YMCA Best Summer Ever and More!

Ready or not, here comes summer! Yes it’s still technically winter, but let’s not split hairs here… the past few weeks have been unseasonably warm, which makes us daydream about summer around the corner.

And parents aren’t the only ones counting the days until summer—kids are too! Visions of pools, crafts, freedom, sports, outdoors, nature and summer food dance in their heads (and visions of quiet and “down time” dance in our heads as parents, right?).

If you are already in camp-shopping-mode, checkout the variety of camp opportunities* the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga offers:

YMCA Best Summer Ever Day Camp
Ages: 1^st grade – rising 5^th grade (ask about teen Day Camp options)
So many perks for your little one! Kids get a well-rounded camp experience with activities like daily swimming, indoor and outdoor games, arts and crafts, fun and engaging learning opportunities, field trips and more. The Y’s commitment to building assets in youth of any age ensures their days will be filled with QUALITY activities. The hours of this camp make it really convenient for working moms/parents who need early drop off or later pick-up times. Even better — the Y’s Day Camp also offers inclusion opportunities for kids with special needs (please contact camp director to discuss). Contact your local branch for more information on registering for Summer Day Camp.

Specialty Day Camp Opportunities
Ages: Ages: 1^st grade – rising 5^th grade (ask us about teen Day Camp options)
For kids who do opt for Summer Day Camp, many of the Y’s branches offer additional specialty camp/workshop opportunities (additional fee required). Unique camps like cooking camp, sports camps, swim camp, and more. Kids enrolled for the specialty camps simply utilize some of their regular Day Camp time to participate in these specialty camp areas.

Destination Adventure
Ages: 11-14; 15-17
Nature-based summer adventures that teach teens about the wonders of the environment through interactive games, activities, leadership, and field trips. Weekly experiences all summer long. Contact Adam Cogbill for more information at: [email protected] or 423.757.0665.

Urban Residency Camp
Ages: 11-14; 15-17
Teens spend a week away from home this summer at this affordable camp close to home. Community and local resources will be used as a playground for these adventures. There are three summer opportunities: for middle/high school girls, for middle/high school boys, and for upper-elementary boys and girls. Contact Adam Cogbill for more information at: [email protected] or 423.757.0665.

YMCA Camp Ocoee
Ages: 7-rising High School sophomores
Since 1923, the spirit of YMCA Camp Ocoee has been more than just a summer camp experience. The Christian values learned, and the confidence gained by campers becomes a way of life. Generations of families now have fond memories and traditions of their time at Camp Ocoee.

Nestled on the shores of Lake Ocoee, Camp Ocoee’s setting is breathtaking. The camp is set deep in the Cherokee National Forest in southeastern Tennessee. Activities focus on helping prepare youth for challenges they will face in the future. Campers will take away valuable leadership skills that they will use for the rest of their lives. For more information on Camp Ocoee, visit www.campocoee.com.