It's hard to believe that session 3 of camp has already kicked off, and with only three weeks left, the fun seems to be flying by! The campers are absolutely loving their time here, and it's no wonder they don't want it to end. So, as we dive into the final weeks of camp, let's make every moment count and savor the last drops of this incredible journey.
Let's check out the fun activities the branches did this week and the trips the teens went on!
YMCA East Hampton RECenter
Our YMCA East Hampton Summer Day campers had an amazing time this week playing GAGA, enjoyed some quality playground fun, and let their creativity soar with incredible arts and crafts. The little ones had the opportunity to showcase their fine motor skills by scrunching up vibrant tissue paper and crafting a magnificent rainbow.
Let's not forget about the water slide that brought endless joy on those hot summer days! This week, we were even fortunate enough to have a special guest from our wellness industry who collaborated with the kids on a nature project. Our campers also had a blast swimming and playing in the pool alongside their friends.
YMCA at Glen Cove
Our Glen Cove campers lived Crazy Hat Day, where the campers showed off their silly and creative hats. The laughter and excitement filled the air as the campers enjoyed the high and low ropes course, challenging themselves and cheering each other on. They also had a great time on the playground, running around and playing games.
Our Teen Campers had an unforgettable trip to Madame Tussauds, where they were able to see incredibly lifelike wax figures of their favorite celebrities. It was a unique and fun experience for them to stand next to their idols and capture unforgettable photos. The campers were in awe as they walked through the museum, marveling at the incredible craftsmanship and attention to detail in each wax figure.
Of course, with the summer heat, our campers had the chance to cool off in the pool and continue building their swimming skills. Under the guidance of our experienced instructors, they learned new techniques and practiced their strokes. It's amazing to see how much they grow and improve throughout the summer, gaining confidence and water safety skills that will stay with them for a lifetime.
Patchogue Family YMCA
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Our Patchogue campers had an incredible week filled with thrilling adventures. Our Pre-Teen and Teen Campers embarked on a fascinating journey to the Long Island Science Center, where they had the opportunity to engage in a unique and delicious science experiment - making ice cream! Under the guidance of enthusiastic scientists, the campers learned about the different states of matter and the science behind freezing. They excitedly mixed ingredients like milk, sugar, and vanilla extract in small bags, then placed them inside larger bags filled with ice and salt. As they vigorously shook the bags, their anticipation grew, knowing that their efforts would soon be rewarded with a sweet treat. The excitement and joy were palpable as they explored the world of scientific creativity, witnessing firsthand the transformation of liquid ingredients into a creamy dessert. The campers couldn't help but giggle and cheer as they indulged in the fruits of their labor, savoring the taste of their homemade ice cream.
Meanwhile, our Kiddie Campers had a blast at the Adventure Zone, discovering new challenges and conquering them with enthusiasm. We were also delighted to have a visit from the Girl Scouts, who joined us for some fantastic crafts and a fun game. The campers eagerly spun the wheel, eagerly anticipating which exercise they would perform for 30 seconds. Laughter filled the air as the wheel landed on jumping jacks, burpees, and silly dance moves. The campers enthusiastically embraced each challenge, showcasing their energy and enthusiasm. It was a joyous and memorable experience, as the Girl Scouts and campers bonded over shared activities and laughter.
Great South Bay YMCA
Our Great South Bay YMCA is definitely making a splash this summer. This week, they had the opportunity to try out the new Splash Zone, our water park onsite with slides, water cannons, and splash pads. The campers couldn't contain their excitement and their smiles were pure joy!
But the fun didn't stop there! The campers also had an epic foam party, where they were surrounded by a sea of fluffy, white foam. As the foam machines pumped out the frothy bubbles, the campers loved rolling and sliding through the foam. They couldn't get enough of the bubbly fun!
The Pre-Teens had an exciting day at Monster mini golf, where they played exciting rounds of mini golf in a glow-in-the-dark setting. The neon lights illuminated the course, creating a magical atmosphere as the campers putted their way through challenging obstacles and tricky holes. The competitive spirit was high as they tried to outdo each other with their putting skills. They also enjoyed the arcade games, trying their luck at winning prizes and earning high scores.
And our Teens got to beat the heat at the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the refreshing waves. They spent the day building sandcastles, playing beach volleyball, and taking dips in the water.
Huntington YMCA
Week 3 kicked off with a bang as our Huntington YMCA Summer Day campers had the opportunity to embrace their inner American ninja warrior. They tested their strength and agility, pushing themselves to new limits. The adrenaline was pumping as they maneuvered through obstacle courses, conquered climbing walls, and leaped over hurdles. The determination and perseverance shown by our campers were truly awe-inspiring.
But it wasn't just about physical challenges; our campers also got to flex their creative muscles with some fun arts and crafts. The kiddy campers eagerly gathered around the craft tables, armed with paintbrushes, markers, and colorful paper. Guided by our talented counselors, they unleashed their imagination and created a beautiful mural that showcased their artistic talents. Each stroke of paint and every carefully placed sticker contributed to the masterpiece that they had collectively created. The mural became a symbol of their unity and creativity, a lasting reminder of the bonds they had formed throughout the summer.
Meanwhile, the older campers embarked on a different creative journey as they delved into the world of friendship bracelets. With a rainbow of vibrant threads at their disposal, they weaved intricate patterns and designs. The process of braiding and knotting the threads together became a metaphor for the friendships they had cultivated. Each bracelet represented a unique bond and served as a tangible reminder of the memories they had shared. As they exchanged bracelets with one another, they solidified the connections they had formed throughout their time at camp.
And let's not forget about the swimming skills our campers have been honing. From day one, they eagerly dove into the pool, determined to conquer their fear of the water and become proficient swimmers. With the guidance of our experienced instructors, they practiced their strokes, perfected their breathing techniques, and built their endurance. It was incredible to witness their progress, as some of them reached new levels of proficiency. Their hard work and determination paid off, and they emerged from the water with newfound confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
Meanwhile, our CITS (Counselors in Training) and counselors had a little friendly competition in the game room. The air was filled with laughter and friendly banter as they played pool and 9 ball. The game room became a hub of camaraderie and friendly rivalry, where skills were honed and bonds were strengthened. It was a refreshing break from the action-packed days of camp, allowing our staff to unwind and enjoy some lighthearted fun together.