Summer Camps - Family Life Publications

Summer Camps
Recreational, creative and educational programs promote overall youth development.
By Michelle Martin

In this technology-driven age when it seems so much of our kids focus is in some sort of hand-held electronic device and, in many cases, the only social aspect of their lives is social media, its encouraging to know there still are opportunities for kids to unplug and connect for real with the outdoors, with new interests, with other kids, and even with themselves. Thats what the YMCA summer camp programs are all about: disconnecting from the distractions of everyday life and discovering a new world of fun, adventure and life skills. As Erik Bullock, program director for teen initiatives, camp and retreats at the Cherokee Outdoor Family YMCA in Woodstock and the G. Cecil Pruett Community Center Family YMCA in Canton, explains, Our focus is providing an enriching camp experience with activities that build on youth development.

The YMCA offers a variety of recreational, creative and educational summer camp programs that play an integral role in overall youth development, emphasizing the YMCAs four character values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. These values are demonstrated through the actions of our staff and reaffirmed through their language with campers, Bullock says. By incorporating these values into the summer camp programs, campers learn to overcome challenges, think about their personal decisions before they act, and learn valuable tools that will help them in everyday life throughout their lives.

Bullock also says the YMCAs summer camp program is beneficial to kids because it helps them reach their full potential and prepares them to connect to and serve the community. We set them on a course to achieve their maximum potential by encouraging, nurturing, teaching, and assisting them with developing self-esteem, social acceptance and leadership. Youth who participate in YMCA summer camps have the opportunity to make new friends, build self-esteem and engage in activities that are beneficial to them, their parents and the community.

What that means to kids, generally ages 5-15, is lots of interactive fun, learning and exploring! The YMCAs most popular summer camps include horseback riding, water sports, mountain biking, fishing, Survivor, and Outdoor Adventure; these camps tend to fill up quickly, so Bullock encourages parents to register their children early. The YMCA also will offer several new camp programs this year to appeal to a wide range of interests. Little Jedi Camp for Grades K-1 and Grades 2-3 teaches campers the art of becoming a Jedi, training with soft light sabers, completing Jedi agility courses, and mastering self-control through Jedi mind power. Also for Grades K-1 and Grades 2-3, Little Princess Camp is a week of fairytale fun! Little Princesses will learn about real princesses around the world, then decorate their own tiaras and wands as Little Princesses in Camp Royal Family. Theyll also learn proper etiquette for a tea party and enjoy a spa day with the royal treatment on their hands and nails! In addition, elite soccer player and YMCA counselor Luke Williams will lead a special Soccer Skills Camp. Other new programs include Leather & Wood Camp, which teaches leather design, wood burning, witling and carving; Trailblazers Camp, which takes campers off property three times a week to enjoy outdoor activities, theme parks, roller skating, etc.; Wranglers in Training, which teaches campers about caring for horses; and Teen Expedition, which promotes teambuilding through ropes courses, backpacking, outdoor cooking and a special five-day adventure trip supervised by male and female YMCA staff. Teens in Grades 8-10 can apply and interview for leadership training camps. Visit CherokeeYMCARegistration.com for complete summer camp details and registration.

YMCA Summer Camps are open to all children, but, as Bullock explains, they must be a current YMCA member. The annual family membership fee for Cherokee County residents is $40. Summer camps run all day from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., with before and after supervised care from 7:00 a.m. and until 6:30 p.m. Transportation is available (for an additional fee) at two pick-up and drop-off locations. In recent years, Bullock says a special partnership with Cherokee County School Nutrition Dept. provided free breakfasts and lunches to summer camp participants; he hopes the meal partnership will be offered again this year. Scholarships also are available to qualified summer camp participants, Bullock says.

Of course, summer camp counselors play a vital role in the overall camp experience. The YMCA hires and trains exceptional staff who care about nurturing the next generation of children, Bullock says. All YMCA staff must pass a criminal background check and drug test; must be currently certified in CPR and First-Aid; and must complete pre-camp training, he says. In addition, all water sports require a certified lifeguard.

As Bullock explains, YMCA summer camps are more than about activities; theyre about relationships, experiences and life enrichment. Each summer is a reunion, as children get to reconnect with staff and campers. It is a very special moment when they can share stories and deepen friendships with new adventures and healthy experiences at camp. Bullock recalls the recent experience of a 12-year-old camper who had gone home from summer camp with a little too much sun on his fair skin. His mother was moved to tears when she learned what had happened, and called to thank the YMCA staff for providing her son such a wonderful experience. He had always struggled with low self-esteem due to weight issues, Bullock says. By participating in activities throughout the summer, he lost some weight and felt more accepted socially. One day while at the swimming pool, he decided to take off his T-shirt it was literally a transformation that helped him feel accepted and proud of himself. His experience at YMCA summer camp was life-changing, and he is more confident than ever in the person he has become!