Get Started
YMCA Licensed Summer Camp is licensed through the state of Montana and accepts the Best Beginnings scholarship. Camps focus on learning-loss prevention through activities designed to strengthen math and reading skills while keeping summer fun. Follow the steps below to submit an application. Please note that application does not guarantee acceptance. Online registration is not available at this time.
Download the Application
Click the button below to download a PDF application. Applications for the upcoming camp season are available starting in February.
Submit the Application
Return completed applications to the YMCA or email it to schoolage@ymcamissoula.org to be considered for a space in our summer learning camp.
Get Ready for Summer!
Our director will be in touch with you to confirm your spot. Site-specific details will be send to families in June.
Details & Pricing
Camp Horizon
Entering Grades 1–5
YMCA Camp Horizon is based out of Hellgate Elementary School.
Days & Times:
- Care is provided Monday–Friday
- Check-in is from 7:30–9:00 a.m. at Hellgate Elemetary School.
- Structured programming is offered from 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. and may included offsite activities.
- Check-out is from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Hellgate Elemetary School.
Upcoming Sessions & Costs:
Pricing effective June 2026. Costs include a daily breakfast, lunch, and snack. Camp Horizon accepts the Best Beginnings scholarship.
- June 15–30: $684/child
- July 1–31: $1,311/child
- August 1–14: $570/child
- One-time supply fee: $55 ($75 for families enrolling 2+ children)
Camp Imagination
Entering Grades 1–5
YMCA Camp Imagination is based out of Russell Elementary School.
Days & Times:
- Care is provided Monday–Friday
- Check-in is from 7:30–9:00 a.m. at Russell Elementary.
- Structured programming is offered from 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. and may included offsite activities.
- Check-out is from 4:30–6:00 p.m. at Russell Elementary.
Upcoming Sessions & Costs:
Pricing effective June 2026. Costs include a daily breakfast, lunch, and snack. Camp Imagination accepts the Best Beginnings scholarship.
- June 15–30: $684/child
- July 1–31: $1,311/child
- August 1–14: $570/child
- One-time supply fee: $55 ($75 for families enrolling 2+ children)
Month-Long Camp FAQs
No. YMCA Licensed Summer Camp is open to members and non-members.
Hours depend on your child's camp location.
- Camp Horizon at Hellgate Elementary School: Supervised full-day care runs from 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. five days a week with camp curriculum running from 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Camp Imagination at Russell Elementary School: Supervised full-day care runs from 7:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. five days a week with camp curriculum running from 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Applications are available online and in-person at the YMCA starting in February. We start accepting completed applications on March 1. Completed applications may be emailed to schoolage@ymcamissoula.org or dropped off at the YMCA's Welcome Center.
We do not offer online registration for our month-long summer camps. Download the PDF application found on this page or stop by the YMCA Welcome Center for a paper application.
Applications for the upcoming camp season are available starting in February. We start accepting completed applications on March 1. Completed applications may be emailed to schoolage@ymcamissoula.org or dropped off at the YMCA's Welcome Center.
Yes. Due to Montana's state licensing requirements, we do not offer licensed camps in one-week blocks and you must pay for the full month. There are no discounts or refunds for the days your camper doesn't attend.
Families needing a single week of care are encouraged to sign up for our week-long summer day camps. Please note that our week-long camps do not accept Best Beginnings, although YMCA financial resistance is available for qualifying families.
Yes. A one-time, non-refundable $55* registration fee is required for each summer.
*$75 when registering 2+ campers.
Licensed camps, like the YMCA's month-long summer learning program, are reviewed by the State of Montana and able to accept the Best Beginnings scholarship. Best Beginnings is an income-based, state-funded program that helps Montanans pay for child care.
As part of licensing requirements, counselors at our month-long camp sites must complete 16+ hours of ongoing professional development annually in addition to their standard 40 hours of camp training..
Click the button to learn more.
Best Beginnings is a state program managed by the Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services.
Click the button below to learn more about the program and how to apply. Families using the scholarship are responsible for a co-payment and any fees not covered by their authorization plan.
Families seeking assistance must apply to Best Beginnings before applying for YMCA Financial Assistance.
Yes. If you have applied and not qualified for Best Beginnings, you may qualify for YMCA financial assistance. Please submit your application at least seven days prior to applying for camp. Families who qualify for Best Beginnings may also qualify for YMCA Financial Assistance. You must apply for Best Beginnings before applying for YMCA Financial Assistance.
Our Sponsors & Partners
A special thank you to our camp sponsors and partners:
