Published: Tuesday, March 29, 2011
By DAGNY MONETTE
Registration now open for Summer Day Camp
Instead of spending the summer at home and indoors, the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Summer Day Camp is encouraging parents to give their kids a chance to explore nature at the Y’s Day camp.
YMCA campers gain new experiences, develop essential social skills and create lifelong friendships, while enjoying camp adventures along the way.
Children and teens have camped at our Y since 1985. When at summer day camp, kids are given new responsibilities and they learn independence. As a result, they become more confident, open to trying new things and grow as individuals and as part of a group.
As a leading charity committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y works to help children and teens discover their full potential by providing opportunities to learn, grow and thrive amidst caring, supportive adults.
According to camping experts at the Y Summer Day Camp, there are five reasons why children and teens should experience summer camp:
• For Adventure: Summer camp is all about fun adventures in the outdoors. YMCA camps have a new adventure for every child and teen. Visit www.gtbayymca.org for details.
• For Experiences: Day camps are about learning outside of school, exploring and appreciating the outdoors, developing new skills, making friends and showing leadership.
• For Personal Growth: While being away from the routine back home, youth have a chance to develop confidence and independence by taking on new responsibilities and challenges.
• For New Friendships: Amidst the fun of camp games, songs, swimming, canoeing and talent shows, campers meet new friends.
• For Memories: Summer camp is an unforgettable experience that will give each camper memories that will last a lifetime.
The YMCA Summer Day Camp provides exciting and educational camp programming for children and teens, including:
• Traditional Y Day Camp for grades 1-6
• Sports Camp for grades 4-6
• K-Camp for kindergarten only
• Young Explorers for ages 3 ½ - 4 years
• Y Arts Camp for grades 4-6
• Y Leaders Club Camp for grades 7-9
Field trips and special guests will offer additional opportunities.Our Y Summer Day Camp is located at the Y Main Facility at 3000 Racquet Club Dr. in Traverse City adjacent to 40-acre woods. The Young Explorers Camp takes place at our Y Early Childhood Center at 1100 Woodmere, Ste B, Traverse City.
To ensure that every child and teen has the chance to go to camp, the Y Summer Day Camp offers financial assistance to those in need.
A special registration night will be held at our Main Facility, on Friday, May 6 starting at 6 p.m. The registration fee will be waived for all those that register before May 27. All camp information is available on our website at www.gtbayymca.org or by calling 231-933-9622 or 231-421-3568.
As our motto states, “It’s more than just a membership … It’s the YMCA!”
Dagny Monette is the YMCA Director of Child Care, Families, and Camps
