Garrettsville – Spring is barely making a comeback right now, but it’s already getting late to plan for the summer. Once school lets out for summer break after June 4, parents will be faced with the seasonal dilemma: How to keep the kids safe and happy while the adults are away at work.
This summer, a menu of new day camp options is being offered by the Garrettsville YMCA, located in the former Intermediate School building on Park Avenue. Registration is under way for Garrettsville YMCA Summer Camp, to be held June 9-August 21 for children aged 5 (if they have completed kindergarten)-12, Monday through Friday. Camp hours are 9am-4:30pm, but Child Choice Centers are available before camp each day, starting at 7am; then after camp through 6pm daily. Morning and afternoon snacks are provided.
James A. Garfield Schools Superintendent Ted Lysiak sees the local Y as a partner in the community which provides a continuum of care for students and families, even when school is not in session. “The YMCA has provided programming at the Park Avenue building since September 2014 with several youth sports leagues. Now it’s increasing its role with summer day camp and a public pre-school and before- and after-school program starting this coming fall.”
The YMCA is committed to the healthy development of kids through a broad range of activities that instill positive values and build self-confidence while emphasizing the Y’s four core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. The theme for summer camp at the Y is Summer of Fun; Lifetime of Memories, where kids “will get to try new things and learn lessons that will serve them throughout their lives,” according to the Y’s camp flyer.
Campers will play games and sports, do arts and crafts, spend time outside, get messy, go on field trips on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, participate in community projects, enjoy swimming every Thursday at the Geauga YMCA, and make new friends. The school-age program offers fun weekly themes that align with Ohio’s Common Core K-12 state standards. The curriculum includes activities in the following areas: arts & humanities; character development; large motor skills and fitness; literacy; science and math, STEM, nutrition, and service learning projects.
Weekly themes are as follows:
June 8: We Are Family – Building Our Community
June 15: Once Upon A Time
June 22: Ooey Gooey
June 29: Party in the USA – A Celebration of Independence
July 6: Color Crazy
July 13: Holidaze
July 20: Super Heroes – You Can Be One Too!
July 27: It’s a Jungle Out There
August 3: Wacky World of Sports
August 10: Wacky Water Palooza
August 17: Blast Off
The Garrettsville YMCA — where Melissa Matz is the director of operations and licensed child care — is affiliated with The YMCA of Greater Cleveland. Register online by selecting the Garrettsville location and the weeks your child(ren) will attend camp at www.clevelandymca.org . Or call (216) 263-6860.
The cost for summer camp is $135 per week (4-5 days) or $100/ per week (1-3 days). Each week of summer day camp requires a $25 deposit (deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable). An annual membership fee of $25 per family is required for those not currently a YMCA member. You can become a full facility member when registering for summer day camp and pay a zero joiner fee (a $100 savings).
Take advantage of the Y’s camp deposit payment plan by registering before April 17. All deposits on this plan must be paid in full by May 15. Publicly funded child care participants are accepted. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.
