Ready or Not - Summer Planning for Kids

By: June Owens

Peek out your window. Depending on the current weather, you may get a sense of spring being right around the corner and want to open a window to get some fresh air. If it is a snowy day (this is Ohio) and you are sipping your hot chocolate instead, scroll a few pages on your calendar and you will quickly see that summer planning for your kids may need to be moving to the top of your priority list. Lucky for you, the YMCA of Greater Dayton has already planned summer 2023 with the desire to help kiddos stay busy, stay engaged, and stay safe.

Summer Day Camps

Geared towards children ages 5-12, camps at the YMCA all share one thing in common – they are all about discovery.

• DISCOVER the Picasso within through a variety of creative exploration activities where the process is more important than the product.
• DISCOVER how sports improve gross motor skills and balance while also boosting mood and self-confidence.
• DISCOVER how the world works through nature exploration while developing an understanding of how outdoor activity, even a simple walk in the park, can restore attention and relieve stress.
• DISCOVER problem solving abilities and create social connections through game play that can extend beyond the board.
• DISCOVER strength and coordination through swimming while improving cardiovascular fitness and building safety skills.
• DISCOVER the importance of teamwork and build upon adaptability through a variety of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities.
• DISCOVER the trivial differences between sounds, helping improve focus and concentration while building collaboration skills through music activities.
• DISCOVER a sense of purpose and how to create networks via service-based projects that spread love and kindness within the community.

Single week, multiple week, and full summer reservations are currently open. Our Summer Day Camp page has all the specific branch details to help jumpstart summer planning that will create lifelong memories.

7th and 8th Grade Memberships

As kids move into their early teen years, it is often harder to help navigate the summer months. My granddaughter, Makenna Grosh, and her friend, Hannah Sisco, recently discovered the joys of the YMCA. During our visit at the Huber Heights branch, they learned that 7th and 8th grade summer memberships are available and FREE for them from June 1 through August 14, typically from 1-5 pm daily (may vary by location). Activities are planned and supervised by an adult mentor and often include swimming, sports, arts and crafts, snacks, service projects, and more.

With the treadmill and martial arts kick bag being her new-found favorites, Grosh immediately asked “What about the fitness center?” We were informed that full access to that area along with the gym and pool are included for the 7th and 8th graders to explore on their own before and after the group activities. These two girls were thrilled and are likely to be there encouraging one another all summer long.

• Ready to sign up? It is easy and yes, just to reiterate, it is FREE! A parent or guardian simply needs to stop by a local YMCA with identification and some verification (grade card, letter from school, etc.) showing the student will be entering 7th or 8th grade this coming fall. It really is that simple and a fantastic opportunity. If you have further questions, feel free to contact the Youth and Teen Director, Taylor Walker, at twalker@daytonymca.org.

So, ready or not, here it comes … summer planning for kids that is. There are many other opportunities for kids to be engaged within the YMCA via Specialty Camps for those ages 3-6 plus Camp Kern options of daytime and overnight programs for ages 6-17 that include archery, horse riding, and so much more. Summer Programs | YMCA of Greater Dayton (daytonymca.org) is a wonderful place to get started. What are you waiting for?