As both a parent and an educator, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the incredible growth and learning experiences that children gain from attending summer camp. I hold dear the memories of my own children piling into the car after a day at camp, their faces flushed from basking in the hot summer sun. They would eagerly recount the day’s adventures before dozing off, a sure sign of an enriching day!
However, this was all before the pandemic. Presently, we are facing an unprecedented surge in mental and physical health issues among children and adolescents, underscoring the increased significance of positive summer experiences and activities such as those offered by YMCA camps.
FOUR VALUABLE LESSONS FROM YMCA CAMPS
Beyond the joys of making friends and having fun, which are integral to children’s mental and physical well-being, summer camp provides youngsters with opportunities for learning outside the confines of a classroom. Here are just a few of the valuable lessons children can glean from attending YMCA camps:
1. Exploration of Exciting STEM Careers:
During the school year, most elementary-aged children receive less than 15 minutes of science instruction per day, and regrettably, even less exposure to technology and engineering concepts. Local YMCA branches, including those in Silver Spring and Bethesda, offer engaging STEM camps such as Crime Scene Investigation, Goop & Magical Solutions, and Construction Destruction day camps.
These YMCA camps afford parents the opportunity to ignite their child’s passion for STEM subjects. There’s no better way to get kids deeply engaged in learning than by combining educational experiences with the enjoyment of summer activities like swimming and field games.
2. Development of Leadership Skills:
My own children experienced substantial personal growth during the summers they spent working as camp counselors. YMCA Counselor-in-Training programs offer teenagers the chance to cultivate critical social-emotional and 21st-century skills that will serve them well in both their academic pursuits and future careers. All YMCA camp counselors are trained to encourage children to step out of their comfort zones and take on leadership roles.
3. Environmental Stewardship:
Many children spend approximately 7 minutes outdoors each day, in stark contrast to the 7 hours they dedicate to screens. If we hope to instill a sense of environmental responsibility in the next generation, it is imperative to immerse them in nature, enabling them to develop a genuine appreciation for it.
4. Establishment of Lifelong Healthy Habits:
Research published in BMC Public Health has shown that children without access to summer camp tend to gain more weight compared to those who attend camp. Access to sports and aquatics camps helps children discover a passion for physical activities. Beyond simply filling summer days with sports and games, traditional camps emphasize the importance of being active and engaged with friends, conveying the idea that such activities are more enjoyable than sedentary behavior.
The YMCA’s wide array of camps, including sports, aquatics, tennis, pickleball, and traditional camps, keep children active and entertained throughout the summer.
HOW TO REGISTER FOR YMCA CAMPS
If you’ve heard harrowing tales of camp registration woes from parents who signed up their children in January and thought you had missed your chance, fret not! The YMCA 2023 Summer Camp Program Guide provides a comprehensive overview of YMCA camps across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Registration information can be found here.
For quick access to YMCA camp offerings in the DMV (Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia), consult the following links. Registration is currently open, and offerings may vary by location:
WASHINGTON, D.C.
- Anthony Bowen
- Calomiris
- Diplotots
MARYLAND — DAY CAMPS
- Ayrlawn/Bethesda-Chevy Chase
- Camp Letts
- Silver Spring
MARYLAND — OVERNIGHT / RESIDENTIAL CAMP
- Camp Letts
VIRGINIA
- Alexandria
- Arlington
- Arlington Tennis & Squash Center
- Arlington Woodmont Gymnastics Center
- Fairfax County Reston
- Loudoun County
CONCERNS ABOUT THE COST OF YMCA CAMPS?
Camp fees should not deter your child from attending. As a nonprofit charitable organization, the YMCA offers camp scholarships through their Send A Kid to Camp Campaign. Prior to the pandemic, thanks to generous community support, the YMCA routinely sponsored 5,000-6,000 campers from low-income families, ensuring that these children could enjoy adventurous, active, and engaging experiences throughout the summer.
ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A YMCA SUMMER FAMILY MEMBERSHIP
The YMCA is dedicated to making summer enjoyable for the entire family, not just campers! The YMCA is generously offering a YMCA Summer Family Membership to one lucky family residing in DC, Maryland, or Virginia. This membership provides a fantastic opportunity to explore the YMCA’s offerings and promote healthy habits during the summer. Parents of younger children will appreciate that YMCA locations offer childcare services, allowing them to enjoy a 30-minute workout while their little ones are cared for at the Y’s Childwatch center.
To participate in the giveaway for a chance to win a YMCA Summer Family Membership, take a look at the camps listed above (or peruse the YMCA 2023 Summer Camp Program Guide) and leave a comment indicating which camp would most interest your child and why. You can earn additional entries through the Rafflecopter form below. Please note that this giveaway is exclusively for residents of DC, Maryland, or Virginia, as the YMCA Summer Family Membership is valid only at DMV YMCA locations.
