YMCA Camp Excel: West Cary Middle
We are already planning for summer 2026 and we can’t wait to see your campers!
Camp Excel is an eight-week summer day camp for students and siblings currently enrolled in YMCA Y Excel programs. Camp Excel is fully subsidized by donations to the YMCA's Annual Campaign. Campers enjoy skill development within creative arts, performing arts and various sports. They also enjoy swim lessons through the Swim for Life grant and nutritious meals provided by the Wake County Public School System.
Rising kindergartners focus on kindergarten readiness, and grades 1–5 spend an hour a day on literacy activities—all guided by certified teachers.
Camp Excel is open to kids in rising grades K–10 and is held at West Cary Middle School (1000 Evans Road, Cary, NC 27513), operated by the Taylor Family and Northwest Cary YMCAs.
We can’t wait to see your children this summer! Find answers to frequently asked questions here.
Encuentre respuestas a preguntas frecuentes aquí.
Our Camp Excel Directors are Janai Owens and Tai' Jonna Lane.
Tai' Jonna Lane
Tai' Jonna has worked for the Y for 9 years and is excited to return for her fourth summer as Camp Excel Co-Director. Tai'Jonna also oversees our Y-Intervention and After School programs at Mills Park Elementary and Middle Schools. When not at camp, she enjoys spending time with family, singing and exploring new foods.
Janai Owens
Janai has worked at the Y for 7 years and is excited for her first year as the Camp Excel Director! Janai runs our Y-Intervention and After School programs at Kingswood Elementary School. When she’s not at camp, you can find her crocheting, reading or spending time with her family.
| Theme | Day | Date | Time | Prices | Ages | |
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Character Counts
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This high-energy week brings campers together through teamwork, character building, and vibrant activities. Each day, a YMCA character trait and color are highlighted with games, crafts, and challenges. The week ends with a Color Run, a fun race where campers celebrate community and spirit with a burst of bright colors. |
Mon - Fri
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Jun 22 - Jun 26 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | 5 - 13 | |
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This high-energy week brings campers together through teamwork, character building, and vibrant activities. Each day, a YMCA character trait and color are highlighted with games, crafts, and challenges. The week ends with a Color Run, a fun race where campers celebrate community and spirit with a burst of bright colors. |
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Party in the USA
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It’s America’s birthday—and camp is throwing the party! Campers celebrate with red, white and blue games, challenges, crafts, and celebrations as camp honors 250 years of history, community, and summer fun the YMCA way. |
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
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Jun 29 - Jul 2 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | 5 - 13 | |
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It’s America’s birthday—and camp is throwing the party! Campers celebrate with red, white and blue games, challenges, crafts, and celebrations as camp honors 250 years of history, community, and summer fun the YMCA way. |
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The Greatest Show
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It’s a week full of games, laughter, and classic carnival fun. Campers step right up to creative activities, silly challenges, and festive surprises that bring the magic of the midway to life. |
Mon - Fri
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Jul 6 - Jul 10 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | 5 - 13 | |
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It’s a week full of games, laughter, and classic carnival fun. Campers step right up to creative activities, silly challenges, and festive surprises that bring the magic of the midway to life. |
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Back to the Future
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Camp hits rewind and campers learn what made yesterday so awesome! Campers step into different time periods, learning how people lived, played, created, and imagined the world. With themed crafts, outdoor adventures, dress-up days, and classic games, every era becomes a brand-new adventure. |
Mon - Fri
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Jul 13 - Jul 17 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | 5 - 13 | |
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Camp hits rewind and campers learn what made yesterday so awesome! Campers step into different time periods, learning how people lived, played, created, and imagined the world. With themed crafts, outdoor adventures, dress-up days, and classic games, every era becomes a brand-new adventure. |
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Holiday Hoopla
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Campers explore the excitement of different holidays like the 4th of July, Christmas, Halloween, and more—through games, crafts, and festive challenges. Each day immerses kids in a new celebration, sparking imagination and cultural curiosity. The week wraps up with a special YMCA Birthday Party, where all campers come together for a joyful celebration of the Y. |
Mon - Fri
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Jul 20 - Jul 24 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | 5 - 13 | |
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Campers explore the excitement of different holidays like the 4th of July, Christmas, Halloween, and more—through games, crafts, and festive challenges. Each day immerses kids in a new celebration, sparking imagination and cultural curiosity. The week wraps up with a special YMCA Birthday Party, where all campers come together for a joyful celebration of the Y. |
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Beach Bash
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Campers dance at a beach party, play wet and wild water games, do seaside inspired crafts, and splash around with new friends. Summer might be hot, but at the YMCA it's nothing but fun in the summer sun! |
Mon - Fri
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Jul 27 - Jul 31 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | 5 - 13 | |
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Campers dance at a beach party, play wet and wild water games, do seaside inspired crafts, and splash around with new friends. Summer might be hot, but at the YMCA it's nothing but fun in the summer sun! |
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Camp’s Got Talent
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Campers are the stars during this week filled with excitement and imagination. Through arts and crafts, active games, and tons of other fun activities, campers will experience what it’s like to live the Hollywood life. |
Mon - Fri
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Aug 3 - Aug 7 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | 5 - 13 | |
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Campers are the stars during this week filled with excitement and imagination. Through arts and crafts, active games, and tons of other fun activities, campers will experience what it’s like to live the Hollywood life. |
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Heroes Among Us
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Campers will step into their own superhero stories through teamwork challenges, creative missions, and character-building fun. This week celebrates courage, kindness, and the unique strengths of every hero. |
Mon - Fri
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Aug 10 - Aug 14 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | 5 - 13 | |
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Campers will step into their own superhero stories through teamwork challenges, creative missions, and character-building fun. This week celebrates courage, kindness, and the unique strengths of every hero. |