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YMCA Day Camp is going places
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Camp director Jordan Shaver (far left) smiled with some of his favorite campers and counselors on June 24. The camp welcomes kids from all over the Mahoning Valley, but the group pictured includes campers from Austintown, Youngstown, Canfield, Poland, and Boardman.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Recently, Erin Kilgore (left), Chelsea Kilgore, Erika Pallante, and Sophia Thompson graduated from Dobbins Elementary in Poland, and are heading to McKinley Elementary and the fifth-grade. During the summertime, the Dobbins alums enjoy their time together in Day Camp.
By SARAH FOOR
Although the 10-week Day Camp is technically hosted at the Davis YMCA, the camp offers its 6 to 13-year-old campers more than just free reign at the Boardman facility.
Although many days are spent in Boardman, Day Camp often makes Northeast Ohio’s best sports facilities, amusement parks, museums and art amenities part of a giant summer playground for their campers.
Camp coordinator Jordan Shaver spends 12 hours a day on the job for the 11 weeks of Day Camp. He’s glad to put in the time to help each camper reach their full potential.
“That is the unofficial motto of camp — RYFP or Reach Your Full Potential. There is definitely an educational element to the camp, with lessons on writing and math, and we’re heavy on teaching movement and fitness. But the most important lessons are about self-worth, leadership, and both independence and teamwork,” Shaver shared.
Each week, the campers spend their time learning about the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility and take field trips mid-week. This year, the campers will play at Eastwood Field, visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame, explore Idlewild Amusement Park, and explore the Cleveland Museum of History, among other trips.
The facility has provided 47 campers complete scholarships this year through its Strong Kids Campaign so that many families can afford the fun Day Camp has to offer.
“We have a very close and very eclectic group of campers and counselors. There are people from so many different backgrounds, but the campers always identify and share interests with others,” Shaver said.
Day Camp welcomes campers from all around Mahoning Valley, including Austintown, Struthers, Canfield, Niles, Boardman, New Middletown, and Poland during a June 24 field trip to the movies.
“Day Camp is always unpredictable,” shared Austintown camper Ricky Mather about his experience. “That’s what makes it so fun.”
Interested campers can join the fun any week they choose. In the coming weeks, they’ll be attending an Indians baseball game, visiting Wild Water Kingdom, and exploring the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium.
For more information, contact the Davis YMCA at 330-480-5656.