Parent Teacher Magazine | Page 5

Summer Camps and Programs The Y is Giving Kids GASTON COUNTY FAMILY YMCA Their Best Summer Ever home with so much excitement for all they’ve accomplished and enjoyed that they can’t wait to come back the next day.” The Y’s day camp activities help kids grow socially, emotionally, cognitively and physically. Each day campers will participate in age related activities that keep both their minds and muscles active such as summer reading, swimming, STEM experiments, fun games, songs, and MORE! As a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, the Y offers so much more than a place to play and have fun. Through a holistic approach to youth development, the Y nurtures the potential of children and teens from birth to career to help them achieve in school and life. Through day camp and other youth development programs, the Y is working to keep kids active and address gaps in learning when school is not in session. To learn more about the Gaston County Family YMCA’s day camp program, contact Freddie Mibelli at 704.822.9622 or visit www. gastonymca.org. Trading stories and sharing a favorite book or song with a new friend. Being greeted with smiles and high-fives from staff and team-mates after scoring the winning point. Always fitting in, just for being you. This is what the Y’s day camp is all about, and we are ensuring kids get more out of summer: more learning, more exploration and more achievement. For parents and guardians who enjoy seeing their child’s face glow when retelling a camp story, and want to see their child accomplish things, the Y encourages you to enroll them in the Y’s day camp. The Gaston County Family YMCA’s day camp offers a mix of fun and educational activities aimed at improving kids’ well-being, such as group  games, archery, and gymnastics. Our program centers on three areas proven to impact kids’ development: friendship, accomplishment and belonging. Working with SEER Analytics to find out how camp benefits kids,  the Y recently surveyed nearly 30,000 parents and caregivers with kids enrolled in camp at nearly 190 Y associations nationwide. Ninety-two percent of parents/caregivers said they agreed the Y’s day camp program  helped kids make new friends. In addition, 83 percent said they agreed the program helped their kids discover what they can achieve, while 87 percent agreed their child felt a sense of belonging at their Y camp.  “At the Y, we know that when kids are given an opportunity to accomplish new skills, make friends and feel like they belong, they are comfortable expressing individuality and feel more confident, connected and supported,” says Freddie Mibelli. “We are focusing on these youth development areas to ensure that kids in our day camp program go The YMCA is your headquarters for summer! Camp registration begins in February for summer camp programs across the county. There are options for your child to achieve, build relationship, and belong! Take a look at the locations below and learn more about the camps and programs they offe ȁѡ