The YMCA of the Sandhills has opened registration for their annual summer camp for kids. Four locations will be open for day campers. Two are in Cumberland County (4028 Legion Rd. in Hope Mills, 2717 Fort Bragg Rd. in Fayetteville) and two are in Harnett County (Carlette Cagle Dr. in Cameron and 80 Word Church Ln. in Lillington). Camp runs from June 1 to Aug. 14. Registration opened March 3. The Cumberland County camps run Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and are open to ages 5-11. The Harnett County camps run from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Saleeby Day camp is open to ages 5-11, while the Saleeby Outdoor camp is for ages 7-11.
Registration is paid for on a weekly basis. For members, registration costs $175 per week. For non-members, the cost is $190. Each week requires a $20 deposit. Non-members also have a $50 registration fee. For more information, visit https://ymcaofthesandhills.org/day-camp
The YMCA of the Sandhills Day Camp will give kids the opportunity for swimming, craft time, STEM activities and play time.
“Summer Day Camp at the Y gives kids a place to make new friends, stay active, learn new skills, swim, unplug from screens, and just have fun in a safe, supportive, welcoming place all summer long,” said Chealsea Sias, Association Director of Youth Development for YMCA of the Sandhills. “The Y also provides peace of mind for working parents while school is out that their children are making memories, off of their devices for the day, and just being kids while they play with their peers and learn from our trained staff. There’s no place like the Y when it comes to summer fun and kids.”
The YMCA is also offering experiences for teens throughout the summer. The Get Summer memberships for 12-18 year olds includes teen only workouts, swim times and activities. Local mentors will be on hand to help out with real-world skills like interviewing for jobs and money management. Registration for the Get Summer memberships opens May 5. For more information, visit https://ymcaofthesandhills.org/teens
Teens can also participate in Leaders in Training and Counselors in Training programs. These courses allow younger teens the opportunity to learn from Day Camp counselors and help out with the younger kids throughout their activities. The cost is $80 a week for members and $85 a week for non-members. Teens can apply using the link above. The YMCA provides physical and mental well being supports for teens. Teens and parents can use the Teen Mental Health Resource Hub, a tool for learning more and getting help if it is needed.
The United Way of Cumberland County has worked closely with the Y to create a space for mental health for teenagers in the area.
The YMCA of the Sandhills has been a member of the greater Fayetteville community since 1922. The location on 2717 Fort Bragg Rd. offers a pool, pickleball, saunas, basketball courts, personal training and childcare. For more information about the Y, visit https://ymcaofthesandhills.org/

(Photo: Kids play during the YMCA of the Sandhills Summer Camp in 2025. Photo courtesy of Michelle McKinley, Director of Communications and Grant Administration, YMCA of the Sandhills)