YMCA Summer Camp helps youth learn, get outdoors and develop leadership skills

Y Camp Counselor with campers
Photo courtesy YMCA

From now to the end of August, the Dale Turner Family YMCA is encouraging parents to help keep their kids physically active and mentally engaged by signing them up for one of the Y’s day and overnight camps. Summer is a critical out-of-school time when children and teens can benefit from enriched learning, new experiences and making new friendships. The Y’s camp offers all of this and more. 

“While summer should be a time of exploration, youth are sometimes less involved in activities that stimulate their mind and body,” says Chris Robinson, Youth Recreation Program Director, Outdoor Day Camp. “When at day camp, kids have the opportunity to get outdoors and learn about nature, take on new responsibilities, gain independence, and develop essential social skills and new relationships. As a result, they become more confident, open to trying new things and grow as individuals and as part of a group.”

The Dale Turner Family YMCA Summer Camps provide exciting and educational camp programming for children and teens, and their parents, including: Day and overnight, enrichment, specialty, sports and more for preschoolers through high-schoolers. And, to ensure that all youth have the chance to experience camp, the Dale Turner Family YMCA offers financial assistance to those in need.

A leading nonprofit committed to nurturing the potential of youth, the Y has been a leader in providing summer camp for more than 125 years. The Dale Turner Family YMCA continues to give youth an enriching, safe experience with caring staff and volunteers who model positive values that help build their kids’ character. According to Y camping experts, there are five reasons why children and teens should attend summer camp:   

1. 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 webpage for details.
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: 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.
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!

For more information about the Dale Turner Family YMCA Summer Camps, see webpage or contact Member Services at 206-363-0446.

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., 2,700 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.