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Beyond Tents and Campfires - Camp Teaches Life Skills
When looking at the big picture, parents want their children to become happy, balanced, successful, contributing adults. How can parents provide the lessons needed for future success? By providing children with the opportunity to learn these life skills now - in an environment created just for them. That's where summer camp comes in. Beyond the campfire and tents, a positive camp experience teaches a child critical life skills - important building blocks for the future. Through camp, children learn to be independent, self-sufficient, and self-assured. They gain a greater sense of community by learning how to respect and appreciate people who are different from themselves. Camp provides children an opportunity to learn in an experiential classroom - a powerful learning environment that is a critical part of educating the whole child. In fact, camp is comprised almost entirely of "teachable moments" - moments when children are actively engaged and using creativity and cognitive skills. We have found that children who may struggle in traditional educational settings often excel at YMCA Summer Camp because of the "hands on" nature of our program.
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Try something new...Aquatic Exercise
Water is a critical component of life. Most health professionals recommend we drink eight glasses of water a day and more if we are active, but we suggest that we use it to exercise in! No, we don't mean the old standby of swimming laps, but as an excellent way to develop a comprehensive fitness routine.
Water is a perfect place to start exercising because it diminishes the effecs of gravity and allows movements to occur that would be painful or difficult on land. Try one of the many adult classes we have to offer and see for yourself what a great workout it is. (All classes are suitable for both swimmers and non-swimmers.) |
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At Newport News YMCA, we strive to make sure that every child's day brings about bigger and brighter achievements - but we can't do it alone! Your support ensures that many children who otherwise would not be able to afford YMCA programs and services are included. You'll not only give a nearby child the chance to belong today, but you'll help that individual learn the important values that will positively impact their life and your community, tomorrow. |
