Open Registration for Hunterdon County YMCA Day Camps Begins Feb. 14

(Feb. 8, 2010) As parents look for opportunities to keep their kids active and busy this summer, the Hunterdon County YMCA reminds caregivers that camp is among the best options for engaging kids in activities that will help develop their spirit, mind and body, while getting them outdoors in a safe environment.

“Camping is synonymous with personal development. It provides kids with the opportunity to practice social and decision-making skills through new experiences,” says Kristin Heimall, Senior Program Director. “Kids come to camp to develop friendships, learn skills in a new environment, and make memories that will last a lifetime.”

The Hunterdon County provides exciting and educational summer camp options for preschoolers, school-age children and teens. The Hunterdon County YMCA operates Summer Day Camps in four convenient locations; Camp Carr in Clinton Township, Sports Camp at the Deer Path Branch in Flemington, South Camp in West Amwell, and Kinder Camp at the Round Valley Branch in Annandale for children ages 3 to 5 years. In addition, there is a Counselor in Training Program for teens ages 13-14. Transportation is available for Camp Carr and Sports Camp and extended care is available for all camp programs, with the exception of Kinder Camp.

In addition to traditional day camp programs, there are a wide variety of specialty camps available including Travel Camp, Horseback Riding Camp, Environmental Adventure Camp, Mad Science Camp, Rock/Pop Band Camp, Comic Book Creation Camp, and sports specialty camps including basketball, golf, dance, cheerleading, bowling, soccer, field hockey and lacrosse.

New camps in 2010 include Kids T.V. Movie Camp, Tennis Camp and Flag Football Camp.

Hunterdon County YMCA open camp registration begins on Sunday, Feb. 14 at the Deer Path Branch, 144 West Woodschurch Road, Flemington. Starting Feb. 15 registration for camp will be accepted at both the Deer Path Branch in Flemington and Round Valley Branch in Annandale. For parents who want to learn more about Hunterdon County YMCA Day Camps, there will be an Orientation Session on Feb. 14 from 10:30 to 11:30 am at the Deer Path Branch.



Collectively the nation’s largest providers of camping programs, YMCAs have operated summer camps for more than 100 years. Each year, YMCAs operate 265 resident camps that serve 300,000 campers. YMCAs also operate more than 2,000 community and regional YMCA day camps that serve 600,000 individual campers each summer, which includes about 120 specialty camps for kids with disabilities. An additional 1.5 million individuals participate in camp programs throughout the balance of the year in family camps, weekend retreats, and school camping.

Visit www.hcymca.org or call 908-782-1030 to learn more about Hunterdon County YMCA Day Camps.

YMCA financial assistance for summer camps is available to qualified applicants. The funds available for financial assistance are made possible through the generosity of individuals, local businesses, and foundations giving to the YMCA Annual Strong Kids Campaign.