MetroWest YMCA Gearing Up for the Best Summer Ever!

FRAMINGHAM, NATICK & HOPKINTON – At the end of the summer, families want to hear their child had “the best summer ever.” To help make that happen, the MetroWest YMCA offers multiple camps, keeping kids and teens in the MetroWest area 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 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 any of the MetroWest Y’s summer camps is a wonderful opportunity for kids to keep their minds and bodies active.

“It’s imperative that kids stay engaged socially, physically and academically throughout the summer. Summer camp is a wonderful way to ensure that,” says Kelley Ratcliffe, Camp and Teen Director, at the Y’s Family Outdoor Center “In all our day camps, kids are in a welcoming environment where they 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.”

Ratcliffe 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 www.metrowestymca.org/summerca... for details.
• HEALTHY FUN: Day and resident 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 MetroWest YMCA offers summer camps for youth ages 3-16 in Framingham, Hopkinton and Natick. And, to ensure that all youth have the chance to experience camp, the MetroWest YMCA offers financial assistance to those in need.

A leading nonprofit committed to nurturing the potential of youth, the Y has been a leader in providing summer camp to kids and families in the MetroWest area for over 60 years. The MetroWest 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 metrowestymca.org/summercamps

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About the MetroWest Y: The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits, strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The MetroWest Y, with branches in Framingham and Hopkinton, serves more than 20,000 people annually with its programs, and has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver lasting personal and social change.