COUNTDOWN TO CAMP: WESTFIELD AREA Y OFFERS KIDS A CHANCE TO LEARN AND EXPLORE THIS SUMMER

Just weeks to go until the end of the school year and the beginning of the lazy days of summer. But for children, too many lazy days is not necessarily a good thing.

Together with SEER Analytics, an independent impact measurement company, nearly 40,000 parents and caregivers with kids enrolled in camp programs were recently surveyed to find out how camp benefits kids. Ninety-one percent of parents/caregivers said they agreed the Y’s day camp program helped kids make new friends. In addition, 81% said they agreed the program helped their kids discover what they can achieve, while 86% agreed their child felt a sense of belonging at their Y camp.

This summer, the Westfield Area Y’s day camp program is offering kids an enriching, learning experience to help them get more out of summer break – more friendships, more accomplishments and more belonging. Through a mix of fun and educational activities aimed at improving well-being, kids will experience new adventures, learn and master new skills, and enjoy shared interests with friends.

“With school out during the summer, many kids don’t get enough physical activity or learning—a critical gap the Y is addressing,” says Marty Collett, the Westfield Area Y’s Youth, Teen & Camp Director. “At the Y, kids are in a safe environment with nurturing adults where they feel welcome, develop character and explore new talents and interests to reach their potential. We want to ensure that kids in our camp program go home with so much excitement for all they’ve accomplished and enjoyed that they can’t wait to come back the next day.”

The Westfield Area Y offers camps for children ages 3-15, full and half day, from one week to all summer. Choices range from traditional camps with a mixture of games, sports, arts & crafts and swimming to sports camps to specialty camps in various art, dance and science disciplines and more.

For more information, visit www.westfieldynj.org or call 908-233-2700.

Pictured here: Westfield Area Y Discovery Camp participants get ready to join the others for some Hula Hoop Tag fun!