Summer Day Camps at the Y share one thing: they’re about discovery. Children have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence and make lasting friendships and memories. And, of course, it’s fun too.
We are here to show kids all they can accomplish when they believe in themselves. They thrive, knowing they can relax in a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment. Our highly-trained staff help campers realize that the Y is a place where they belong and can be themselves while trying new things, building new skills and making new friends. We are here to foster their curiosity; to encourage them to expand their comfort zones in what they do, who they know and what they believe. We are also here to help them discover their passion and explore their potential!
Here are 5 reasons to explore summer camp at the Y:
1. Core Values
Unlike many other summer camps that aim to keep kids only physically active, the YMCA takes pride in teaching core values alongside their regular camp activities. Caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are taught through daily lessons, games and talks. An entire summer in a new environment, making new friends and learning about values is what the YMCA Summer Camp offers the kids of Collier County.
2. 20 Acres of Adventure
The Greater Naples YMCA sits on 20 fenced acres for campers to explore with experienced camp counselors and guides. Canoeing, archery, rope challenge courses, tennis, basketball, baseball, rock wall, arts and crafts and so much more are there to explore. Not to mention, our 96,000 square foot Wellness Center which makes for great indoor exploration on those pesky rainy days.
3. Social Development
Summer camp for kids, aged kindergarten through 5th grade, is a perfect time for kids to form new friendships and develop life-long social skills. The camps at the YMCA take careful planning to put kids of similar age and abilities in groupings that will best suit their needs and encourage social interaction and growth.
4. Peace of Mind for Parents
YMCA Summer Camp Counselors are trained in adult and pediatric CPR and First Aid to keep your campers safe. Fire drills, lost camper drills, weekly swim assessments and weather safety practices are all part of the 30+ hours of training every camp counselor receives at the YMCA. Rest easy knowing our staff is well trained to assess and manage all potential emergency situations.
5. National Park Service Collaborative
The partnership with the National Park service connects YMCA Summer Camp children to nature while creating a movement to foster the next generation of leaders and outdoor stewards.
Connecting children to the public lands in their community will be accomplished through on site education and YMCA field trip experiences to the Big Cypress National Preserve, Biscayne National Park and Everglades National Park.
At the Y, we want to make camp affordable and accessible to everyone. Through the help of the Naples Children & Education Foundation, the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation and the generosity of our donors, we are able to provide scholarships to families of children who otherwise could not afford to attend camp. These scholarships are income-based and open to everyone for application. The result allows us to offer significantly reduced rates that allow all children of Collier County to afford and enjoy Camp Wyhoway.
As a convenience to the community the YMCA offers chaperoned transit service in partnership with Collier Area Transit. YMCA counselors will meet kids at designated CAT bus station sites and ride the CAT shuttle to and from the Y campus with their child.
Sign up today or visit http://www.greaternaplesymca.org/camp.html for more information.