Crossroads YMCA with Griffith, Hammond, Southlake and Whiting branches is offering adventure, day, junior leaders, preschool and sports camp to give kids and teens in those communities an adventurous, active and healthy summer—one that will surely be described as “the best summer ever” for years to come. 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 up, 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 kids can experience learning loss and gain weight twice as fast than during the school year. Attending YMCA summer camp is a wonderful opportunity for kids to keep their minds and bodies active.
“YMCA summer camp supports the social-emotional growth, cognitive development and physical well-being of kids,” says Laurie A. Halaska, CEO of Crossroads YMCA. “In our camps, 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 their kids active and engaged throughout the summer.”
Lori Mulligan, Childcare Director at Griffith Family YMCA says 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 crymca.org/summercamp for details.
HEALTHY FUN: Day camps offer fun, stimulating activities that engage the body and mind, and also help children and teens learn the importance of nutrition to help improve their healthy eating habits.
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 talent shows, 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 Crossroads YMCA offers: Adventure Camp (with two field trips per week), Day Camp, Junior Leaders (for children who have completed 6th-8th grade), Preschool Camp, and Sports Camps. And, to ensure that all youth have the chance to experience camp, the Y 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 ymca.net/ForaBetterUs.
A leading nonprofit committed to nurturing the potential of youth, the Y has been a leader in providing summer camp for over 131 years. The Crossroads YMCA continues to give youth an enriching, safe experience with caring staff and volunteers who model positive values that help build their kids’ character.
For more information, visit crymca.org/summercamp.
About the Y
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. http://crymca.org/