Do you have plan for family this summer?

Published 12:00 am Monday, June 2, 2014

Nine more days and the kids are out of school!
Are you ready? If not, no worries! There are many great things happening at the Y this summer.
We have our awesome summer day camps at all YMCA branches. The great part is that if you are on a tight budget, we have an open door policy where no one will be turned away due to the inability to pay. Each year, our local United Way donates a big chunk of money to the Rowan County YMCA to help offset the cost for memberships, summer camps, before and after school care, etc.
The funds raised from the Buck Hurley Triathlon and other fundraisers also help, and we have awesome families and individuals who love to help this community by donating funds to individuals and families in need.
All you need to do is stop by any of our branches, pick up the open door policy form and follow the directions. The front desk will be able to answer most questions you will have. The rules stay the same in the summer as it does throughout the year — ages 10 and under have to be with a responsible adult. Eleven and up can be in the YMCA by themselves, but they must be respectful, responsible, honest and caring towards themselves and the ones around them. Parents, please provide them with food and drinks for the time they are here. If they are entered in summer camp, they will be provided with breakfast and lunch. And we do have a dress code — if they wear what they can wear at school or sport they will be fine. Swimwear is needed in pool and splash pad area.
Besides full day camps, we have half-day sports camps. Call the YMCA for more information as each branch has different camps and dates.
Starting June 12 at the JF Hurley branch, the climbing wall and Xrkade will be open from 9 a.m. until 8.30 p.m. (7.45 p.m. on Fridays). Children 10 and under can be signed in for two hours of free care per day with a Y membership while you go work out or take a class.
Besides the YMCA, Parks and Recreation, Piedmont Players, WaterWorks and many other great organizations will be hosting camps and opportunities for your child to have an amazing and safe summer experience.
My mom always told me, even a good child when bored will find something to do, and that something is not always the right choice.
Ester H Marsh, ACSM Cpt. Health and Fitness Director JF Hurley Family YMCA