YMCA of Greater Brandywine ready for great summer
At the end of the summer, families want to hear their child had “the best summer ever.”
To help make that happen, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine is offering summer camp, keeping kids and teens throughout Chester County adventurous, active, engaged and healthy all summer long.
YMCA camp programs offer youth fun and unique experiences with an opportunity to explore the outdoors, meet new friends, discover new interests and create memories that last a lifetime.
Summer is the ideal time for kids to get out and explore. But for some kids, summer means no access to recreational and educational activities to help them learn, grow and thrive during out-of-school time.
As a result, some children can experience learning loss and gain weight twice as fast than during the school year. Attending summer camp is a wonderful opportunity for kids to keep their minds and bodies active.
“Due to the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever that kids stay engaged socially, physically and academically throughout the summer,” said Janelle Brandberg, senior director of youth programs at the Upper Main Line YMCA. “Summer camp is a wonderful way to ensure that.
“In our day camp program, kids are in a welcoming environment where they can belong, they’re building relationships, developing character and discovering their potential. We really encourage parents to give their kids the gift of camp to keep them active and engaged all summer long.”
Brandberg said that there are five reasons why children and teens should attend summer camp:
Adventure
Summer camp is all about a wide variety of new experiences and exploring the outdoors. YMCA camps have a new adventure for every child and teen. Visit ymcagbw.org/camp for details.
Healthy fun
Day camp offers fun, stimulating activities that engage the body and mind, and also help children and teens learn the importance of staying active.
Personal growth
While in the welcoming environment of camp, youth have a chance to learn new skills, and develop confidence and independence by taking on new responsibilities and challenges. Camps offer cognitive learning and social-emotional development opportunities for achievement.
Friendships
Amidst the fun of camp games, songs, swimming, canoeing and a plethora of other activities campers meet new friends and strengthen existing friendships. The bonds formed at camp are important and lasting for many youth.
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!
The YMCA of Greater Brandywine offers day camps, aquatics camps, teen camps, preschool camps, environmental camps, STEM camps and many more for your family to enjoy. And, to ensure that all youth have the chance to experience camp, YGBW offers financial assistance to those in need.
If you’re interested in helping send kids to camp this summer, you can donate to the Y at ymcagbw. org/give.
A leading nonprofit committed to nurturing the potential of youth, the Y has been a leader in providing summer camp for over 130 years. The YMCA of Greater Brandywine 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 summer camp opens on Feb. 1. For more information, visit ymcagbw.org/camp ABOUT THE YMCA OF
GREATER BRANDYWINE » The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW), an association of eight YMCAs, including the Brandywine YMCA, Jennersville YMCA, Kennett Area YMCA, Lionville Community YMCA, Oscar Lasko YMCA and Childcare Center, Octorara
YMCA Program Center, Upper Main Line YMCA and West Chester Area YMCA is a leading non-profit organization committed to strengthening the Chester County community. We strive to nurture the potential of every child, promote healthy living and foster social responsibility through life-changing programs for all. YGBW raises funds to provide financial assistance to those unable to pay the standard rates. To learn more, visit www. ymcagbw.org.
“In our day camp program, kids are in a welcoming environment where they can belong, they’re ... discovering their potential.”
— Janelle Brandberg, senior director of youth programs at the Upper Main Line YMCA.