YMCA Times July Newsletter

Since February, Estes has distributed over 140 mason jars to Y members and others in the community. "A few jars have yet to be turned in. If you haven't turned in your jar yet, it's not too late," said Estes. "The more jars we collect, the more kids that can go to camp." This is the second year of the annual campaign and Estes encourages people to start collecting for next year.

The camp provides a fun and safe place for children to go while their parents are at work, teaching them the four character values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. The days are filled with swimming, arts & crafts, games, nature exploration, sports, music, field trips, and friendships that will last a lifetime. The cost is $97 to attend one week. Because of support from the community and people like Estes, no one is ever turned away for inability to pay from camp or from any other YMCA program.

For information about next year's "Hey Buddy" campaign, please contact Susan Johnson at sjohnson@peninsulaymca.org.

Volunteers Needed for Bright Beginnings

Looking to make a difference in a local child's life? The Northern Neck Family YMCA has the perfect opportunity for you. Come shop with us and 100 Lancaster County children at the Kilmarnock Walmart during 2 sessions Tuesday, August 17 and/or Thursday, August 19. Each volunteer will help a child start the school year with confidence and self esteem by picking out new school clothes.

If you cannot shop, but would like to help, we accept monetary donations: $150 provides clothes and a backpack with school supplies, $125 provides clothes, $25 a backpack with supplies.

Please contact Donna McGrath at donna.mcgrath@peninsulaymca.org for more details,

Pickleball

Pickleball is a fun racquet sport which combines elements of badminton, tennis and ping-pong for a fun work-out. The program is FREE for members and $40 for program participants, for a six week session. Equipment needed to play sport is provided by the YMCA.

For more information contact Vera Lee at vlee@peninsulaymca.org.

Northern Neck YMCA's Annual Maintenance Closing

Every year in August the Northern Neck Family YMCA closes for a few days to tend to extensive housekeeping duties. This year the Main Facility and Aquatic Center will be closed Thursday, August 26 through Sunday, August 29.

Remember you are more than welcome to visit other YMCA's during our closure, such as the Middlesex Family YMCA and the Richmond County Family YMCA.

Specialty Camps

Did you know that we offer a variety of Specialty Camps during the summer? Each camp has a focused theme that will enrich, challenge and fill summer hours with fun, activity and learning.

Dinosaur Camp: ages 4-6, July 12-16, $45 members / $60 others
Rocket Man Camp: ages 12-17, August 9-13, $60 members / $80 others

Soccer Camp: ages 6-14, August 16-20, $30 members / $50 others

Please check our website or contact our welcome desk for specific hours, and registration details. Mark Favazza will lead each camp.

Babysitting 101

Become the responsible and fun babysitter parents want for their children. This course provides youths ages 11-15 with the knowledge, skills, and techniques needed for safe care-giving. Learn to prevent emergencies through proper safety planning and how to give loving care while playing with and enjoying children.

The course is Wednesday July 21 from 9am-2pm. The cost is $30 for members and $40 for program participants. Pre-registration is required. For more information contact Vera Lee at vlee@peninsulaymca.org.

Youth Super Sports

Building Winners for Life

At the YMCA, youth sports is as much about building

character as it is about learning sports skills.

Starting this fall the YMCA is introducing Youth Super Sports. This is the YMCA's new progressive youth sports program that combines the marvelous philosophy of past YMCA youth sports programs with new program concepts. Children learn character values as well as sports skills and tactics by incorporating fun and creative games during every practice. Our "games approach" sessions during each practice are designed to better prepare players for competitions.

There are 3 components to YMCA Super Sports

YMCA Rookies

Developmental program that teaches young players basic skills and strategies of the sport while incorporating our character values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Rookies consists of players ages 4 to 7.

YMCA Winners

Competitive, unique, values-based sports program for older boys and girls that develops skills and tactics while keeping our character values in play. Winners consists of players ages 8 - 16.

YMCA Champions

Designed to motivate youngsters to strive for excellence. It is an innovative, challenging awards program for youth ages 8 to 16 years participating in YMCA Winners.

The 7 pillars of Youth Super Sports

Pillar 1 - Everyone Plays

Pillar 2 - Safety First

Pillar 3 - Fair Play

Pillar 4 - Positive Competition

Pillar 5 - Family Involvement

Pillar 6 - Sport for All

Pillar 7 - Sport for Fun

YMCA Youth Super Sports

Soccer, Flag Football, Basketball, Baseball and T-Ball.

For more information on Youth Super Sports offered see your YMCA Spirit Guide, call or come in and inquire at the Welcome Center, or go to www.peninsulaymca.org.

Programs vary by community. Please check with your local YMCA for availability.

Fall Football

Registration for Full Contact Football begins July 5. Season runs August 7 through November 13. Ages 8-10 and 11-13, $50.00 members / $75.00 others. For more information, contact Mark Favazza at mfavazza@peninsulaymca.org.