Member Testimonials

The kids had so much fun and got to do a variety of activities throughout the summer. They came home filthy and happy every day, and learned a lot of new games while making new friends.

There’s something for everyone and it keeps us active

I like the many different types of camps UMLY offers. There's a camp for everyone.

I like that there’s variety and that the kids can learn different skills throughout the summer. Much of the leadership is experienced and takes time to get to know the kids personally.

I think part of the challenge of running a camp is, a constant rotation of new counselors because of the age of counselors. I think there could be learnings from monitoring new and second year counselors. My kids reported quite a bit of downtime and counselors that did not know how to manage children who are not well behaved. Counselors also seemed to be overly strict with all campers in an effort to curb one specific campers behavior. This in particular was a theme in Art discovery. This stunts curiosity and does not create a fantastic learning environment. Maybe more can be done on the intake side to understand if there are groups that need an additional counselor because of known behaviors or challenges from campers. Additionally, both children came back with lots of reports of unwanted, not age appropriate physical attention, and language from other campers. (Specifically, both children were hit on by other campers of the same age group, asked for phone numbers and had other campers expressing attraction and be too physically close In a romanticly suggestive way). It was troubling enough that one of my children made up a story to miss Camp one day because they were afraid they were going to be asked out by a girl. They are in the 8 to 10 range. (I found out after camp ended). I’m wondering if there’s opportunities during stage to level set behavior at the beginning of each week for all campers, in an educational way.

I share this feedback only to help make the camp better. I send my kids to the Y camp every year and I will continue to do so as long as they are the right age. It is difficult to run a program with 700+ kids with a rotational staff and the upper Main Line Y does a really fantastic job. However, I believe in learning and, some of what I pointed out here I did not learn about until after camp is over.

Additional insights are that I thought the parking and pick up drop off system was the best this year. I do think that the Y should utilize text alerts rather than just email to let parents know of alternative pick up spots. Some of the alerts came while parents would’ve been in transit and we’re not checking our email at that time. I do think that weather adaptations for the kids were handled better this year, instead of cramming them all into the Johnson room each time. It seems that sometimes there were other alternatives. My kids have been going there a long time and thought stage was lacking this year. Stage is part of the culture of Camp and I hope that it can be enhanced next year. The kids also continue to develop appropriate relationships with the counselors which model good behavior for them. I also liked that the counselors were diverse in race and gender expression. I saw some pronoun stickers and would love to see more in the future.

I also think the kids should be in the pool more. It used to be twice a day and now it’s once a day. I think there should be other opportunities to swim. Kona ice was a nice addition. And one last thing, if you’re still reading this 😁 the adhesive you used this year for the labels that identified which Camp the kids went to left a sticky residue on bathing suit/rash guard material. It Created a problem and ruined a lot of garments. This is the first year that has happened. If you’re going to stick things on the kids clothing, it would be awesome if you could get adhesive that didn’t ruin the clothing.

Camp was great - it ran smoothly, the staff was great- through, organized, helpful, responsive. My girls loved it. Special shout out to Ms Sanaya, Mr Matt Mr Ben - my kids talked about camp non stop and all their favorite counselors

It was our younger daughter’s first Y camp experience and she LOVED Bumble bee camp! Thank you for offering it.

variety of things for the kids to do

Variety of activities offered throughout the summer

Our children had a great experience

Something for everyone. Inclusive community being offered relevant programs (e.g. physical, educational, mind-body) for different age groups. Keep up the good work.

My son felt very comfortable at the camp, enjoyed the friends he made and the relationships he created with the counselors. In fact, he has said that he would like to be a counselor when he grows up.

I use the fitness center.

I love the Zumba classes and the EJ. Zumba classes are often canceled because there aren’t enough directors to act as subs.

Love the Yoga & Pilates classes.

I like the availability of the warmer pool so I can swim laps.

I love the YMCA's mission and its wide access of programs to the community.

My son loved all the activities and made so many new friends. I felt that he was very well taken care of. Plus love the before and after hours available

The counselors and staff are great. The kids come home happy and exhausted!

Good variety of camps to choose from. Kids are engaged all day. My daughter’s favorite was woodworking. Coming home with great projects she was very proud of

My son is on the swim team and we love it. We have also enjoyed summer camp.

As someone who works out there my only complaint is the space for stretching/lifting with light free weights on the gym floor. At times that the Y is more crowded, there is not enough room for people to exercise in that space. There needs to be a section with more room to accommodate the members.

My daughter loves everything about Camp UMLY and looks forward to att6every summer.

The engaging and diverse programs offered. My daughter loved swimming and doing crafts every day.

My child had a great time this summer. We tried a few camps over the summer and this on was their favorite. I like the pool and the ratio of councilors to kids. I plan on them returning next summer.

The camp UMLY camp staff were amazing in the summer 2024! Brandon built a great experience and the communication / organization this summer was great.

We LOVE the private tennis lessons with Ron Pinsky.
We also love the swimming lessons for kids

Yoga and other classes. The upstairs workout room and pool.

My husband and I enjoy the senior programs and swimming.

Many classes for seniors

Everything’s are perfect

I like making friends. I like my instructor a lot.