WESTFIELD AREA Y SUMMER CAMP CREATES ADVENTURES, MEMORIES AND POSSIBILITIES FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES

The Westfield Area Y offers traditional, sports, specialty and travel camps that 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 life-long memories.

Summer is the ideal time for kids to get up, get out and explore. However, summer can also mean a lack of access to recreational and educational activities. As a result, some kids experience learning loss and gain weight twice as fast as during the school year. Attending Westfield Area Y summer camp is a wonderful opportunity for kids to keep their minds and bodies active.

“YMCA summer camp supports the social-emotional, cognitive development and physical well-being of kids,” says Marty Collett, Westfield Area Y Youth, Teen & Camp Services Director.

“In our summer day camp, kids are in a welcoming environment where they can belong, build relationships, develop character and achieve while discovering their potential. We really encourage parents to give their kids the gift of camp so that every child can benefit from the experience.”

According to the American Camp Association, here are five reasons why children and young teens should attend summer camp:

1. ADVENTURE: Summer camp exposes children to a wide variety of fun adventures and new experiences, and encourages exploring the outdoors. YMCA camps offer a new adventure for every child and teen. Visit www.westfieldynj.org for details.

2. HEALTHY FUN: Day camps offer fun, stimulating activities that engage the body and mind and also help youth learn the importance of nutrition to help improve their eating habits.

3. PERSONAL GROWTH: While being away from the school year routine, 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: After a summer at camp, youth return to school with plenty of camp stories to share!

Says a parent of a Westfield Area Y camper, “Besides meeting new friends, camp provided my daughter with such a great opportunity to continue her personal growth, including her confidence, self esteem and independence through a variety of activities, swim, weekly field trips, and dress up days. All of the counselors provided her with a truly fun-filled summer and life long memories. She is already looking forward to next summer’s camp.”

The Westfield Area Y has caps to suit all interests and is excited to offer the following new camps this summer: Bricks 4 Kidz® Amusement Park Building, Bricks 4 Kidz® Mining and Crafting, Movie 101 and Mysteries of Magic. Full-day, half-day and extended day programs are available one week or all summer long. Camp programs are located in Garwood, Mountainside and Westfield. The Westfield and Mountainside based camp programs are ACA accredited. To ensure that all youth have the chance to experience camp, financial assistance is available to those who qualify.

A leading nonprofit committed to nurturing the potential of youth, the Y has been a leader in providing summer camp for nearly 130 years. The Westfield Area Y Summer Camp continues to give youth an enriching, safe experience with caring staff and volunteers who model positive values that help build their kids’ character. For questions or information regarding sending your child to summer camp at the Westfield Area Y, please email mcollett@westfieldynj.org or call Marty Collett at (908) 233-2700 x405.

Pictured here: Westfield Area Y campers and counselors create summer camp memories for children and teens.