Five Reasons to Register for Y's Summer Camps

The Somerset Valley YMCA day camp program, which is designed to provide children with an adventurous, active and healthy summer, is currently registering children for 2013 summer camp. 

Y camps offer a fun and unique experience that gives children and teens the opportunity to meet new friends, explore nature, discover new interests, be physically active and create lasting memories. 

The Somerset Valley YMCA offers camp at three locations, in Bridgewater, Hillsborough and Somerville. Camps range from traditional day camp with arts and crafts, swimming and sports, to enrichment and sports specialty camps. New camps for 2013 include lacrosse, digital arts and crafts, video production, culinary creations, and weird and wacky science. 

Nationally, the Y has been a leader in providing summer camp for 128 years. At the Somerset Valley YMCA, parents can expect their children to enjoy enriching, safe experiences with caring staff and volunteers who model positive values that help build their kids’ character. 

“Being a part of the camp community nurtures the potential of every child,” said Dana Scarantino, camp director for the Somerville Family YMCA Branch “Our camps foster a love of outdoor play, teamwork, curiosity, responsibility and encourage kids to develop problem-solving skills.” 

Camp experience at the Y also teaches essential leadership and social skills, while helping youth develop confidence and independence. Camp is also a place for children to grow emotionally, spiritually and holistically through active play. 

“Summer camp helps kids find balance by engaging them in activities that keep them moving, learning and exploring new skills and activities with others,” said Matt Gray, Hillsborough Family YMCA Branch camp director 

The Y encourages parents to give their kids the experience of camp to help keep them healthy and engaged during the summer. With over 40 specialty day camps to choose from, the Somerset Valley YMCA’s camps are designed to address the summer learning loss and focus on developing the whole child. 

All Somerset Valley YMCA day camps are voluntarily accredited by the American Camp Association, which means they meet the highest set of standards for camps in the nation in areas of health and risk management, staff development, transportation and aquatics. 

Mr. Gray and Ms. Scarantino offer these five reasons for children to go to Y summer camp: 

• PERSONAL GROWTH: Youth have a chance to learn new skills, and develop confidence and independence by taking on new responsibilities and challenges. The focus of Somerset Valley YMCA day camps is on enriching camper’s lives, encouraging them to engage in the camp community and explore new activities. 
•  AQUATIC WATER SAFETY & CONFIDENCE: All campers will have opportunities to learn to swim at camp with additional post-camp swim lessons available. Focus will be on teaching water safety rules and encouraging swim level growth. 
• FLEXIBILTY: Our flexible schedule enables campers ages 3-15 years old to register for one week or all ten weeks of camp. Extended hours from 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. are available. Trips are optional and can be added on after registration, if space is still available. 
• HEALTHY FUN: All Somerset Valley YMCA camps offer fun, stimulating activities that engage the body and mind and spirit, and allow for time of vigorous play. Campers also learn the importance of nutrition to help improve their eating habits. 
• NEW FRIENDSHIPS: Amidst the fun of camp games, songs, swimming and talent shows, campers meet new friends and strengthen existing friendships.  

Registration is open for day camp weeks at any of Somerset Valley YMCA’s three branches. To ensure that all kids have the opportunity to go to camp, the Somerset Valley YMCA offers scholarships to parents in need. 

The Bridgewater YMCA branch is at 601 Garretson Road, the Hillsborough YMCA branch is at 19 E. Mountain Road, and the Somerville YMCA branch is at 2 Green St. 

Submitted by Bev McCarron