Camping at the Y Keeps Youth Moving, Learning and Exploring All Summer Long

For parents, extra support to keep youth healthy can go a long way. According to the latest findings of the YMCA’s Family Health Snapshot, a survey that gauges children’s activity levels during the school year, nearly 50 percent of U.S. parents say technological distractions such as television, cell phones or video games make it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle for their children. With more free time in summer, ensuring that kids practice healthy habits could be a greater challenge.

To give youth an adventurous, active and healthy summer, the Community YMCA of Northern Westchester is offering a day camp for youth in North Salem, NY. YMCA camp programs provide a fun, affordable and unique experience that gives children and teens the opportunity to explore the outdoors, meet new friends, discover new interests and create memories that last a lifetime. The Discovery Camp offers children ages 6 -12 days filled with a variety of activities including sports & games, FREE YMCA swim lessons at beautiful Lake Purdys, water play, art & crafts, music & drama, hands on science & nature programs, special trips and much, much more

“The Discovery Camp provides a variety of opportunities to help ensure that youth are learning and being physically active in the summer, a time of exploration,” says Maire Brosnan Katavolos, Executive Director. “Campers also learn how to be responsible and resourceful, work in groups, solve problems and make decisions that will help them grow as individuals – all while having fun.”

Kayla Smith, Camp Director says there are five reasons why children and teens should attend summer camp:

·         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.

·         HEALTHY FUN: Day 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.

·         PERSONAL GROWTH: Youth have a chance to learn new skills, and develop confidence and independence by taking on new responsibilities and challenges.

·         NEW FRIENDSHIPS: Amidst the fun of camp games, songs, swimming, and talent shows, campers meet new friends and strengthen existing friendships.

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

A leading nonprofit committed to nurturing the potential of youth, the Y has been a leader in providing summer camp for nearly 130 years. The Discovery Camp continues to give youth an enriching, safe experience with caring staff who model positive values that help build their kids’ character.

Registration for the upcoming camp season is ongoing with special offers for families that pay before February 21st.The Discovery Camp encourages parents to give their kids the gift of camp and to ensure that all youth have the chance to experience camp, the Community YMCA Discovery Camp offers financial assistance to those in need.

For more information, visit http://community.ymca-cnw.org or contact Kayla Smith at(914) 276-2398x 14

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