By Guest Blogger Chelsea Cullen, Communications Director, YMCA of Northwest North Carolina

It’s hard to believe summer will be here before we know it! If you’ve learned anything from past summers, it’s that planning early is the key to awesome vacations, the best summer camps for kiddos and saving money.

At the Y, we believe that summer is all about fun, meeting new friends and continuing to learn new and different things that help your child grow as an individual. Between tons of swimming pool time, awesome camp games and activities, and enthusiastic summer staff, camp is one of the best times of year!

Not sure where to begin planning? Here is the run-down:

Summer Day Camp offers an action-packed schedule of assembly, swimming, arts & crafts, sports and more. The summer zooms by while kids make lifelong memories and new friendships, all before returning home at the end of each day. With flexible locations, schedules and a wide range of options, you belong at summer day camp! Register early for special discounts.

YMCA Camp Hanes changes kids for the better. During evenings spent around a campfire and days having fun with friends below the beauty of Sauratown Mountain in King, NC (just 25 miles northwest of Winston-Salem) children grow. We focus on teaching core values in everything we do from the ever-popular blob and zip line 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 and activities, session dates and rates, and more!

Teen and CIT Camps provide options for summer in a safe environment that doesn’t lose any of the “cool” factor. Meet new friends and hang out with awesome counselors while you learn new things, give back to the community, and take great trips each week.

Call your local Y to find out details for the summer camp options. Early registration fills up fast so now is the time to start thinking about the warmer months.

What is your family most excited for this summer? We’d love to hear about it on our Facebook page. Be sure to “like” our page and leave your comment!

Sponsored by YMCA of Northwest North Carolina