CREATE. GROW. EXPLORE. MiniQuest Camps are located at the F.M. Kirby Children's Center and are for preschool students ages 3-4.
We are busy planning for our 2026 camp season. Learn more about Quest Camps here.
Registration for all Madison Area YMCA day camps is currently live online. Use a desktop, laptop or mobile device to register.
2026 Summer Day Camps begin Monday, June 22, 2026.
We are excited to offer three wonderful options for your preschooler this summer:
Option 1:
Preschool Summer Session
7 a.m. - 6 p.m. for preschoolers
Available Sessions 1-5 (Weeks 1-10)*
At the F.M. Kirby Children's Center
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Children will remain in their same classrooms with their same teachers.
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The Creative Curriculum continues, with added waterplay and outdoor exploration.
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Families register for the full 10-week session.
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No enrichment classes at the Family Center and no swimming during this session.
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Location: F.M. Kirby Children’s Center
This option keeps your child’s routine consistent, allowing for continued growth and fun in a familiar, nurturing environment.
Learn more about Quest Camps here.
Option 2:
ACA-Accredited MiniQuest
Full-Day Summer Day Camp
(for preschoolers)
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. for preschoolers
Available Sessions 1-5 (Weeks 1-10)*
At the F.M. Kirby Children's Center
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Led by our trained YMCA Camp staff.
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Offers swimming twice a week at the Family Center.
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Fun Fridays and themed activities throughout the summer.
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Hours: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Full-day and half-day options available).
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Drop-off from 8-8:45 a.m. and pickup from 4:30-5 p.m.
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Before- and after-care are available (at an additional fee).
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Location: F.M. Kirby Children’s Center
This option is perfect for families looking for a lively summer experience filled with play, learning, and exploration!
Learn more about Quest Camps here.
Option 3:
MiniQuest Half-Day
Summer Day Camp
(for preschoolers)
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. for preschoolers
Available Sessions 1-5 (Weeks 1-10)*
At the F.M. Kirby Children's Center
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Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
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Drop-off from 8-8:45 a.m. and pickup from 12:30-12:45 p.m.
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Led by our trained YMCA Camp staff.
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Camp is held at the F.M. Kirby Children’s Center.
Learn more about Quest Camps here.
SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE
(7-8:30 AM) (Optional Before Care)
8:30 AM Campers Arrive
9 AM Morning Circle
9:20 AM Active Play/Playground
10 AM Morning Snack
10:30 AM Arts and Crafts
11 AM Gym Time
11:45 AM Lunch
12:30 PM Read Aloud Story Time
1:15 PM Creative/Dramatic Play
1:45 PM Active Play/Playground or Gym
2:30 PM Afternoon Snack
3 PM Stations (Blocks, Play Dough, Coloring, etc.)
3:45 PM Clean-up
4 PM Closing Circle Time
4:30 PM Campers Dismissal
(4:30-6 PM) (Optional After Care)
IMPORTANT DETAILS
FOR ALL OPTIONS
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Families cannot mix and match between Preschool and Camp options.
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Returning students: your spot for the school year will be held even if you opt out of summer programming.
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Camp and Summer Program registration will open in January 2026 for the summer session.
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If you plan to continue in our Preschool Program, we need to receive confirmation by April 1, 2026, to support enrollment planning.
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Toddlers and Young 3s will transition into their new classrooms by the end of June.
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Families will receive at least one month’s notice if a classroom transition affects your child.
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Y Scholarships and Tuition Assistance may be available—ask us how to apply.
Not sure which option is the best for your family? Our staff is here to help! Talk with your child’s teacher, reach out to our Camp Director, or talk with a member of the Kirby Administrative Team—we’re happy to help you think through your options and provide support.
Please also read our Preschool Summer FAQs here.
We’re excited to offer these options to better serve our Kirby community—and to provide every child with a joyful, enriching summer experience that reflects the care, consistency, and quality you expect from the Madison Area YMCA.
The YMCA believes that every child should have the opportunity to enjoy a summer camp experience. As a charity, the Madison Area YMCA offers a Y Scholarship program that provides help to families who cannot afford the full price of camp.
Through generous donations and special events, the Madison Area YMCA provided 254 weeks of camp in 2025 which totaled more than $71,500 in assistance.
When you register your child for camp this year, please consider making a donation. Our financial assistance does more than send kids to camp. You’ll help ensure that another child will have the best summer ever.
The Y.™ For a better us. Click here to donate now!
