Waitlist Pro Tips

We know registering for Camp can sometimes be stressful, especially if the session of your choice has a waitlist. Here are a few tips to set you up for success.

*Keep scrolling for information about Family Camp waitlists.

OVERNIGHT CAMP

Waitlist and Session Preference Scenarios

Remember, each camper may only register for one available session OR one waitlist of Overnight Camp.

• We consider all campers on the waitlist as part of an eligible pool of campers to pull from, so while we consider date of registration (not time), it is not the only factor.
• Campers with enrolled siblings are prioritized, and we do our best to get them in but enrollment is not guaranteed. After that, there are a number of factors we consider when pulling campers off the waitlist: date of registration, Camp history, geographic location and availability for multiple sessions.
• We have the most movement in mid-November and late February/early March. Historically, we have very little movement in Mariners I and III. It is helpful to let us know if you are available to attend any other sessions as we will make a note of that and consider your camper for those sessions as well.
• We will notify you via phone if a spot becomes available and you will have 48 hours to accept it before we move on to the next camper. 

If your camper has a sibling already registered (Wave 1 or 2) and you'd like them to attend together:

• Register for the session you'd like them to attend, even if it means joining a waitlist. Siblings are prioritized from the waitlist, and we do our best to get them in but a spot is not guaranteed.

If your camper can ONLY attend ONE specific session:

• Register for that session, even if it has a waitlist. Note: Mariners I historically sees little movement. Some years, Mariners II & III also have limited movement.

If your camper has availability to attend multiple session options and your first choice is waitlisted:

• Register for an available session that your camper can attend (even if it isn't your #1 choice). Then call the office (252-249-1212) if you'd prefer a waitlisted session — we track requests and can sometimes offer switches.

If your camper has multiple session options and they are all waitlisted:

• Register for your first-choice waitlist. Then call the office (252-249-1212) to share other availability. Flexibility increases chances of getting in.

If attending with a friend is important:

• Plan for Second Session, Mariners IV or Starter Camp which typically offer the most flexibility for friends to attend together. Most campers come without home friends and still thrive — Camp friendships grow fast!

FAMILY CAMP PROGRAMS

Waitlist and Interest List

All 2026 Family Camp programs are full with waitlists (with the exception of Seafarer's 65th weekend). You can join a waitlist here. If the program you'd like to attend says "waitlist closed," please fill out this form to express your interest. Our team will contact you if space becomes available for your family. 

If you have Camp-specific questions, please call our office at 252-249-1212.


If you have questions about your account, contact the YMCA Customer Success Center weekdays between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. at 919-719-9989 or by email at any time. 



Our cancellation and refund policies can be found here.

We look forward to seeing your registration come through!