The following is from the South Mountain YMCA
Sam Jeselsohn, Allen Zelaya, & Naomi Southers
Take a break from the short days and frigid temperatures of winter and head to a beach party! On Jan. 21, the South Mountain YMCA camps are hosting free summer-themed celebrations so campers can reconnect and introduce other friends to the joys of camp.
The Y Knots beach party for young children will be held 3-5 p.m. on Jan. 21 at Civic House, 124 Dunnell Road in Maplewood. Partygoers will enjoy beach balls, art projects, games and ice cream sundaes. RSVP to jmacafee@metroymcas.org. The SOMAPY Day Camp celebration will be held 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Civic House. Kids entering grades one through five will enjoy pizza, beach balls, arts and crafts, games and ice cream sundaes. RSVP to dberry@metroymcas.org.
Reunions for Summer Discovery, Glam Camp, Global Arts, and Creative Theater will be held at a carnival-themed party with face painting, photo booth, popcorn, games and prizes from 2-3:30 p.m. on Jan. 28 at Civic House. The YMCA will introduce three new camps: Art Garage, Superhero Academy and Build It. RSVP to gsprague@metroymcas.org.
Art Garage invites pre-teens and teens entering grades 6 through 9 to imagine, design and create art and showcase their talent. In Build It, children entering grades 2 to 4 will work together to design and build bridges, boats, towers, wheels and rockets. In Superhero Academy, children entering kindergarten through second grade will create their own superhero and land in a real comic book, on a T-shirt and in a movie.
From the traditional to the specialized, South Mountain Y camps build campers’ self-esteem, confidence and social skills in a fun, safe and enriching environment. Participants from ages 2 1/2 to 15 develop independence and wellness awareness through developmentally appropriate activities and learning experiences in camps that are accredited by the American Camp Association.
Traditional camps include Mini Y Knots, Y Knots, SOMAPY Camp, Preteen Adventure Camp, Teen Adventure Camp, and the Counselor-in-Training program. The Y offers specialty camps in drama, the environment, global arts, sports and golf. Reading time and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) lessons are incorporated into all curriculums.
For more information, visit SMountainYMCA.org and click on the 2017 Camp Guide or call 973-762-4145 for more details. The Y provides financial assistance to those who qualify.
ABOUT THE Y
Established in 1885, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges is the largest association of YMCAs in New Jersey, serving more than 35,000 individuals and providing nearly $1.3 million in financial assistance each year. Its six YMCAs, located in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Hardyston, Stillwater and Wayne, are committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility. They offer an array of programs that build spirit, mind and body for people of all ages and all circumstances.
