EATON — From May 31 through August 12, Preble County YMCA (450 Washington Jackson Rd.) will offer day camp for children ages 5 – 12. Hours run from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., with extended care hours available from 6:30 – 9 a.m. and 4 – 6 p.m. to fit the schedules of working parents.
Children will explore the outdoors with staff guidance and supervision, with activities revolving around weekly educational themes. Art, sports, outdoor games, swimming, craft projects, literacy development activities, swimming, skits, field trips, and more will be utilized to foster character development, teamwork and leadership skills, and bring a greater understanding of the world’s ecosystems. All Greater Dayton YMCA camps are certified through the American Camping Association.
Child care coordinator Cathy Bulach said, “Kids are so into technology these days, and that can be a good thing — sparingly. It kills me how reliant we are on technology, though. Our camp doesn’t allow that, and teaches the kids social skills, how to communicate their feelings, express their successes and not-so-happy moments, all skills I think become lost through technology. We talk about things in text messages now so emotions aren’t physically seen.”
The program includes daily morning hikes and lunch at Fort St. Clair, a walk back to the YMCA, swim time at the new Main Street Aquatic Center, and an afternoon snack and closing ceremony. Weekly field trips include destinations such as Cincinnati Reds Stadium, Kings Island, the Cincinnati Zoo, the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, and the Beach Water Park, as well as an all-day “olympics” event at University of Dayton Arena which will pit youths from all Greater Dayton YMCA camps against each other in sporting challenges.
“It’s about having fun and making new memories,” said Bulach, “but also helping with our four core values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.”
Registration is $30 per child, with each week’s session costing $108 for YMCA members and $120 for non-members. Extended care is $15 for before or after hours, and $25 for both. Ten percent sibling discounts are available, and financial assistance is offered on a first come, first served basis.
“Even if you do have childcare for the summer,” said Bulach, “I’d recommend trying it out for at least a week because they’ll get a unique outdoor experience and a sense of belonging, and I think that’s what every parent wants. And I think it’s what every child wants as well.”
For more information, contact Cathy Bulach at 937-472-2010 or email [email protected].
