Let's all congratulate Sean Wells who recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout.  Sean is a member of the Newport News Family YMCA member.

As part of his project planning he met   with staff to determine what type of project would best serve our YMCA's needs and the needs of our members. For his Eagle Scout project, Sean constructed 10 benches for our gymnasium. Sean did the planning, raised funds, worked with Lowes and local businesses to obtain materials and built the benches. The benches have been a big benefit to our YMCA. They are utilized by our adult basketball players and all the children, from preschool to camp, who need a place to sit and/or rest while in the gymnasium.

Sean says "scouting has taught me valuable lessons about life, morality, and decision making- all while having a great time."

Sean is the son of Mr. James and Mrs. Deirdre Wells of Newport News. Deirdre Wells is a Newport News Family YMCA Board member and Strong Communities volunteer.

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.  Let your hair down and hang out with the girls in this camp exclusively for girls.  July 1-5, 9a-12p. Ages 5-12.
• Karate Camp,July 1-4, 1-4p.  Ages 5-8.
• *Wacky World of Science Camp. July 8-July 12, 9a-12p. Ages 5-12.
• Cheer Camp, July 15-19, 9a-12p. Ages 5-12.
• Karate Camp, July 15-19, 1-4 p. Ages 9-12.
• Sports and Fitness Camp, July 22-26, 9a-12p.  Ages 5-12.
• *Craft Camp, July 29-August 2, 9a-12p. Ages 5-12.
• Dance Camp, August 5-August 9, 9a-12p. Ages 5-12.
• Basketball Camp, August 12 - August 16, 1-4p. Ages 5-12.
• Outdoor Adventure Camp, August 26-30, 8a-6p. Ages 5-12. 

*There is a $10 supply fee for these camps.

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

The Newport News Child Development Center, 

Preschool, has been accredited through the Virginia Star Quality Initiative.

The evidence is clear - quality early education is key.  With the majority of a child's brain developing during the first five years of life, the quality of care a child receives during this time is critical.  Children with access to high quality early learning experiences are more likely to acquire the skills they need to enter kindergarten ready to succeed and adapt to new learning and social environments.  So stop by our center and see the children engaged in meaningful learning and play.  The center received a $1,900.00 grant to complete our Art Center.

Shopping Date: August 20th at Target and August 22nd at Wal-Mart.

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 2013 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 Beal at 245-0047 ext. 213 or at Theresa.Beal@peninsulaymca.org