Gearing Up for The Best Summer Ever
Posted 05/22/2019
At the end of the summer, families want to hear their child had “the best summer ever.” To help make that happen, the YMCA of Strafford County offers multiple day camp programs, keeping kids and teens adventurous, active, engaged and healthy all summer long. YMCA day camps offer youth fun and unique experiences with an opportunity to explore the outdoors, meet new friends, discover new interests and create memories that last a lifetime.
Summer is the ideal time for kids to get up, get out and explore, but for some kids, summer means no access to recreational and educational activities to help them learn, grow and thrive during out-of-school time. As a result, some kids can experience learning loss and gain weight twice as fast than during the school year. Attending summer camp is a wonderful opportunity for kids to keep their minds and bodies active.
“It’s imperative that kids stay engaged socially, physically and academically throughout the summer. Summer camp is a wonderful way to ensure that,” said Kat Lindemann, Camp Coney Pine Director, YMCA of Strafford County. “At our day camps, kids are in a welcoming environment where they can belong, they’re building relationships, developing character and discovering their potential. We really encourage parents to give their kids the gift of camp to keep them active and engaged all summer long.”
Here are five reasons why children and teens should attend summer camp:
- ADVENTURE: Summer camp is all about a wide variety of new experiences and exploring the outdoors. YMCA camps have a new adventure for every child and teen. Please visit www.graniteymca.org/camps for details.
- 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 healthy eating habits.
- PERSONAL GROWTH: While in the welcoming environment of camp, youth have a chance to learn new skills, and develop confidence and independence by taking on new responsibilities and challenges. Camps offer cognitive learning and social-emotional development opportunities for achievement.
- FRIENDSHIPS: Amidst the fun of camp games, songs, swimming, archery and talent shows, campers meet new friends and strengthen existing friendships. The bonds formed at camp are important and lasting for many youth.
- MEMORIES: Summer camp is an unforgettable experience that will give each camper memories (and camp traditions) that will last a lifetime. Youth return to school with plenty of camp stories to share!
Camps at the YMCA of Strafford County provide exciting and educational camp programming for children and teens, including: Camp Coney Pine, a traditional day camp, Kanga Camp for ages 11 – 12, Teen Trip Camp, where campers will enjoy field trips to various locations, and Camp Cocheco, located at the YMCA of Strafford County. Also offered are teen leadership programs such as Leader in Training and Counselor in Training where teens will learn valuable leadership skills.
And, to ensure that all youth have the chance to experience camp, the YMCA of Strafford County offers financial assistance to those in need. For more information, please contact Linda Silvia, Day Camp Registrar at 603.994.4130 or lsilvia@graniteymca.org.
The YMCA of Strafford County will host an open house at Camp Coney Pine, located at 63 Lowell Street in Rochester, NH for all camps listed above on Sunday, June 9 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. In the event of inclement weather, the open house will be held at the YMCA of Strafford County, located at 35 Industrial Way in Rochester, NH.
A leading nonprofit committed to nurturing the potential of youth, the Y has been a leader in providing summer camp for over 130 years. The Granite YMCA continues to give youth an enriching, safe experience with caring staff and volunteers who model positive values that help build their kids’ character.
For more information, please contact Kat Lindemann, Camp and Youth Program Director at 603.994.4114 or visit www.graniteymca.org/camps.
About The Granite YMCA
As one of the state’s longest standing and most enduring non-profits, The Granite YMCA focuses on youth development, healthy living, social responsibility, and family strengthening. Across the state, its six branches engage 30,000 men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to improve their health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. In 2018, The Granite YMCA provided financial assistance and free services valued at over $1.77 million to 22,890 individuals. To learn more, please visit www.graniteymca.org.
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