A Summer Of Fun With The South Sound YMCA

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Selecting a summer camp can be a daunting task.  The possibilities are plentiful.  Parents need to weigh the costs against the family budget while balancing children’s interests.  Luckily, the South Sound YMCA has the answer – ample cost effective camps that keep kids active, learning, and entertained.

Y-Camps begin the first weekday after school ends and run through August 31st.

Whether your child is signed up for an overnight, day or specialty camp, the Y camps share one thing – adventure.  Kids have the opportunity to explore nature, find a new talent, try a new activity and making lasting friendships.

Licensed Child Care Camps

Brenda Banning manages the licensed day camps in local elementary schools.  “Our staff is highly qualified and very well trained,” remarks Banning when asked what separates the Y’s camps from other local options.

Day camps provide a classic experience for children to discover with hands-on, structured activities.  Each week is themed and may include active play, art, drama, science and cooking.

With five convenient locations in each of the major school districts, there is sure to be one nearby.  You can find the Y’s licensed child care day camps at Chambers Prairie Elementary in Lacey, Reeves MIddle School in Olympia, Cascade Elementary in Chehalis, Michael T. Simmons Elementary in Tumwater, and at the South Puget Sound Community College.

“This year we are giving families an optional field trip one day per week,” reports Banning.  In an effort to reduce costs, the Y child care camps will be taking one field trip per week.  Parents can opt to sign up their child for the field trip or reduce costs and skip it.  The field trip matches the week’s theme.

Banning explains “if your child has a special interest in nature, then you probably want to sign up for the Woodland Park Zoo field trip.  Or, if they are into technology then they likely want to go to Gameworks with us.”

This Year’s Highlights

“We’re excited to partner with Left Foot Organics to create a Farm-to-Table camp,” reports Banning.  In its first year, the day camp will allow campers to make the connection between farming and the food they eat with trips to Left Foot Organic’s farm.

The Y has also developed a Robotics camp.  In an educational, intensive week, campers will design and build motorized Lego robots.  Children can hone their science, engineering, and technology skills in this weeklong camp.

Another highlight on the camp schedule is an overnight week at Grays Harbor YMCA’s Camp Bishop.  The resident camp, located on Lost Lake in Shelton, has ample opportunities for kids to explore the outdoors, swim, boat, and tell stories around a campfire.

“While we are partnering with the Grays Harbor YMCA, we will be running the camp with our own staff.  Kids will recognize the faces and parents can feel more comfortable sending their kids to overnight camp with adults they already know,” says Banning.

Specialty Camps at the Briggs Y

Shilpa Johnson, Youth and Teen Director at the Briggs branch of the South Sound YMCA, has developed eleven unique weeks of camp fun!  Each week is a different theme with coordinating field trips.

“Our camps are different because we travel a minimum of three days per week,” says Johnson.  The other two days are spent at the Briggs facility.

“I am so excited about all of the specialty camp options that I can’t pick my favorite,” Johnson says with a laugh.  The specialty camps are geared for children ages 6 – 12.  Topics include solving mysteries, caring for rescued animals, and venting into wildness for outdoor skills.

New to the schedule this year is an overnight at Millersylvania State Park for a campout.

“My philosophy is that summer is for kids to enjoy.  Let’s take the kids outside into nature,” comments Johnson.

Wet and Wild Aquatics Camp

For one week, at the end of August, the Olympia Downtown Branch will transform into a tropical swimming adventure.  Beyond improving stroke technique, campers will learn how to snorkel, swim underwater, and gain beginning scuba diving lessons.

The camp includes an ‘in-the-pool’ treasure hunt.  Swim through sea grass, dodge battery operated fish, and maneuver underwater through obstacles.

Sports Camps at the Downtown Y

Throughout the summer, the Downtown branch of the South Sound YMCA will be filled with campers ready to tackle a favorite (or new) sport.

Parents can elect full day, morning or afternoon time slots each week from June 25 – August 30.

During the sports camps, children learn new skills while also mastering old favorites.  Sports camps include swimming at the Y and visits to Capitol Lake.

The Y also offers a variety of youth sports throughout the summer including baseball, outdoor soccer, basketball, volleyball and track.  Teams are coached by parents, community members, and adult athletes who are committed to providing a positive experience for every participant.

Whether you are looking for a licensed child care facility, high energy sports camps, lots of adventure on field trips, or an overnight camp run by friendly faces, look no further than the South Sound YMCA.

For complete information including schedule and pricing, click here.

 

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