The Portage Township YMCA is offering day camp to give kids age entering Kindergarten thru age 14 an adventurous, active and healthy summer. YMCA camp programs offer youth fun and unique experiences with an opportunity to explore the outdoors, meet new friends, discover new interests and create memories that last a lifetime.
Nearly 50 percent of U.S. parents say technological distractions, such as television, cell phones or video games make it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle for their children, according to the latest findings of the YMCA’s Family Health Snapshot, a survey that gauges children’s activity levels during the school year. With more free time in summer, ensuring that kids practice healthy habits could be a greater challenge. The Y encourages parents to help their kids unplug from technology and explore all the Y’s camp has to offer from June 10 thru August 16, 2013 from 9am-3pm. Before and after camp hours are also available for working parents from as early as 6:30 am to as late as 6:00 pm.
“Attending NO BUMMER SUMMER camp is a wonderful opportunity for kids to keep their minds and bodies active,” says Ms. CC, Camp and School Age Child Care Coordinator, Portage Township YMCA. “When at day camp, kids get to learn about nature, take on new responsibilities, gain independence, and develop essential social skills and new relationships. We really encourage parents to give their kids the gift of camp so that every child can benefit from the experience.”
Ms. CC says there are five reasons why children and teens should attend summer camp:
1. ADVENTURE: Summer camp is all about a wide variety of fun adventures and new experiences. YMCA camps have a new adventure for every child and teen. Visit www.ymcaofportage.org for details.
2. HEALTHY FUN: Day camps offer fun, stimulating activities that engage the body and mind, and also help children and teens learn the importance of nutrition to help improve their eating habits.
3. PERSONAL GROWTH: While being away from the routine back home, youth have a chance to learn new skills, and develop confidence and independence by taking on new responsibilities and challenges.
4. NEW FRIENDSHIPS: Amidst the fun of camp games, songs, skits, swimming, crafts, sports, cooking and most important physical fitness campers meet new friends and strengthen existing friendships.
5. MEMORIES: Summer camp is an unforgettable experience that will give each camper memories that will last a lifetime. Youth return to school with plenty of camp stories to share!
No Bummer Summer Camp offers: FREE specialty clinics 3 days a week. Campers can focus on their personal interests thru clinics such as:
Sports of all sorts: offering different sports and physical activities of all kinds -- Baseball/T-ball, Soccer, Kick-ball and even Ultimate Frisbee to name a few. The goal for each activity is simple; learn the basics, get some exercise and have tons of FUN!
Swimmies: All children will receive safety instruction along with swim lessons. Children will receive a progress report detailing the skills achieved.
Crafty Corner: Children will express themselves through a variety of projects that may include: sketching, watercolors or paints, nature collage, papier maché, picture frames, candle holders, necklaces and bracelets, and much more!
No Bake Chef: Campers will learn how to prepare foods that do not require cooking and learn what is necessary to make healthy choices. This camp teaches the basics of preparing recipes, such as superb sandwiches, delectable desserts, and tasty treats.
In addition to the specialty clinics, Swimming is available to all campers four days for one hour of fun in the pool! Free weekly field trips will includes, Zao Island, IMAX, South Bend Healthy Works and Chicago Children's Museum. Free hot breakfast and hot lunch from Portage Township Food Service is available for all campers daily as well as one healthy snack.
And, to ensure that all youth have the chance to experience camp, the Portage Township YMCA offers financial assistance to those in need as well as CCDF vouchers. Registration for summer camp will begin at the Y’s FREE, open to the public Healthy Kids Day event taking place on April 20 from 10-noon at the Y.
A leading nonprofit committed to nurturing the potential of youth, the Y has been a leader in providing summer camp for nearly 130 years. The Y continues to give youth an enriching, safe experience with caring staff and volunteers who model positive values that help build their kids’ character.
For more information, visit www.ymcaofportage.org or contact ms.cc@ymcaofportage.org or call 219-762-9622.