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 Nicole Lawson, associate executive director of Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA, explains, We have a child-centered focus from planning the camps and activities to selecting our staff, from preparing every detail to carrying out camp each day. Weekly themes, family activities, counselor challenges, skits, camp songs and games all contribute to a summer of wonderful memories. We want each summer to be the best one yet for each child!

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. At the YMCA, there is a focus on community and our core values that is woven throughout our camp culture, Lawson says. We encourage our campers to display our four character values by modeling those values ourselves embedding our values in small- and large-group activities and communicating our values through different learning opportunities each day.

Lawson also says the YMCAs summer camp program is beneficial to kids because it builds their self-esteem. Y summer day camp provides children the opportunity to try new things with the care and support of fellow campers and staff. Whether making new friends, climbing the rock wall for the first time, canoeing, archery, going down the water slide at the outdoor pool, each experience helps children build their self-confidence and self-esteem. Lawson also believes Y summer day camp builds a sense of community. Working together on group projects, supporting one another, and learning how to resolve differences all are skills that will benefit children throughout their lives.

What that means to kids, generally ages 5-15, is lots of interactive fun, learning and exploring! Our camp is outdoors, full of adventure and unique experiences, including rock climbing, crawfishing, canoeing, fort building, ropes courses, and so much more, Lawson says. Changing weekly themes keeps the camp experience new and exciting all summer long. She says the Owl Camp for special needs children (ages 5-13) and Crickets Camp for active 5- and 6-year-olds fill up quickly each year. The new Wilderness (grades 2-5) and Survival camps (ages 11-14) teach campers about natural wetlands and wildlife and teach basic survivalist skills through creek exploration, animal track casting, outdoor cooking, shelter creation and other activities. For tech-savvy campers, video production and robotics camps include a technology element that may appeal to their interests. Teens in Grades 8-10 can apply and interview for leadership training camps. Visit YMCAAtlanta.org for complete camp details and registration.

YMCA summer camps are open to all children, but, as Lawson explains, they must be a current YMCA member. The annual family membership fee for area 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. Scholarships also are available to qualified summer camp participants, she says. As a nonprofit organization, we fundraise through our YMCA Why It Matters Annual Giving Campaign to provide financial assistance to children whose families cannot afford the full fees of summer day camp.

Summer camp counselors play a vital role in the overall camp experience. The YMCA hires and trains caring, honest, respectful, responsible individuals who have a desire to serve and make a positive difference in childrens lives, Lawson 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. In addition, all water sports require a certified lifeguard.

As Lawson explains, YMCA summer camps are more than about activities; theyre about relationships, experiences and life enrichment. Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA Camp Big Creek is approaching 24 years of providing adventure, friendships, learning, growing, trying new things, and memories. Campers and camp staff all become family, who look forward to seeing each other at the start of each new summer and then shed tears when saying goodbye at the end. Lawson says many campers become Y Teen Leaders, who go on to become Y Day Camp staff. She spoke recently to one of the Y Teen Leaders (and her mom) applying to be a day camp counselor. It was so much fun reminiscing about summers past, her camp adventures and this new adventure she is pursuing. Her mom said that her daughter is who she is now because of her experience at the Y. The values the family has tried to instill at home also are supported and encouraged at the Y and through Y programs. This Y Teen Leader now wants to be the type of counselor she admired as a child, who encouraged her and helped her become who she is today. She is an amazing young person and one whom I would be proud to be my 5-year-old daughters camp counselor!