaklawn Elementary.


Cost:

Cost per week: $110-$135

Meals:

To be determined

YMCA Sports Center Camp

YMCA Sports Center

We strive to provide a fun, engaging, and enriching program where the campers achieve success and build life-long memories of belonging and relationships!

Camp Dates:

June 8-August 26, 2026

Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM-6:00 PM


2026 Camp Schedule with Dates

Cost:

Pricing is PER WEEK

To get member pricing, you must remain a Member from registration through the entirety of camp to get member pricing.


  • 5 Day Camp
    YMCA Members: $225
    Non-Members: $275
    Registration fee is $50 per child


  • 4 Day Camp
    YMCA Members: $185
    Non-Members: $245
    Registration fee is $50 per child


  • 3 Day Camp
    YMCA Members: $150
    Non-Members: $215
    Registration fee is $50 per child

Meals:

The Y will provide a PM snack. Campers can bring their own PM snack if they prefer. Campers can also purchase a lunch at the Y for $5.

Camp Manitou
YMCA Sports Center Camp
Camp Chippewa
Menomonie
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YMCA Camp Manitou is an overnight camp with programs for youth entering grades 2-10. Campers will learn new skills, play large group games, and have plenty of opportunities to go swimming and boating every day. 

OTHER YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES

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Child Watch

Child Watch is a free service offered to our YMCA Family Memberships. 

Child Watch sites are available at the following locations:

  • Chippewa Falls YMCA

  • Eau Claire Downtown YMCA

  • Eau Claire South YMCA

  • Menomonie East YMCA

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Child Watch is a drop-in daycare service for ages 6 weeks to 10 years. Child Watch has designated hours and care is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Drop-off your children with our caring staff and have a worry-free workout!​ 

This is a Member only benefit. Non-Members are not able to utilize this service.

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Parents' Night Out

Parents’ Night Out is a free service offered to our YMCA Family Membership.

 

The YMCA of the Chippewa Valley offers monthly Parents' Night Out Events at the YMCA Sports Center and the Menomonie Alliance Church. Activities include board games, crafts, gym time, movies, and pizza for dinner! Dinner will be provided for the children.

 

Kiddos have a blast at the Y while their parents can enjoy a evening out, in, or running errands... we've got the kids covered, you use the time to do what you wish! 

This service is FREE for those who have YMCA Household Memberships.

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Indoor Play Spaces

The YMCA of the Chippewa Valley has two Indoor Play Spaces available to YMCA Members & Non-Members at the Chippewa Falls YMCA and Eau Claire Downtown YMCA. 

These spaces are available for open play when Child Watch Services are not available. 

Members can utilize these spaces for free with their membership. Non-Members can purchase days passes to play.

 

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Family Fun Zone

Family Fun Zone is hosted at the YMCA Sports Center for our littlest kiddos! Free to our YMCA Family Memberships and open to Non-Members for a small fee. 

Family Fun Zone provides children and parents or an adult caregiver open play on our large turf field filled with toys, sports equipment, and inflatables.


Offered for children ages 0 to 5. Older kids are welcome as long as they are playing appropriately with the younger children. 

 

This is a seasonal offering, available select days September through May. 

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Family Night

Family Night is hosted at the YMCA Sports Center select Friday evenings! Free to our YMCA Family Memberships and open to Non-Members for a small fee.

Enjoy basketball, volleyball, soccer, yard games, inflatables, movies, and free popcorn. The Turf and Sports Court will be open throughout the night. 

This is a seasonal offering, available select Fridays, September through May. 

Image by Lidya Nada

Birthday Parties

We love birthdays! Host your next party with a YMCA twist - gym, swim, turf, gymnastics, kids gym - the possibilities are endless. 

Parties can be hosted at:

  • YMCA Sports Center

  • Chippewa Falls YMCA

  • EC Downtown YMCA

Parties are available for YMCA Members and Non-Members. Fees vary based on location and membership status.

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