Working to Help Children and Teens Have the Best Summer Ever
Lisa LaVallee
Jul 12, 2016
When the final bell of the school year rang in June, children ran home, eagerly anticipating the freedom of summer. A week (sometimes even days) later, parents may have heard the dreaded two-word phrase: “I’m bored.”
The WEST SUBURBAN YMCA is making sure that children and teens have their best summers ever thanks to a variety of programs, activities and employment opportunities that stimulate both mind and body. “It’s important for today’s youth to have an outlet to play, learn or work throughout the summer,” says Jack Fucci, President & CEO. “From summer camp to swim lessons to a first summer job, the Y supports all children and teens in our community and helps them discover their potential.”
The Y’s overnight camp, Camp Frank A. Day in East Brookfield, and two day camps - Camp Chickami in Wayland and Camp Pikati at their Newton branch - will provide over 1,500 campers with adventure, healthy fun, learning, personal growth and friendships that can take a so-so summer and turn it into a memory that lasts a lifetime. All three camps are welcoming environments for kids where they can belong, build relationships, develop character and discover their potential.
Currently, over 75 local teens are employed with the WEST SUBURBAN YMCA as camp counselors, swim instructors and lifeguards – many of whom are working for the first time and learning valuable professional skills such as responsibility, patience, conflict resolution and community building strategies.
Along with camps, swimming is synonymous with summer. “Swimming is not only a fun, healthy activity, but an important life skill for all children,” said Amanda Pierce, Director of Aquatics at the WEST SUBURBAN YMCA. “All of the children in our summer camps receive daily swim lessons and/or free swim time where they learn about water safety, practice new swimming skills and gain a sense of achievement from mastering something that they can enjoy the rest of their lives.”
The Y ensures the safety of everyone entering their pools (and Lake Quacumquasit at Camp Frank A. Day) by following the Test • Mark • Protect system. All campers are required to take a swim test which determines if they are swimmers or non-swimmers. Then, based on ability, swimmers are issued colored necklaces that identify which areas are safe for them. The Y protects non-swimmers, especially younger children, by restricting them to the shallow end and adding additional layers of protection such as engaging in a swim lesson or activity with a staff member or requiring the use of a properly fitted US Coast Guard approved Life Jacket.
About the Y:
The West Suburban YMCA is a charitable organization that welcomes all by creating a community that serves individuals of any age, race, gender, religion, heritage, economic circumstance, or physical ability. The Y focuses on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility to ensure all children, adults and families are healthy, confident and connected. Founded in 1877, the Y ensures that every one has access to our programs and services by offering financial assistance, made possible through charitable donations to our Annual Campaign.
To learn more about the WEST SUBURBAN YMCA, visit www.wsymca.org or call 617-244-6050.