School’s almost out! Parents are looking for childcare and kids will soon be begging for something to do. Don’t have any plans yet? Check this out.
The YMCA is working with the Habersham County School System to provide a Summer Day Camp for children and youth ages 5 years through 10th grade. It’s the first time the YMCA has offered a day camp in Habersham – it’s been operating day camps in Hall County for years.
Habersham County School Superintendent Matthew Cooper says the Georgia Mountains YMCA approached the school system about the idea earlier this year. The camp will be housed at Demorest Elementary School and will run eight weeks beginning the week of June 6th. Camp hours are Monday through Thursday, 7am-6pm.
Click here for Summer Camp Flyer – Habersham County
“While this is not an established partnership,” Cooper says, “the YMCA is using our facility – specifically our gym, lunchroom and playground/field – to provide this camp to Habersham County students. YMCA will use our school buses but will reimburse the system for all transportation expenses.”
The school system’s nutrition department will provide lunch during the camp as part of the “Seamless Summer” lunch program.
More than just fun & games
The YMCA Summer Day Camp will include weekly swim lessons, field trips, games and educational activities.
Director of Elementary Schools Rhonda Andrews calls it a win-win for the community. “There aren’t that many organized camps that run all summer long for kids in Habersham County,” she says. “One of the biggest things that I like about it is that there’s a focus on literacy and math skills embedded in the curriculum that they use. It’s not just babysitting time. These kids are going to be learning and the idea of our kids not losing ground over the summer as far as literacy and math was a big selling point for us.”
“I believe that this is a wonderful opportunity for the boys and girls of Habersham County to participate in quality summer camp,” Cooper says. “We believe that this camp will be beneficial to our students over the summer. We are pleased that the YMCA has chosen Habersham County as a location to offer their camp.”
While there’s no cap on the number of kids who can attend, organizers say they need at least fifty campers to register to make it financially feasible. Organizers urge parents to register their children at least one week prior to their chosen start date.
The cost is $85 per week. For families that can’t afford that, financial assistance is available.
For more information or to register, visit www.georgiamountainsymca.org or call 770-297-9622. You may also register in person at the YMCA located at 2455 Howard Road in Gainesville.
