B.R. Ryall YMCA Keeps Youth Moving, Learning and Exploring This Summer
The B.R. Ryall YMCA of Northwestern DuPage County is offering summer camps to give kids and teens an adventurous, active and healthy summer. 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.
Nearly 50 percent of U.S. parents say technological distractions, such as television, cell phones or video games make it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle for their children, according to the latest findings of the YMCA's Family Health Snapshot, a survey that gauges children's activity levels during the school year. With more free time in summer, ensuring that kids practice healthy habits could be a greater challenge. The Y encourages parents to help their kids unplug from technology and explore all the camps the Y has to offer from June 11 to August 17, 2013.
“Attending B.R. Ryall YMCA summer camp is a wonderful opportunity for kids to keep their minds and bodies active,” says Erin White, YMCA Camp Director. “At camp, kids get to learn about nature, take on new responsibilities, gain independence, and develop essential social skills and new relationships. As a result, they become more confident, open to trying new things and grow as individuals and as part of a group. We really encourage parents to give their kids the gift of camp so that every child can benefit from the experience.”
Erin White says there are five reasons children and teens should attend summer camp:
1. ADVENTURE: Summer camp is all about a wide variety of fun adventures and new experiences, and especially exploring the outdoors. YMCA camps have a new adventure for every child and teen. Visit www.brryallymca.org for details.
2. HEALTHY FUN: Day camps offer fun, stimulating activities that engage the body and mind, and also help children and teens learn the importance of healthy choices and active lifestyles.
3. PERSONAL GROWTH: While being away from the routine back home, youth have a chance to learn new skills, and develop confidence and independence by taking on new responsibilities and challenges.
4. NEW FRIENDSHIPS: Amidst the fun of camp games, songs, swimming and talent shows, campers meet new friends and strengthen existing friendships.
5. MEMORIES: Summer camp is an unforgettable experience that will give each camper memories that will last a lifetime. Youth return to school with plenty of camp stories to share!
The B.R. Ryall YMCA offers full-day traditional and specialty camps, as well as mini-camps. Full-day camps offered: weekly themed Kinder Ridge for grades K-1 and Wilderness, Timber Ridge, and Pryde camps for grades 2-9 which offer optional swimming lessons as part of the day; Future Stars Sports Camp for grades 3-6; Mount Ryall Climbing Camp for grades 4-8; Horsemanship Camp for ages 8+. Mini-camps offered: Camp Fantastic for 3-6 year olds, Cheerleading and Dance Camp, Boys Only!, Science Discovery Week, CSI YMCA, and Archeology-Egypt for grades 2-5. Full-day camps do offer an extended-care option for working parents needing quality child care during the summer.
To ensure that all youth have the chance to experience camp, the B.R. Ryall YMCA offers financial assistance to individuals and families in need. Each year, through the Y's community support campaign, generous donors contribute to the Y so that we can make Y programs and services available to children, families and individuals who need them most.
The Y has been a leader in providing summer camp for nearly 130 years. B.R. Ryall YMCA camps continue to give youth an enriching, safe experience with caring staff and volunteers who model positive values that help build their kids' character.
Registration in now open for all camps. Camps run weekly June 10 – August 16, 2013.
For more information, visit www.brryallymca.org or contact Erin White, Camp Director, 630.858.0100 x272 or email ewhite@ryallymca.org.