YMCA summer camps are the way to go
With over 500 volunteers and over 1,500 employees, the YMCA of Northern Alberta has been a registered charity in Edmonton for 110 years.
Consisting of 64 Child Cares, 18 Community Program Centres, five Health, Fitness and Aquatics Centres, and three Housing Sites, the charity is guided by the principle of helping everyone reach their full potential.
The Y is committed to building healthy communities by creating life-enhancing opportunities for the growth and development of all people in spirit, mind and body, which is the reason gym and swim is an integral part of the organization.
YMCA SUMMER CAMPS
Program-based summer camps play an important part in the YMCA vision of strong kids and healthy families. YMCA summer camps offer preschoolers, children and youth the opportunity to participate in fun and engaging activities. Camps are designed to spark their imagination, build confidence, develop independence and improve communication skills. All participants will have opportunities to create positive peer and adult friendships.
Through YMCA Healthy Child Development, participants will learn physical literacy skills and complete daily physical activity requirements. Camps let participants try international activities, games and handson learning, as well as develop skills, create crafts, swim and much more.
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE VALUE BEADS
At YMCA summer day camps, value beads play an important role as a sign of character and personal achievement. As a form of recognition, beads at camp promote positive behaviour, and are worn as a constant reminder of what the YMCA values as a camp community. Throughout the week, beads are awarded to individuals for demonstrating the YMCA core values of friendship, caring, honesty, diversity, social inclusion, responsibility, respect, leadership and excellence.
CAMP STAFF
Camp staff are carefully selected for their leadership skills, enthusiasm and their ability to work with children of all backgrounds and abilities. All staff members have completed the YMCA day camp training program, which includes safety and emergency training, standard first aid, CPR, WHMIS, behaviour management, physical literacy (National Coaching Certification Program Fundamental Movement Skills (NCCP FMS)) and YMCA Healthy Child Development. Camp staff are also required to pass a police security clearance and vulnerable sector search.
PHYSICAL LITERACY AND YMCA PROGRAMS
The YMCA understands physical literacy is an important part of a child’s healthy development. When children acquire and practise fundamental movement and sport skills at a young age, they are more likely to stay active and maintain healthy habits in adulthood.
YMCA staff who lead these programs are trained in NCCP FMS. Aligned with the Canadian Sport for Life’s Long Term Athlete Development Framework (CS4L LTAD), all YMCA programs provide children and youth the opportunity to practise and improve their physical literacy skills, develop movement confidence and become “Active for Life.”
HEALTHY KIDS DAY
The YMCA is also offering a free Pre-Camp Family Event on May 28, from 12-3 p.m. This event is in support of the 64 YMCA Child Cares, and is offered at Castle Downs Family YMCA, Jamie Platz Family YMCA, William Lutsky Family YMCA, Don Wheaton Family YMCA/YMCA Welcome Village, and the Westmount Community League centre. All families are invited to participate in Healthy Kids Day games and eat free food, as well as meet members of the summer camp staff team, while enjoying a fun-filled afternoon participating in camp-oriented activities.
OPPORTUNITY FUND
As a registered charity, the YMCA ensures no one is turned away because of an inability to pay, helping families in need send their kids to summer camp (as well as professional development day camps, winter camps and school break camps) through the Opportunity Fund. This fund is made possible by generous local donations to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, which is the major annual fundraising campaign of the YMCA, helping over 10,000 people access YMCA programs and membership every year.
PUBLIC REGISTRATION OPEN NOW
Last year, the YMCA had its largest summer camp registration ever, filling most camps by the middle of May, though new spots are added daily throughout the season. YMCA members receive a discount on all summer camps (as well as early registration), while public registration is now open. This year new YMCA summer camps are being offered, including Lil’ Chefs, Preschool Dance, Science Explorers, YSci, Sportball Partnerships, many French Speaking Camps and Sportball Partnership Camps.