For Eli Goodrich, the Bath Area YMCA summer camps provided a great way to spend the past eight summers.

“It was a terrific way to get out in the summer,” he recalled.

The 14-year-old Morse High School freshman will be spending his ninth camp summer this June as a counselorin training.

“Too often kids just hang out all summer and get bored,” he said. “Camp was great because it offered experiences you wouldn’t have otherwise.”

Like kayaking, swimming or gymnastics. Goodrich is just one of hundreds of area children who spend their summers experiencing new activities at one or more camps.

Day Camp

The YMCA Day Camp is available for children entering grades 1 to 6 in the fall of 2015. The day begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. Extended care is also available. Activities include arts and crafts, games, swimming, weekly trips to Coffin Pond, field trips to places of interest in the region. Campers are placed in age-appropriate groups looked after by qualified staff in a fun and safe environment. The goal of the camp is to help campers develop confidence and self-esteem by participating in team building activities like the rock wall.

Each week there is a theme. One week the theme is “Amazing Race,” as campers become acquainted with other countries and cultures. Another theme is “Animal Planet,” with campers learning the variety of animals in our area and how to track them. “Movin’ and Groovin’” gets campers learning dances and how to move to music, while “Wind and Sea” helps them discover the potential of natural forces. Other weeks will focus on local heroes, ecology and a talent show.

Fees are $185 a week per camper. As with all Y programs, financial assistance is available.

Swim Camp

Swim Camp features several components. The Long Reach Swim Club instructors work on endurance, competitive strokes and related skills. Before a swimmer is accepted he/she must complete a mandatory tryout to ensure that each new participant has the basic skills required for a satisfactory experience of swim camp. Campers are given a practice schedule appropriate to their skill level. Fees range from $125 per week to $350. For more information contact Jay Morissette at the Y (443-4112).

Swim Lessons

Summer is a great time to learn to swim. The Y offers four sessions designed for youths ages 6 to 13, running from June 22 to August 6. The focus of the lessons is for the kids to learn about pool safety, boating safety and PFD. Children are grouped according to their ability levels, from polliwog to minnow.

Preschool swim lessons will be offered both mornings and afternoons for children ages 4 to 6. Fees for both preschool and youths are $30 for members and $40 for non-members.

In addition to the Y’s regular camps this summer will feature two specialty camps.

Kids Kayak and Stand Up Paddling Camp

Two one-week sessions for campers 8 years old and older take place at the Seaspray Kayaking in West Bath. There they will learn proper techniques and safety of kayaking and paddle boarding. Sessions are from June 29 to July 3 and from July 13-17. Half day fees: $200. Full Day: $300.

Outdoor Adventure Camp

New this summer, the Outdoor Adventure Camp, July 13-16, takes place at the Sky Lodge, located just north of Jackman in the western mountains of Maine. There campers 12 to 15 years old will spend five days of outdoor activities including fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and swimming. Fees: $300.

Registration for all camp programs includes discounts for early sign-ups. As with all Y programs, financial assistance is available.