By Chelsea Joslyn, Communications Director of YMCA of Northwest NC

5 Reasons to Go to Summer Camp

School is almost out and did you know that more than 10 million kids around the world are headed to summer camps? Summer is meant to be filled with learning enrichment, new experiences and making new friendships and memories that can last a lifetime.

At the Y, we focus on programs that allow children to explore and get involved in activities that help them grow both mentally and physically. Summer camp gives children and teens the opportunity to get outdoors and learn about nature, discover new interests, be more physically active, and develop confidence, independence, leadership and social skills. Every child should have the opportunity to experience summer camp. Here are the top five reasons why children should attend:1. ADVENTURE: Summer camp is all about a wide variety of fun adventures and new experiences, especially exploring the outdoors. Every day brings a new adventure for every child and teen. Visit www.ykidscamp.org for more info about camps in your area.

2. 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.

3. PERSONAL GROWTH: Away from the day-to-day routine back home, youth have a chance to learn new skills, and develop confidence and independence by taking on new responsibilities and challenges.

4. NEW FRIENDSHIPS:
Amidst the fun of camp games, songs, swimming, canoeing and talent shows, campers meet new friends.

5. MEMORIES: Summer camp is an unforgettable experience that will give each camper memories (and campfire stories) that will last a lifetime. Youth return to school with plenty of camp stories to share!

Here are some YMCA camp options if you’re not sure what the best fit is for your child:

Summer Day Camp offers almost all of the benefits of traditional camp — new experiences, skill building, a sense of community and lasting friendships — in rural and urban settings while returning home each afternoon. The summer zooms by with an action-packed schedule of swimming, arts & crafts, sports and more. Creative activities ensure that young minds stay active, while having an absolute blast. With flexible locations, your child belongs at summer day camp.

Sports Camps are a great option to enhance your child’s interest in a particular sport, whether it’s a basketball academy or soccer clinic. Children are more motivated to do well in school and other activities when they excel outside the classroom. Building athletic skills during summer months is a great way to stay active and help your child achieve goals during the sports season.

YMCA Camp Hanes changes kids for the better. During evenings spent around a campfire and days having fun with friends, children grow. The resident camp sits below the beauty of Sauratown Mountain in King, NC (just 25 miles north of Winston-Salem). Core values are taught in everything we do from the ever-popular blob and zip lines to our new, state-of-the-art Shotgun Range and Equestrian Center. Learn more at www.camphanes.org, where you can see all the age levels, activities, session dates, rates, and more!

YMCA Summer Day Camp and YMCA Camp Hanes registration is going on now. Learn more or register at ykidscamp.org.

*Sponsored by the
YMCA of Northwest North Carolina