2026 Day Camp Updates

We’re excited to bring you another summer of Day Camp in 2026! Due to feedback from staff, parents, community members, and the changing landscape of youth engagement and needs, we’ve made some updates and refreshed this program for summer 2026.

Please read the following updates closely to know what to expect. Parent survey feedback, industry recommendations, staff input, and our strategic plan guide these changes. These changes reflect the high demand for youth programming and childcare in Homer, as well as the developmental needs of today's youth.

• In 2026, Day Camp is for 7-9 year olds.

  We’re removing 6-year olds from the age range. Campers must be age 7-9 at the time they arrive at camp. This allows us to best support youth in an age-appropriate way. Explore our other camps for programs aimed at younger or older children.

• Pick-up and Drop-off will be at the Wynn Nature Center

  We’re moving Day Camp from Headquarters to the Wynn! Located just 10-15 minutes from town, the Wynn will provide a calmer, larger, and more natural basecamp for your campers to be their best selves, and will help create an improved rhythm and boundaries for camp.

• Campers’ attendance will initially be limited to a maximum of 5 weeks.

  While we’ll still offer 9 weeks of Day Camp through the summer, we’re limiting enrollment for 2026. This is to avoid camper burnout (the kids get tired!) and spread campers across the opportunities at other organizations around town, like HCOA. 

• A Lottery Application will be open on our website December 15th- January 15th.

  Due to Day Camp’s increased popularity over the last number of years, we’re implementing a new randomized lottery system to ensure our registration process remains fair and lowers stress for families. This application will allow you to submit the weeks of camp that you are interested in and available for. 

  2026 Day Camp Registration Timeline:

  • December 15th: Lottery submissions open and scholarship application information available. 

  • January 15th: Lottery submission closes, scholarship application priority deadline for Day Camp. Scholarship application remains open on a rolling basis.

  • After January 15th: We will begin randomly selecting Day Camp applications and filling out the weeks of camp.

  • January 30th (approximate): Families are notified about what weeks of Day Camp they got into. At this time you will be able to fill out the online registration form and pay your deposit/balance. (The lottery will take your availability, camper age, etc. into account)

  • February 10th (approximate): We will open up any remaining Day Camp spots on a first-come, first-served basis. Other camp programs (i.e. SPIT Kids, overnight camps, day programs at the Wynn) will be open on a first come, first serve basis (no lottery system).

• What if my child has developmental, behavioral, learning, health, or other needs?

  If your child receives support at school or other group settings (OT, PT, DSP, SPED, IEP, CBC, ABA), we encourage you to let us know so we can have a conversation about how we can support them at camp. Even if your child does not receive support at school or otherwise, but struggles with:

  • Social interactions with other youth

  • Following directions/engaging in set activities

  • Elopement

  • Regulating their emotions

  • Or something else notable…

  please email us about support before registration—or include this information in your Lottery Application—so we can reach out.

  Knowing the support your child needs in advance allows our staff to help them have a successful and fun camp experience. Your child’s support needs will not impact your lottery chances. They do, however, allow us to plan camp thoughtfully. For more information, see our Behavior Policy.

• Will activities be the same?

  Mostly! Day Camp will still have loose weekly themes that guide campers’ exploration, and occasional field trips around town to places like the Inspiration Ridge Preserve, ponds and rivers, parks, local farms, and beaches. Campers will have morning circle, snack, and lunch. In between, they’ll engage in structured activities, exploration, or free play. Each year, new staff bring ideas to camp that make it slightly different. Your kids will still have maximum time outside!

For questions about these changes, or to learn if Day Camp is a good fit for your child, please contact our Program Director.