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YMCA Day Camp – the Perfect Solution for Parents and Kids this Summer
By Rebecca McCullough
Almost monthly, news headlines announce a dramatic side-effect of our nation’s growing childhood obesity epidemic: Overweight and obesity among kids are on the rise. Unhealthy eating and physical inactivity are associated with an increased risk of a number of chronic health conditions. The percentage of young people who are overweight has tripled over the last 25 years.
But what is the solution?
In 2005, a panel of experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that school-age children should participate in moderate to vigorous activity for a minimum of 60 minutes a day. Other studies have shown that children who develop healthy exercise and eating habits while they are young are more likely to continue to lead healthy lifestyles through adulthood.
YMCA child care programs, including preschool, after school and summer day camps, are a key part of this effort, building health and wellness through play, character development and lasting memories for thousands of children each year.
YMCA day camps honor American traditions by taking kids back to the “country.” Kids love the imagination and adventure opportunities afforded by the great outdoors. Camping offers a chance to bring simplicity back to kids’ lives and to help them reconnect with nature.
The need for camp is as strong today as ever before. Families are under increased stress as they struggle to balance work with quality of life, health and as they try to connect with supportive communities. More physical activity through play helps children and families better manage stress, succeed in school, reduce tension, build energy and, most of all, learn skills that encourage a lifetime of activity.
For both parents and kids, it’s never too early to start thinking about plans for the summer. Parents want to be sure their children are safe, supervised, and engaged in activities that keep their kids’ minds and bodies active after school lets out for the summer. Youngsters look forward to the free time, and simply want to have fun and learn something new. YMCA Southcoast has been serving communities for nearly 150 years. YMCA Southcoast operates four ACA accredited day camps: Camp Metacoment (Dartmouth), Camp Frederick Douglass (New Bedford), Camp Massasoit (Mattapoisett), Camp Nep-In-Nae (Wareham), and “Y” Quequechan, a summer school age program licensed by EEC at the Fall River YMCA. These camps offer the perfect option for parents who are looking for a safe and fun place for their kids to build healthy minds, bodies and spirits this summer.
Children are our greatest treasures and greatest responsibility. YMCA day camp helps kids grow positively, meet healthy role models and learn good values—all while having fun. The YMCA not only provides memories that last a lifetime, but we also assure parents that their kids are in good hands during the summer.
We think Mom said it best when she said, “Go outside and play!” In a changing world, there is no time like the present.
Rebecca McCullough
If you need help or know someone who does, call the 24-hour HOTLINE at 508-999-6636.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."
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