Check Out the Y's Summer Camps

The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA is offering day camp to give kids and teens in Hillsborough and East Pasco counties an adventurous, active and healthy summer.

YMCA camp programs offer youth fun and unique experiences with an opportunity to explore the outdoors, meet new friends, discover new interests and create memories that last a lifetime.

As a leading nonprofit working to prevent summer learning loss, the Tampa Y integrates academic components into its summer curriculum. So, while they’re having fun, campers are learning about nature, cooking, math and more.

Nearly 50 percent of U.S. parents say technological distractions, such as television, cell phones or video games, make it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle for their children. That’s according to the latest findings of the YMCA’s Family Health Snapshot, a survey that gauges children’s activity levels during the school year.

With more free time in summer, ensuring kids practice healthy habits could be a greater challenge. The Y encourages parents to help their kids unplug from technology and explore all Y summer camp has to offer.

“Attending Tampa Y’s summer camp is a wonderful opportunity for kids to keep their minds and bodies active,” said Lalita Llerena, communications director for the Tampa Y. “When at day camp, kids get to learn about nature, take on new responsibilities, gain independence, and develop essential social skills and new relationships. We really encourage parents to give their kids the gift of camp so that every child can benefit from the experience.”

The Y believes there are five reasons why children and teens should attend summer camp:

1. ADVENTURE: Summer camp is all about a wide variety of fun adventures and new experiences, and especially exploring the outdoors. YMCA camps have a new adventure for every child and teen. Click here to read about the variety of camp programs available, including the 65-acre outdoor adventure camp: YMCA Camp Cristina. 

2. HEALTHY FUN: Day and resident camps offer fun, stimulating activities that engage the body and mind, and also help children and teens learn the importance of nutrition to help improve their eating habits.

3. PERSONAL GROWTH: While being away from the routine back home, youth have a chance to learn new skills and develop confidence and independence by taking on new responsibilities and challenges.

4. NEW FRIENDSHIPS: Amidst the fun of camp games, songs, swimming and talent shows, campers meet new friends and strengthen existing friendships. 

5. MEMORIES: Summer camp is an unforgettable experience that will give each camper memories (and campfire stories) that will last a lifetime. Youth return to school with plenty of camp stories to share.

Are you offering a summer camp. Be sure to list it in our Patch Summer Camps Guide.