By YMCA of Western Monmouth County, February 2018

Research shows that without access to out-of-school physical and learning activities, kids fall behind academically and gain weight twice as fast during summer than the school year.  Participation in summer camp is a great way for parents and caregivers to keep kids’ minds and bodies active and is beneficial to every child’s personal development.  The experience teaches essential leadership and social skills and helps youth develop confidence and independence.  Summer camp fosters peer friendships and adult mentoring relationships that have positive youth development effects, build resiliency, and encourage healthy decision making.  The Y encourages parents to give their kids the experience of camp to help keep them healthy and engaged this summer.  

Summer camp is all about a wide variety of new experiences, and especially exploring the outdoors.  Camp offers fun, stimulating activities that engage the body and mind.  While in the welcoming environment of camp, youth are encouraged to learn new skills, and develop confidence and independence by taking on new responsibilities and challenges.  Your child’s summer camp should offer cognitive learning and social-emotional development opportunities for achievement.  Amidst the fun of camp games, swimming, trips and talent shows, campers meet new friends and strengthen existing friendships.  The bonds formed at camp are important and lasting for many children.

Nationally, the Y has been a leader in providing summer camp for over 130 years.  Our Y summer camps continue to give youth an enriching experience with dedicated staff and volunteers who model the positive values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility to help build kids’ character.  Camp staff are extensively trained to provide an environment where children can belong, build relationships and realize their full potential.   Safety is our #1 priority and you’ll find that all our counselors are first aid and CPR certified and our swim instructors and lifeguards are Red Cross certified.  At the Y, we  understand the challenges facing many families and that’s why we offer flexible scheduling and allow parents to choose their days and weeks, as well as providing full, half and extended day options.  In addition, financial assistance is available for those who qualify through our confidential Ycares Financial Assistance Program.

Y camps give children and teens the opportunity to have the best summer ever by providing a safe, nurturing environment for them to discover new interests, be physically active and create memories and friends that last a lifetime.  For more information about our camps, visit www.ymcanj.org/bestsummerever.  

About The YMCA of Western Monmouth County 

 The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For over 120 years, the YMCA of Western Monmouth County has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal   and social change. In 2016, the YMCA of Western Monmouth County provided over $350,000 in financial assistance to the children, families and seniors of our community.  For more information, visit www.ymcanj.org.