Some of my fondest childhood memories are of summer camp. Camp is such a unique opportunity for kids - like school it puts kids in a safe, structured environment surrounded by other kids, but unlike school the skills being learned are as much social, physical, and creative as they are intellectual.
The friendships made at camp are special. The social element of camp creates bonds like no other. And that's where local camps like Flushing YMCA Summer Camp really have the advantage. Like I said, I have great memories of summer camp. But one thing I also remember is: the friendships were hard to maintain after summer. That's because I went to far away sleep-away camp and my summer friends lived all over the city and region. But I remember so many of my classmates at school went to Y camp. Those kids had a year-round bond I was envious of. And when we transitioned from elementary school up to Jr High, many of the "Y Camp kids" had a huge social advantage: they already knew a lot of the students coming in from other elementary schools, having gone to camp together.
But it's not just socialization. Camp helps kids learn or improve on their sports skills, engage in STEAM activities in a low-stress high fun environment, and be exposed to new ideas and activities across the city. The Flushing YMCA offers regular day camp full of a variety of fun activities like swimming, pony rides, carnivals, group games, arts & crafts, and theme weeks, plus specialty programs like Dance Camp, Swim Camp, Sports Camp or Science Camp which enjoy the fun of day camp with an emphasis on the chosen discipline.
Flushing YMCA offers camp opportunities for kids as young as 3 years old all the way up through 16, which is great for families - as a mom I know sending all my kids to one place instead of each off to their own course is by far the less stressful route for me! And that's even sweeter with the 10% sibling discount the Flushing YMCA offers. Camp sessions are run in four 2-week intervals from June 29 through August 21, so you can choose the duration that is best for your family.
But don't just take my word for it! Come to an Open House event to learn more. My suggestion? Try for the March 21 or April 18th open houses - if you register your child(ren) by April 18 you can get a 10% early bird discount off the regular price of $700 per 2-week session. Financial assistance is also available.
Disclosure: Flushing YMCA is a paying advertiser, however all thoughts and opinions presented are my own.
