Parent Teacher Magazine Gaston County Schools May 2014 | Page 5

Camping at the Y Keeps Youth Moving, Learning and Exploring All Summer Long 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. Say Hello to SummeR foR youtH developmeNt® foR HealtHy liviNg foR SoCial ReSpoNSibility Say Hello to SummeR To give youth an adventurous, active and healthy summer, the Gaston County Family YMCA is offering day camp for youth in Gaston County. YMCA camp programs provide a fun 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 Gaston County Family Y offers: Creative Arts, Swimming, Reading, Activities at every age level, Character Development, physical fitness, field trips, friend time, and so much more! The Gaston County Family YMCA provides a variety of opportunities to help ensure that youth are learning and being physically active in the summer, a time of exploration,” says Molly D’Avria, Senior Program 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.” 5 reasons why children and teens should attend summer camp: n 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. Visit www.gastonymca.org for details. Register Now for Summer Camp n 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. www.gastonymca.org n PERSONAL GROWTH: While being away from the routine at home, youth have a chance to learn new skills and develop self confidence and independence by taking on new responsibilities and challenges. Camps offer cognitive learning and social-emotional development opportunities for achievement.  n NEW FRIENDSHIPS: Amidst the fun of camp games, songs, swimming and talent shows, campers meet new friends and strengthen existing friendships. The relationships formed at camp are important and lasting for many youth. Register Now for Summer Camp www.gastonymca.org n 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! 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 Gaston County Family Y continues to give youth an enriching, safe experience with caring staff and volunteers who model positive values that help build their kids’ character. Registration for the upcoming camp season is in progress The Gaston County Family Y encourages parents to give their kids the gift of camp. And, to ensure that all youth have the chance to experience camp, the Gaston County Family Y offers financial assistance to those in need. For more information, visit www. gastonymca.org or contact any local Gaston County YMCA. Parent Teacher Magazine • May/June 2014 • 3