News from Peninsula Metropolitan YMCA

1 in 3 American mothers struggle to provide diapers for their babies.
Babies in low-income households often spend an entire day in a single diaper.
Inadequate diaper changing increases the risk of many health problems, from skin disease to hepatitis.
A baby crying from being in a soiled diaper for prolonged periods of time may be at a greater risk for child abuse.
Diapers are not covered by social service programs.
A healthy change of diapers costs $100/month or more.
Babies need 8-12 diapers a day and may spend 2.5 years in diapers needing about 12,000 diaper changes, costing over $3,000.
Parents who can't afford to leave the required diaper supply at child care may have to quit work to care for their children.

If you'd like to increase the number of healthy changes, please drop off your donated diapers at the Y through July 31. Click here for details.

LIFTING UP OUR COMMUNITY

The Newport News Preschool served 93 families last year, 33% of those families received financial aid through your United Way donations totaling $49,045. The Peninsula Metropolitan YMCA has always been a United Way agency.

However, this year the YMCA will only receive United Way funds that are designated by you the donor. Please designate your United Way donation the Newport News Family YMCA (7030).

ZUMBA GOLD
If you've heard of Zumba and said to yourself, "That's too high-paced for me," then Zumba Gold is your answer. It is the lower impact, easy-to-follow Latin-inspired dance fitness class that keeps you in the groove of life. Classes are Thursday mornings, in the Group Exercise Room from 8:15-9:00. Hope to see you at the next class!

SPECIALTY CAMPS

Don't miss out on summer fun! Specialty Camps are here!

Give your child an opportunity to develop new interests, learn new skills and make new friends this summer! Look at the fun camps we offer!

Just Us Girls Camp with Sarah Slate. Let your hair down and hang out with the girls in this camp exclusively for girls.
Karate Camp returns for 2 camp sessions. July 5-8, 1-4 p.m. ages 5-8 yrs and July 18-22, 1-4 p.m. 9-12 years.
Science Camp with Ashley Beck, July 11-15, 9-12 p.m., ages 5-12 yrs.
Cheer Camp, July 18-22, 9-12 p.m., ages 5-12 yrs.
Outdoor Adventure with Teresa Borkert,. Learn about and experience geo-caching, orienteering, fishing, hiking, survival skills, and explore the unique natural features of our community in this exciting and adventurous camp. July 25-29, 9-12 p.m., ages 8-12 yrs.
Craft Camp with Sarah Slate, August 1-5, 9-12 p.m., ages 5-12.

More information is available at the Welcome Center, Program Catalog and on our website. Go to www.peninsulaymca.org

BRIGHT BEGINNINGS

Bright Beginnings is a YMCAcommunity outreach program that provides children in need with the fall clothing and school supplies needed to start the new school year with confidence and excitement.

Shopping Date: August 16 & 18, 2011.

Opportunities to get involved:

Be a volunteer shopper
Sponsor a child - $150 sends one child on a shopping trip.
Be a Backpack Buddy
Make a donation
Provide school supplies

To be a Backpack Buddy for our 2011 Bright Beginnings Event:

Pick up a collection bag from the Welcome Center or from one of the yellow boxes in the lobby. There are labels on the zip lock collection bags with school supply need-lists.
Please place those items in the bag and return by August 5th to one of the yellow boxes found in the lobby of the YMCA.

Contact Theresa Wilson at 245-0047 ext. 213 or at Theresa.wilson@peninsulaymca.org