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When it’s sunny in Washington, planning ahead can get lost in the festival, BBQ and school recital shuffle. But, pour a cool drink and find a spot in the shade; in just a few minutes, your kids can be enrolled in a summer’s worth of amazing day camps thanks to the South Sound YMCA.

The American Camp Association reports that “each year more than 14 million children and adults attend camp in the U.S.” and that half of our country’s 14,000 camps “are reportedly 90-99% full.” Don’t delay and miss out on the array of ever-popular YMCA options this summer. Not only do these camps provide enriching experiences for your kids, but they offer a fun and safe environment while you are at work or running errands. With a wide range of options, there’s something for nearly every child.

south sound YMCA
Whether your kids prefer sports, music, cooking, robotics, or a mix of it all, the YMCA has something for everyone. Photo credit: South Sound YMCA

Camps run in one-week blocks from June 22 until September 1. Hours extend from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at camp locations found at both branches of the South Sound YMCA, Washington Middle School and Chambers Prairie, Hansen, Roosevelt, and Tumwater Hill Elementary schools. In addition, the South Sound YMCA offers overnight camp experiences at Camp Bishop, located near Shelton. The wide range of locations offers convenience to parents and often a familiar environment for kids.

Sarah Clinton, the Y’s Executive Director for Youth and Community Development, admits that “The most popular camps this year are our robotics camps and H2WOW (water based) camps – they are already full! We have plenty of space left for most of the summer, but spots are filling up fast.”

Outside of robots and swimming, YMCA camps feature sports, art, science, theater, cooking, music, fairy tales and more. Entice the kiddos with dreams of Community Heroes Camp, Mad Science, Mystery Quest, Mission: Possible and Jedi Training Camp. A full listing of camp options, locations and descriptions can be found at the South Sound YMCA’s Summer Camp brochure online.

New this year is the Washington Middle School site and three locations for their interactive Power Scholars Academy.

South Sound YMCA
The South Sound YMCA’s Power Scholars program helps students during the summer, helping boost academics and prevent summer learning loss. Photo courtesy: South Sound YMCA.

“Power Scholars Academy is a full-day learning experience that combines academic instruction with fun, hands-on enrichment activities, field trips, and service projects,” explains Clinton. “During the summer of 2017, we are partnering with the North Thurston School District to provide this opportunity to 72 grade school students. Local teachers provide classroom curriculum during the morning hours and afternoons are filled with enrichment opportunities facilitated by YMCA Youth Development professionals. Additionally, the curriculum includes guest speakers, offsite field trips and swim lessons.”

The majority of the Y’s camps are for kids ages 6-13, but older teens are encouraged to become much-needed Counselors in Training (CIT). “CIT’s are 14 to 16-year old’s who are interested in growing into professional role models,” explains Clinton. “This program is designed to help young people develop their personal skills by developing counseling and teaching skills by working with campers in a range of ages in a variety of activities. Our goal is the expand this program to year-round teen programing that gives young leaders opportunities to work together to help make our community stronger.”

south sound ymca
South Sound YMCA summer camps include outings and field trips to keep kids engaged, active and entertained. Photo courtesy: South Sound YMCA.

Full week camps are $130 for facility members and $138 for program members. Slots can be reserved with a $20 non-refundable deposit, applied to that week’s camp choice. Membership rates, forms, and information can be found on the South Sound YMCA’s website or by calling the downtown Olympia branch at 360-357-6609 or the Briggs branch at 360-753-6576. Many employers and health insurance plans earn discounted membership fees so be sure to ask for details when joining.

Registration for summer camps can be handled in-person, over the phone or completed online. Simply make your selections based on the 2017 flyer and use the sign-up portal to complete the process. The digital flyer also contains detailed camp descriptions, city-wide locations and date specifics for each week of enrollment.

south sound ymca
Summer fun is just a few clicks away. Register now for summer camps at the South Sound YMCA. Photo courtesy: South Sounds YMCA

Follow the YMCA on Facebook for events, activities, and facility updates or Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Keep up to date on daily changes, locations and more with an online daily schedule. There you can read about upcoming events like their fall SUPERGALA dinner, year-round classes and many childcare options.

Summers are made for family, fun, and long days in the sun. Load up on sunscreen and snacks and let the South Sound YMCA keep kids happy and healthy all season long.

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