TOP STORY OF THE DAY: Clay County YMCA Gearing Up for the Best Summer Ever

At the end of the summer, families want to hear their child had “the best summer ever.” To help make that happen, Clay County YMCA is offering camp, keeping kids and teens in Brazil adventurous, active, engaged and healthy all summer long. YMCA camp programs 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. Registration is now open! Register now through April 30th and save 50% on the registration fee.

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 Clay County YMCA 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,” says Nicole Fry, Executive Branch Director, Clay County YMCA. “In our day camp, 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.”

Nicole Fry, says there 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. YMCA camps have a new adventure for every child and teen as well as exciting field trips! Campers also will participate in swimming daily in efforts to learn water safety and provide physical activities.

HEALTHY FUN: Day camp offers 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.

We provide free breakfast and lunch for all campers and anyone ages 18 years and younger.

Over the last two summers we have provided 8,657 meals to youth!

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 through hands on STEAM activities. We focus on academic enrichment activities to help prevent summer learning loss.

FRIENDSHIPS: Amidst the fun of camp games, songs, swimming 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 that will last a lifetime. Youth return to school with plenty of camp stories to share!

To ensure that all youth have the chance to experience camp, the YMCA offers financial assistance to those in need.

If you’re interested in helping send kids to camp this summer, you can donate at https://ymcaswv.org/get-involved/donate/. During 2021 the Y provided over $117,000 in financial assistance for local families. We need your help to ensure we can continue providing valuable opportunities for youth in our community.

A leading nonprofit committed to nurturing the potential of youth, the Y has been a leader in providing summer camp for over 132 years. The 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, visit ymcaswv.org or contact Michaela Sinclair at 812.442.6761 or email msinclair@ymcaswv.org.

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 22 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.

During each summer over 950,000 youth attend summer day and overnight camps at the Y. ymca.net