KIDZ CONNECTION PAGE 50 theconnectionsnj.com SUMMER DAY CAMP • Activities spanning Sports, STEM, Art, and More! • Swim Lessons • Caring, Well-Trained Staff • Weekly or Full-Summer Options • Financial Assistance Available • Grades Pre-K - 10 • Siblings Save 10%!* gscymca.org/camp SOMERSET HILLS YMCA A branch of Greater Somerset County YMCA *Restrictions apply. s summer approaches, many families find themselves asking the big questions: “How will I keep my child busy all summer?” or “Where can I send my kids so that I can still go to work?” At Greater Somerset County YMCA, we believe the answer to both of these questions is simple: summer camp! Here are ten great reasons why! 10. New Experiences Await Camp is all about discovery—trying new things, exploring new places, and meeting new friends. Whether your child is stepping into the pool for the first time or learning a new camp song, every day at Y camp is packed with exciting, age-appropriate adventures that broaden their horizons. 9. A Place to Grow When kids feel like they belong, amazing things happen. At the Y’s summer camp, your child will gain confidence, independence, and a sense of community through structured activities designed to support social-emotional growth and explore individual interests—all while having a blast. 8. A Focus on Safety You Can Trust Camp Timber at Bridgewater YMCA, Camp Star at Hillsborough YMCA, Camp Acorn at Somerset Hills YMCA, and Camp Sunburst at Somerville YMCA are all part of Greater Somerset County YMCA and are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). This means they meet the highest national health, safety, and program quality standards. From facilities to staff training, the Y goes the extra mile so you can feel confident sending your child to camp. 7. Specialty Camps for Every Interest Got a young athlete, artist, or adventurer at home? The Y has a camp for that! From basketball and flag football to gymnastics and soccer, Camp Star at Hillsborough YMCA offers a wide range of specialty camps so your child can explore what they love—or try CAMPCONFIDENTIAL Top 10 Reasons to Send Your Child to Summer Camp at the Y Camp at the Y By Jenayah Mathis-Minnigan something totally new. Camp Sunburst at Camp Sunburst at Somerville YMCA also offers a variety of specialty camps, including cheer, culinary arts, and moviemaking. 6. One-of-a-Kind Camp Fun. At Camp Tim- Camp Timber at Bridgewater YMCA has an on-site archery range. Campers learn daily from certified instructors about the mechanics of aiming and shooting, the different types of archery apparatuses, and the responsibility of properly handling highly specialized equipment. 5. Weekly Field Trips & Pizza Fridays At Camp Acorn at Somerset Hills YMCA, weekly off-site trips are part of the fun. Campers travel safely with trained staff and sport their official camp t-shirts to help everyone stay together and make memories as a group. What’s better than a week of camp fun? Ending it with a pizza party! Campers will enjoy Friday pizza lunches—because summer should be delicious, too. 4. Daily Swim Time Every child deserves to feel safe and confident in the water. Summer Camp at the Y includes daily swim lessons or free swim time in our indoor pools—at no extra cost—helping campers build skills and cool off in the summer heat. 3. Sibling Discounts = More Fun, More Savings Have more than one child ready for summer adventure? Register two or more and get a 10% sibling discount—it’s just one more way the Y helps make summer camp accessible and affordable. 2. Flexible Care for Working Families Every family’s schedule looks different. That’s why the Y offers extended care options, including early drop-off (7:30–9:00AM) and late pickup (4:30–6:00PM), in addition to our standard camp hours (9:00AM–4:30PM). The YMCA has you covered! 1. Counselors Who Care Camp staff don’t just supervise—they inspire. Each counselor is CPR and First Aid certified, trained annually, and most importantly, passionate about creating a safe, inclusive, and unforgettable experience for every camper. At the Y, we believe every child deserves the chance to experience the magic of summer camp. Thanks to the generosity of Greater Somerset County YMCA’s Annual Campaign donors and fundraising events, financial as- financial assistance is available for qualifying families. Learn more at gscymca.org/fa gscymca.org/fa. Ready to find the perfect camp for your child? Explore our full lineup and register today at gscymca.org/camp. Let’s make summer 2025 one to remember! As summer approaches, many fami
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