YMCA LAKESIDE DAY CAMPS (Furness)

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Lake District. For over 90 years, YMCA Lakeside has been sparking fun, friendship and discovery through its action packed day camps for 7 to 15 year olds. Our week long programmes are designed to get young people outdoors, active and immersed in nature. From team challenges to adventurous games & activities, every day brings something new. Led by qualified instructors, day campers will explore, connect and grow, all while making memories that last a lifetime.

Each morning, our friendly staff collect campers from bus stops in Barrow, Dalton, Lindal-in-Furness, Ulverston and Greenodd, before heading to Lakeside for a full day of adventure. A typical day includes 6 hours of exciting activities with a break for a hearty, hot lunch. At the end of the day, campers hop back on the bus and are returned to their drop-off points ready to tell stories of their day.

At Lakeside, every adventure builds through out the week. Day campers begin by gaining outdoor confidence through teamwork, nature immersion and skill building, before progressing to a range of thrilling experiences like climbing, paddle sessions and ropes courses. Using a "challenge by choice" approach, we encourage each child to step outside their comfort zone in their own time, with full support from our caring team. The result? A week filled with laughter, growth, and a real sense of achievement.

At Lakeside, every adventure is designed to match the age and stage of a child's development, building confidence, teamwork and a lifelong love for the outdoors. Our programmes are thoughtfully divided into three age groups (7-9 years, 10-11 years and 12-15 years), ensuring every day camper takes part in activities that are safe, exciting, and just the right level of adventure.

Ages 7 to 9 Years (Shackleton)

Our youngest explorers enjoy days filled with curiosity, creativity and building outdoor confidence. Children enjoy hands-on fun and games that spark the imagination. From mini bushcraft, den building, and treasure hunts, to archery, giant swing, and water based fun and skill development. Our caring instructors create a supportive environment where every child feels valued, encouraged and ready to explore.

Ages 10 - 11 Years (Messner)

For our 10-11 year old's, the focus shifts toward personal challenge and team work. This age group blends outdoor exploration with skill building activities that boost independence and confidence. Day Campers tackle high ropes or natural climbing walls, team challenges, paddle and raft building sessions, and a scenic hike in the local fells.

Ages 12 - 15 Years (MacArthur)

For our oldest group, day camps becomes a true outdoor challenge. Designed to test skills, our adventure programme includes activities like rock climbing, adventure paddle sessions, a full offsite expedition, high ropes and crate stack challenges. These experiences build leadership, resilience and teamwork, inspiring teens to keep pushing their limits and embracing the outdoors.

No matter the age, every child leaves camps with new friends, unforgettable memories and a stronger connection to the natural world.

Questions? We've got you covered. Here are the answers people ask us most!

1. Can children join a course if they are not the right age?
Sorry, no. Our programmes are carefully curated to match children's age and their stage of development, ensuring activities are safe, enjoyable and the right level of challenge. For this reason, children need to be within the specified age range to join a course.

2. Do you accept friend requests?
Yes of course! In the check out process you'll be asked if your child has a friend the same age as them that they would like to be with. While we try our absolute best to accommodate these requests, its not always possible.

3. How does transport work?
We have dedicated bus stops in Barrow, Dalton, Lindal-in-Furness, Ulverston and Greenodd. During the check out process, you will be asked to select a bus stop from one of our collection points. Our staff will collect your child each morning and return them to the same bus stop in the afternoon. We confirm via email pick up and drop off times one week before camps begin, as timings vary based on numbers being collected from each stop. Pick up times typically occur between 7:15am and 8:30am with drop offs between 4:15pm and 5:30pm.

4. Can someone else pick up or drop off my child?
Yes! We ask for a list of trusted people who can collect and drop of your child. We confirm with adults every morning who is collecting your child that day. If you've not already provided the name of that person during the booking process, we ask you confirm their details in writing by emailing lakesidedaycamps@fyldecoastymca.org. Please ensure you bring your ID!

5. What does my child need to bring and wear?
We'll email you a detailed kit list with the essentials that your child needs to bring each day. To give you an idea, they will definitely need clothes and trainers to get wet and muddy in, a full change of clothes, a towel, hat, sun cream and a refillable water bottle.

6. What food is provided?
We provide a hot, nutritious lunch every day that meets school meal standards. As our campers are active outdoors from the moment they arrive, we also provide breakfast so ready to go. Children are also welcome to bring along a few healthy NUT FREE snacks to keep their energy up between activities!

7. Does my child need to be able to swim for water activities?
No. All children wear buoyancy aids when participating in water activities. However, we do recommend your child feels confident around the water.

8. What happens if my child doesn't want to take part in activities?
Our approach is all about gentle encouragement. We use a "challenge by choice" approach where children are supported to join in at their own pace. While campers must remain with their activity group for safety and supervision, if your child doesn't feel ready for an activity , our instructors will help them stay involved in a way that feels comfortable - whether that's cheering on their friends or helping with equipment. There's always a fun way to stay included and finish a day having enjoyed their activity, no matter how they take part.

Have any other questions? Contact us!