The countdown to summer is on and kids aren’t the only ones looking forward to the summer months.
The Portage Township YMCA is getting ready for an influx of programming and activities that stimulate both mind and body, in an effort to help children have an amazing summer. “It’s important that children both play and learn throughout the summer,” says Erin Robles, Sr. Programs & Marketing Director. “From summer camp to swim lessons to providing free meals, the Y is able to support all children in Portage and help them discover and reach their full potential.”
School-Age Summer Day Camps
Adventure Camp & No Bummer Summer Camp at the Y provides kids with exploration, healthy fun, personal growth and friendships that can take a so-so summer and turn it into a memory that lasts a lifetime. Portage Township YMCA’s camps provide a welcoming environment for kids where they can belong, build relationships, develop character and discover their potential. Adventure camp is a traditional summer camp at Riverview Park in Lake Station where children will participate in activities such as canoeing, fishing, archery, and daily swimming. No Bummer Summer Camp is similar to their Y-Care program and takes place at Kyle Elementary School this year. Both camps offer care from 6:30 AM until 6:00 PM with weekly field trips.
Safety Around Water & Swim Lessons
Since summer is synonymous with swim season and with Lake Michigan right in our backyard, the Portage Township Y encourages families to explore the benefits of swimming while also keeping safety top of mind. Through the Y’s Safety Around Water program, parents and caregivers will be encouraged to help their children learn fundamental water safety skills needed to prevent drowning and is offered for a minimal fee of just $10 to members and the community. Swim Lessons are also offered during the summer months in group or private lessons.
Youth Sports Clinics & Camps
Between vacations, work and family time, the Y knows parents and families are busy during the summer months which is why they are offering 2-week sports clinics, cheer camp and short-session progressive and team gymnastics to accommodate those busy schedules. Sport clinics begin next week and include Flag Football, Kickball, Soccer, and T-Ball.
Preschool Summer Camps
Early childhood education is of upmost importance and while their Preschool Academy is off for the summer and accepting registrations for the fall, the dedicated staff is offering 2 mini preschool summer camps for children ages 3 to 5 years as well as a kindergarten review camp for children entering kindergarten this fall. “It’s important for even our youngest learners to stay active and engaged educationally during the summer months and crucial for our children entering kindergarten to review basic skills expected from them. It makes the transition into the school system that much easier,” says Cathi Srednoselac, Youth & Family Programs Director.
Summer Food Program
And while these programs keep local children busy and engaged throughout the summer, kids can’t focus when they’re hungry. Children who rely on low-cost lunch plans during the school year are at risk of going hungry when school’s not in session. The Portage Township School Corporation’s Summer Food Program helps fill that gap to make sure kids can enjoy healthy meals and snacks throughout the summer. This year, Kyle Elementary School, where No Bummer Summer Camp is held, is a registered lunch site and open to all. The Portage Y has also partnered with the City of Lake Station and their lunch program to serve Adventure Camp participants as well as residents of Lake Station.
Whether it’s keeping little ones full, keeping kids safe around water, or keeping them active and engaged throughout the summer, the Y has a program to benefit all youth in the community. Financial Assistance for program participation is also available.
To learn more, visit ymcaofportage.org or call (219) 762-9622