The Hockomock Area YMCA welcomes children and teens to camp this summer at locations in Franklin, Foxboro, North Attleboro, Mansfield, and Bellingham. Summer camp began the week of June 22.
People who have experienced summer camp often have a “10 for 2” mentality, counting down the months all year until they can spend their cherished summer months at their “home away from home.”
Y staff and parents know how much kids look forward to this, and this year even more so. So many kids have lost out on big and small childhood milestones over these last four months due to the pandemic, and they need a break. Children and teens need the opportunity to regain their childhood by playing outdoors, escaping from screens and the virtual world, and simply enjoying each others company.
YMCA Camps provide exciting and educational summer camp options for pre-school and school-age children, teens, and options for children with special needs. Camps can impact youth and teens in several important ways:
- Camp gives kids and teens a break from the economic, political, and pandemic strife they hear every day in the news, and gives them independence they do not typically experience at home or in school.
- Kids make amazing, lifelong memories at camp. Camp Elmwood, Camp WAPAWCA, Camp Wiggi, and Camp Silver Lake are environments to develop new skills, learn from other campers and counselors, and make new friends.
- At camp, kids and teens learn and practice how to make smart choices, solve problems, and work as a team toward common goals. These decision-making skills are learned through experience and are essential to character development.
- At camp, kids and teens develop confidence by trying and learning new things. They are given opportunities for adventure and creativity that can lead to healthy, life-long habits.
- Camp is the perfect environment for kids to unplug from technology and to learn about and appreciate nature and the great outdoors.
The Hockomock Area YMCA offers a variety of summer camps starting at age 3 and extending through teen years. Camps include traditional day camps, sports, gymnastics, swim, baking & cooking, dance, theatre, STEM; and a variety of teen camps including Voyagers, Leaders-in-Training, and New Horizons Teen Village, a camp for teens living with special needs. The Y also offers convenient pre and post camp care for parents that need an extended camp day. Traditional day camps offer the choice of 3, 4 and 5 days a week and include daily swim lessons, STEM, and special guests. Most importantly, all camp counselors and staff go through extensive safety training to provide children with a safe, fun camp experience.
Staff have worked diligently with our local boards of health to provide a safe and caring place for our campers and staff. And although that camp will look a little different this year, the memories kids will make will be amazing. To learn more about this year’s summer camps and our safety procedures and protocols, visit hockymca.org/summer-camp-is-here.
The Hockomock Area YMCA’s Reach Out for Youth & Families Annual Campaign makes it possible for everyone to participate in all of our programs, services, and events. Financial assistance to individuals and families who are not able to pay full fees for YMCA programs and membership is available. YMCA is also happy to announce the creation of the COVID-19 Unemployment Membership. Visit hockymca.org to learn more.
