Summer Starts Here At The Monroe County YMCA Programming

Last updated on Tuesday, April 24, 2018

(BLOOMINGTON) - Summer is right around the corner, and the Monroe County YMCA is offering Summer Camp to make sure kids and teens in Bloomington and surrounding areas are adventurous, active, and healthy this summer.

YMCA camp offers 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.

Summer is the ideal time for kids to get up, get out, and explore. But, for some kids summer means no access to recreational and educational activities to help them learn, grow, and thrive during out-of-school time. As a result, some kids can experience learning loss and gain weight twice as fast than during the school year. Attending Monroe County YMCA Summer Camp is a wonderful opportunity for kids to keep their minds and bodies active.

"Summer camp is a fun-filled way to ensure kids stay engaged socially, physically, and academically throughout the summer," says Chris Stone, Youth and Sports Director of the Northwest Monroe County YMCA. "In our camp, kids are in a welcoming environment where they can belong; they're building relationships, developing character, and discovering their potential. We really encourage parents to give their kids the gift of camp to keep them active and engaged all summer long."

Here are five reasons why children and teens should attend summer camp:

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 www.monroecountyymca.org/summer-camp for details.

HEALTHY FUN: Day camps offer fun, stimulating activities that engage the body and mind all summer long.

PERSONAL GROWTH: Youth have a chance 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.

FRIENDSHIPS: Amidst the fun of camp games, songs, swimming, and field trips, campers meet new friends and strengthen existing friendships. The bonds formed at camp are important and lasting for many youth.

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!

The Monroe County YMCA offers:

Preschool Camps (ages 3-5): What's new this year? The Northwest Y added Little Leaders as well as half-day and single-day options. The Southeast Y added Scouts for those campers and parents who want a camp experience that does not include swimming.
Explorers, Voyagers, and Trailblazers (ages 6-10): Focused on age-appropriate curriculum to stimulate a child's imagination and development, weekly activities revolve around themes and include outdoor games, swimming, crafts, and songs.
Challengers and Teens (ages 11-15): It's hard to keep kids interested and active as they get older. Y camps provide a safe place where pre-teens and teens can enjoy activities with new friends.
Sports Camps (ages 5-14): For children of all abilities, whether new to sports or a seasoned sports athlete, Y Sports Camps are the perfect environment for every child who enjoys playing sports and being active. Activities range from dodgeball to golf and from lacrosse to flag football.
Specialty Camps (ages 4-13): Ideal for children who share a passion or interest in areas outside of typical summer camps, YMCA specialty camps offer activities from bowling to Wizarding World at the Y and from superheroes to cooking classes. Children will experience adventure and excitement all while gaining knowledge.
Gymnastics Camp (ages 5-14): The Y provides gymnastics and tumbling programs that build poise, confidence, and discipline while never losing sight of fun! Prior experience is not needed as camp staff will divide campers into groups based on skill level and desire to practice. Campers will also enjoy camp games and crafts!
BONUS: New Summer Camps at the Northwest Y (ages 5-12): The Northwest YMCA recently introduced several new specialty camps! Options range from field trips to Star Wars and overnights to indoor camp. Details can be found here: www.monroecountyymca.org/summer-camp/northwest.

Early Bird registration ends May 1, so parents are encouraged to register now to secure their child's spot in camp at the lowest fee.

For more information, visit www.monroecountyymca.org/summer-camp. You can also contact Chris Stone with Northwest Y camp questions at (812) 961-2360 or cstone@monroecountyymca.org, and Matt Osgood with Southeast Y camp questions at (812) 961-2157 or mosgood@monroecountyymca.org.

About the Y

The Y is one of the nation's leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children - regardless of age, income or background - to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation's health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. During each summer over 950,000 youth attend summer day and overnight camps at the Y.

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