Programming keeps kids moving, exploring and learning
Do you remember your best summer ever? Did you stay all day with your friends at the local pool? Did you head to the local park and play basketball? Or was your best summer the summer you discovered your favorite literary heroes and followed their adventures from the comfort of your own backyard? For most, your best summer ever was probably a combination of all of these—some exploration, activity and education.
Summer is the ideal time to get children out and exploring but for some, the end of the school year means no access to recreational and educational activities that help them learn, grow and thrive. Studies show that children can experience learning loss and even gain weight twice as fast than during the school year. For parents and caregivers looking to keep their children’s minds and bodies active, the Kettle Moraine YMCA is offering summer camp to give youth an adventurous, active and healthy summer.
YMCA camp programs provide a fun and unique experience that gives children and teens the opportunity to explore the outdoors, meet new friends, discover new interests and create memories that last a lifetime. Campers will spend their day enjoying Y Day Camp activities like swimming, arts and crafts, games and songs. Campers will also attend a weekly camp field trip.
For those children attending summer school, the Y will be on-site at both Silverbrook and Green Tree to offer Wrap Around Care. This is a convenient option for parents who wish for their children to attend summer school through the West Bend School District but also need care for their children before and/or after summer school.
In addition to the Traditional Day Camp and Sports Camp the Y has offered in the past, this year campers will also have the option of selecting Specialty Camps. These camps will focus around specific interests or hobbies such as Jedi Training, Legos, Cooking, Science and other exciting options to choose from!
Also new this year for the Kettle Moraine YMCA is the Counselors in Training (CIT) program for teens ages 13-16. The CIT program focuses on developing strong leaders through training, discussion, observation and supervised child interaction. This is a program for teens serious about learning to work with children and improving their leadership skills. The most important part of this training program is the hands-on experience teens will have working with campers while being guided by camp leaders.
“Summer camp provides a variety of opportunities to ensure that youth are learning and being physically active in the summer,” says Matt McCann, Day Camp & School Age Director. “Campers learn how to be responsible and resourceful, work in groups, solve problems and make decisions that will help them grow as individuals—all while having fun and feeling like they belong. We want every camper to start school telling their friends that they had the best summer ever.”
McCann says there are five reasons why children and teens should attend summer camp:
1. ADVENTURE: Summer camp is all about a wide variety of new experiences and exploring the outdoors. YMCA camps have a new adventure for every child and teen. Visit kmymca.org/daycamp for details.
2. HEALTHY FUN: Day camp offers fun, stimulating activities that engage the body and mind, and also help children and teens learn the importance of nutrition to help improve their healthy eating habits.
3. PERSONAL GROWTH: While in the welcoming environment of camp, youth are encouraged to learn new skills, and develop confidence and independence by taking on new responsibilities and challenges. Camps offer cognitive learning and social-emotional development opportunities for achievement.
4. FRIENDSHIPS: Amidst the fun of camp games, songs, swimming, hiking and talent shows, campers meet new friends and strengthen existing friendships. The bonds formed at camp are important and lasting for many youth.
5. MEMORIES: Summer camp is an unforgettable experience that will give each camper memories (and camp traditions) that will last a lifetime. Youth return to school with plenty of camp stories to share!
A leading nonprofit committed to nurturing the potential of youth, the Y has been a leader in providing summer camp for over 130 years. The Kettle Moraine YMCA continues to give youth an enriching, safe experience with caring staff and volunteers who model positive values that help build their kids’ character.
Registration for the upcoming camp season is going on now. If you register your kids by April 30, the Y will waive the $25 registration fee. Those that pay for camp in full can also receive a 10% discount on the total price. The Kettle Moraine YMCA encourages parents to give their kids the gift of camp. And, to ensure that all youth have the chance to experience camp, the Kettle Moraine YMCA offers financial assistance to those in need.
Additionally, if you’d like to help send kids to camp, you can donate to ymca.net/ForaBetterUs/
For more information, visit kmymca.org/daycamp or contact Matt McCann at 262-247-1056 or mmccann@kmymca.org