Camping at the Y Keeps Youth Moving, Learning and Exploring All Summer Long
For Immediate Release
Camping at the Y Keeps Youth Moving, Learning and Exploring All Summer Long
05.21.13 - For parents, extra support to keep youth healthy can go a long way. According to the latest findings of the YMCA’s Family Health Snapshot, a survey that gauges children’s activity levels during the school year, nearly 50 percent of U.S. parents say technological distractions such as television, cell phones or video games make it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle for their children. With more free time in summer, ensuring that kids practice healthy habits could be a greater challenge.
To give youth an adventurous, active and healthy summer, the YMCA of Greater Dayton is offering day camp for youth in the Miami Valley. YMCA camp programs provide a fun and unique experience that gives children and teens the opportunity to explore the outdoors, meet new friends, discover new interests and create memories that last a lifetime.
“Our day camps provide a variety of opportunities to help ensure that youth are learning and being physically active in the summer, a time of exploration,” says Tim Helm, President/CEO, YMCA of Greater Dayton. “Campers also learn how to be responsible and resourceful, work in groups, solve problems and make decisions that will help them grow as individuals – all while having fun.”
Tim says there are five reasons why children and teens should attend summer camp:
• ADVENTURE: Summer camp is all about a wide variety of fun adventures and new experiences, and especially exploring the outdoors. YMCA camps have a new adventure for every child and teen. Visit www.ymcaonline.org for details.
• HEALTHY FUN: Day and resident camps offer fun, stimulating activities that engage the body and mind, and also help children and teens learn the importance of nutrition to help improve their eating habits.
• PERSONAL GROWTH: While being away from the routine back home, youth have a chance to learn new skills, and develop confidence and independence by taking on new responsibilities and challenges.
• NEW FRIENDSHIPS: Amidst the fun of camp games, songs, swimming, canoeing and talent shows, campers meet new friends and strengthen existing friendships.
• MEMORIES: Summer camp is an unforgettable experience that will give each camper memories and skills that will last a lifetime. Youth return to school with plenty of camp stories to share!
A leading nonprofit committed to nurturing the potential of youth, the Y has been a leader in providing summer camp for nearly 130 years. The YMCA of Greater Dayton day camps continue to give youth an enriching, safe experience with caring staff and volunteers who model positive values that help build their kids’ character. With 14 area locations, there is a day camp near you!
Registration for the upcoming camp season is now open. And, to ensure that all youth have the chance to experience camp, the YMCA of Greater Dayton offers financial assistance to those in need.
For more information, visit www.ymcaonline.org or contact day camp director at your local Y branch.
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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., 2,687 Ys engage 21 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. The YMCA of Greater Dayton was established in 1870 and now offers eleven locations throughout the Miami Valley. www.ymcaonline.org