With warmer weather around the corner, thoughts of summer adventures are beginning to pop up in the minds of kids across the Triangle. Here at the Y, registration for summer day camp kicked off this week, and we’re looking forward to creating the amazing places for kids to learn more about themselves, make new friends, and discover new hobbies and interests.
But we also know that there’s more value to Summer Camp than just a summer spent having fun.
A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE
During summer breaks, it’s easy for kids to become more sedentary. And in today’s world of handheld video games, apps and on-demand entertainment, it’s more important than ever that kids are kept active through the summer break. At YMCA Summer Day Camp, we create fun new activities to keep kids up and moving every day – ensuring that they get plenty of exercise, without even realizing it.
TIME JUST “TO BE”
Today more than ever, kids have full schedules. From school to sports, extracurricular activities to social events, there’s not much time to simply decompress. At camp, kids have a chance to simply be kids. Unhindered playtime is valuable in many ways, including giving children the chance to stretch their imaginations, explore social norms, and learn to interact with each other. And YMCA Summer Day Camp counselors are experts at setting the scene for this valuable time and guiding kids along the adventures they discover.
A REDUCTION IN LEARNING LOSS
After a summer away from school, some kids struggle to get back into the swing of school in the fall and even see some drops in test scores and comprehension. Studies show that keeping kids active in summer camp can help to reduce this learning loss. The physical challenges and mental stimulation that kids get through problem solving and team building in camps help to keep them sharp and prepare them for fall.
A FEELING OF BELONGING
Being a kid today is a tough path to navigate. But at camp, things are different. Goofy songs and chants, oddly named huddles, beads and secret handshakes – all these things serve to give kids the chance to feel like they belong. Instead of potentially feeling like outsiders, campers develop a common sense of purpose and feel connected to a larger group, and that’s something we could all benefit from.
Register before April 1 and get last year’s camp rates!
