Brandywine Branch YMCA

Overview

• Facility Type: The Brandywine YMCA is a family-oriented community center in Wilmington, Delaware, specializing in childcare, preschool, and summer day camps rather than traditional saunas or spas. It emphasizes youth development through safe, nurturing environments with access to pools, gyms, playgrounds, and outdoor spaces like the Hanby Outdoor Center.
• Overall Atmosphere and Experience: Welcoming and holistic, focusing on Y values (caring, honesty, respect, responsibility). Programs promote learning, physical activity, social skills, and fun in a structured yet playful setting. Accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), ensuring high standards in safety, health, and program quality. Families enjoy stress-free care with low staff-to-child ratios, swim time, and community-building activities.

Features & Amenities

• Indoor Facilities: Gym for large motor activities, recreational swim pools, learning centers, classrooms for arts/crafts/music, and childcare spaces.
• Outdoor Amenities: Playground, Hanby Outdoor Center for camps (nature activities, team-building), curbside drop-off/pick-up.
• Aquatics: Weekly swim lessons, daily swims (twice for camps), flotation devices provided.
• Health & Safety: Low staff-to-child ratios, frequent sanitizing, handwashing, nut-free snacks/lunches, sunscreen application assistance, medication administration with forms.
• Additional Perks: On-site visitors (farms, bounce houses, zoos, museums), before/after care options, financial assistance, POC accepted.

Services

Preschool (Giant Step Program, Ages 2-Pre-K, Sept-May)

• Themes, play, physical activities, music, arts/crafts, circle time, hands-on learning.
• Curriculum: Large motor skills, weekly swim lessons, dramatic play, music, arts & crafts.
• Options: 2-year-olds (M/W/F, 9am-12pm), 3-year-olds (3/5 days), 4-year-olds (5 days).
• Add-ons: Lunch Bunch (12-1pm), Enrichment (1-2pm).

Before & After School Care (K-5th Grade)

• Before Care: 7am-school start; arts, crafts, games, fitness.
• After Care: School end-6pm; homework help, snacks, recreation.
• Schools: Carrcroft, Claymont, Forwood, Hanby, Lancashire, Lombardy, Maple Lane, Mt. Pleasant.

School’s Out (Kids’ Club)

• In-service/holiday care at Brandywine YMCA; social/educational activities.

Summer Camps (June-Aug 2025)

• Camp Quoowant (K-10th, Hanby Center): Traditional day camp with themes (e.g., Going Green), art, nature, sports, swimming twice daily.
• Camp Koda (3-5 years, Brandywine YMCA): Kinder Kapers (9am-12pm), Little Explorers (9am-4pm); arts, crafts, games, themed activities, swim 3x/week.
• Leaders in Training (9th-10th): Leadership/team-building.
• Sports/Specialty: Basketball, soccer, all-sports, volleyball, flag football, cheer (2nd-8th); Art/Science/Superhero/Nature camps (K-6th).
• Hours: 9am-4pm (before/after care 7am-9am/4pm-6pm); snacks/lunches provided (pack lunch, optional cookout/pizza).

Pricing

Preschool (Monthly, 2025/26)

• 3-Day: Full Members $350, Community $435.
• 5-Day: Full Members $435, Community $520.
• Lunch/Enrichment: Varies.

Before/After School Care

• Before Only: $285/month.
• After Only: $450/month.
• Both: $570/month.

Kids’ Club

• $50/day (+ field trips).

Summer Camps (Per Week, Members/Non-Members)

• Kinder Kapers: $180/$260.
• Little Explorers: $295/$375.
• Traditional Quoowant (K-8th): $315/$400.
• Leaders in Training: $210/$280.
• Sports/Specialty: $335-$360/$425-$450.
• Billing: Weekly, 24 days advance; non-refundable deposits; 2-week notice for changes.

Location & Hours

• Brandywine YMCA: Wilmington, DE (exact address via https://www.ymcade.org/locations/brandywine-ymca/); Preschool/Before-After/Koda camps here.
• Hanby Outdoor Center: Wilmington, DE (Quoowant camps); https://www.ymcade.org/locations/hanby-outdoor-center/.
• Contacts: Preschool/Camp Koda: (302) 478-9622, boconnor@ymcade.org; Camp Quoowant: (302) 475-0700, brandywinecamp@ymcade.org.
• Hours:
  • Preschool: 9am-12pm (Sept-May).
  • Before Care: 7am-school; After: school-6pm.
  • Camps: 9am-4pm M-F (extended care available).

Notes

• What Makes It Special: ACA-accredited camps, emphasis on holistic development, inclusive (financial aid, YMCA for All), daily swims/physical activity, themed fun with on-site experts. No electronics/toys; focus on real play. Part of YMCA of Delaware network with broader programs (aquatics, fitness, sports). Mission: Empower youth, foster healthy living, promote strong communities. Register online; tours/guest passes available.