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When Everything Changes

The ASYMCA San Diego is there to ensure no military family is left behind.

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Upcoming

Spring Camp Hero

Ready for Spring Break? Join us for an incredible week of adventure and fun at the Armed Services YMCA. Our Spring Camp Hero program offers a safe and enriching environment for military children to connect with new friends who understand their unique experiences. At Camp Hero, your child will enjoy engaging activities, making lasting memories, and develop valuable skills. Our dedicated ASY Team is committed to creating an unforgettable experience for military families during the spring break.

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Ranch Days

Get ready for a blast at Ranch Day! Our events unite military members, families, and kids from different branches for a day packed with excitement. From laser tag to horseback riding, there's something for all ages. Forge friendships while trying archery, hiking, crafts, and more. Fun activities mean unforgettable memories and new friends. Learn more about this event at our Horse of the Sun Ranch in Pine Valley, CA.

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Operation Ride Home

Operation Ride Home is open to active duty E-5 and below, both single and married, representing the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard, who might not have the financial means to travel home for the holidays. Plane tickets and pre-paid debit cards are provided to help subsidize travel expenses.

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Our Mission

The Armed Services YMCA enhances the lives of military members and their families in spirit, mind, and body through programs relevant to the unique challenges of military life.

Our focus is to provide needed programs and services for single or married junior enlisted personnel and their family members. The Armed Services YMCA San Diego empowers military families, no matter who they are or where they’re from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships, and opportunities for all to learn, grow, and thrive.

What We Do for Our Military Community

Our programs empower young people, improve health and well-being, as well as provide support and inspire action in our communities today and every day. Explore our offerings below to discover new ways to connect to your purpose, potential, and each other.

See All Our Programs
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YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

Browse programs exclusively tailored to meet the needs of military children and parents in San Diego. Register your child for after school care, seasonal camps, and early childhood classes.

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Healthy Living Services

The Armed Services YMCA San Diego supports a healthy lifestyle for military members through medical support programs at Naval Medical Center San Diego.

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Community Outreach

The Armed Services YMCA San Diego and our community partners work together to enhance the lives of military members and their families through food distributions, events, ticket give aways, toy drives, and much more.

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Sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors and partners, Armed Services YMCA San Diego can offer a wider range of programs and services to enlisted military families stationed in the region. We appreciate their dedication, generous contributions, and help in strengthening our local military families.

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Horse of the Sun Ranch

A western oasis awaits our military families only a few miles away from the city. The Armed Services YMCA San Diego’s Horse of the Sun Ranch is the prime location for rejuvenation for military members and their families. With an array of equestrian and ranch activities, military families spend time strengthening their bond. Nestled in the foothills of the Cuyamaca Mountains in Pine Valley, California, the Horse of the Sun Ranch immerses the body’s five senses into tranquility that focuses on the spirit, mind, and body.

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Man riding horse while staff leads horse at the Horse of the Sun Ranch.

WHAT WE DO TO STRENGTHEN MILITARY FAMILIES

Armed Services YMCA San Diego operates programs and services to ease the burden of military families and single service members who are currently serving, with an emphasis on junior enlisted personnel. We work with installation leadership to ensure a network of support for military families stationed in San Diego and the surrounding areas. This collaboration allows us to identify and address gaps in services that pose a hardship to service members and their families—hardships that can negatively affect mission readiness.

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Operation Hero

Operation Hero is a curriculum built into our after school program for military children in grades 2nd-8th. It's designed to help students cope and adjust to the unique challenges of military life, such as frequent moves and deployment separation.

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Emergency Food Assistance

The Armed Services YMCA San Diego aids military families by providing food items in times of crisis, such as pandemics, natural disasters, or financial emergencies. Twice a month, the ASYMCA San Diego hosts drive-thru food distributions.

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Operation Ride Home

Nationally sponsored by Jack Daniels, Operation Ride Home provides financial assistance to active duty junior enlisted military and their families to travel home for the holidays.

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Why It Matters

6-9

The number of times military children will be transferred by the 12th grade

43%

The percentage of military families who feel isolated from their communities

7 in 10

The ratio of military parents struggling to access affordable, quality childcare.

40%

The percentage of military children on free or reduced-price lunch programs.

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Join us on our platforms to stay updated with our inspirational content, giveaways, and other offerings. Witness firsthand how our local and national programs and services are positively impacting the lives of young military families.

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