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Dream Big & Explore

Get ready for a summer like no other! At the Y, we believe in the power of dreams. Our summer day camp is designed to inspire, educate, and empower young minds. With unique weekly themes, we're diving deep into the realms of imagination, nature's wonders, space odysseys, and so much more. Our dedicated team is committed to creating an environment where every camper can dream big, explore, and discover their limitless potential.

What to Expect

Incredible Themes: Each week, we embark on a new adventure, exploring themes that spark curiosity and creativity.
  
Well-Trained Staff: Our passionate and well-trained staff is here to ensure a safe, supportive, and fun-filled experience for every camper.

Engaging Activities: From hands-on experiments to outdoor explorations, our activities are designed to challenge, inspire, and entertain.

Inclusive Community: At the Y, we celebrate diversity and inclusivity. Our camp is a place where everyone belongs and is encouraged to be their authentic selves.

Family Engagement: Families are an integral part of the camp experience and we have intentionally included family engagement activities in camp. We invite parents and caregivers to join us in creating lasting memories for campers. 

We can't wait to create unforgettable memories this summer!

Ages: Rising 1st Grade (Must have turned 5 years old by August 31, 2023)

Safety comes first at YMCA camp, ensuring your child is provided a high-quality camp experience:
• Our staff is certified in CPR and First Aid and must pass a background check and drug screen.
• We offer a 1:10 leader-to-camper ratio, which means more meaningful interaction with your child.
• Pre-summer staff training on child safety, healthy discipline, positive reinforcement, character development, games, songs and child abuse prevention ensure the best possible experience for your camper!

Be Prepared: Each camper will need to bring a bagged lunch to camp Monday-Friday! Please do not pack food that requires heating or refrigeration. Swimsuit and towel are required for swimming. Other recommendations include sunblock (applied before arriving to camp), a labeled and refillable water bottle, and cool and comfortable clothing.

Dress Code: Campers should come dressed to be active. Tennis shoes are required. Please, no sandals or open-toed shoes!

Character Development: At camp, we focus on the development of social-emotional skills which include empathy, relationship building, emotion management, personal development and responsibility. Children are taught lessons throughout the day that help them make good choices, feel confident and get along with others. We are building 21st-century leaders.

Registration begins March 1, 2024.

Summer Camp Weekly Themes

Imagine It! (June 10-June 14)
IMAGINE IT WEEK
This week is all about sparking campers' creativity, igniting their imaginations, and encouraging them to envision limitless possibilities through a variety of engaging activities and projects. "Imagine It Week" will create an imaginative space where campers can let their creativity thrive, celebrate their originality, and learn the joy of bringing their imaginative visions to life. It's a week filled with endless possibilities and the magic of turning dreams into tangible creations. 
Fun National Holidays
June 9: National Children's Day

Cultural Connections (June 17-June 21)
CULTURAL CONNECTIONS WEEK
Cultural Connections Week serves as a bridge between campers and the rich tapestry of cultures that exist globally. It promotes cultural understanding, encourages campers to celebrate differences, and fosters a sense of unity and respect for all people, regardless of their background. 

Fun National Holidays
June 18: International Sushi Day 
June 19: Juneteenth
June 20: American Eagle Day

YMCA Spirit Week: Dream Big and Explore Edition (June 24-June 28)
YMCA SPIRIT WEEK: DREAM BIG & EXPLORE EDITION
Welcome to a week of boundless imagination, discovery, and endless possibilities – it's YMCA Spirit Week: Dream Big & Explore Edition! This week is all about encouraging our campers to embrace their wildest dreams, venture into uncharted territories, and ignite their sense of wonder. Each day is designed to inspire, challenge, and empower participants of all ages to dream big and embark on exciting journeys of exploration. Throughout YMCA Spirit Week: Dream Big & Explore Edition, we aim to ignite passions, foster a sense of wonder, and empower participants to embark on their unique journeys of exploration. Let's dream big, explore boldly, and create a week filled with inspiration, growth, and endless horizons! 

Fun National Holidays
June 24: National Swim a Lap Day
June 26: National Chocolate Pudding Day
June 27: National Bingo Day
June 27: National Handshake Day

Time Travelers (July 1-July 5; Closed July 4 & 5)
TIME TRAVELERS WEEK 
Time Travelers week offers campers a unique opportunity to step back in time, explore different historical contexts, and gain a deeper appreciation for the events that have shaped our world. It's a week of discovery, imagination, and learning that transcends time periods and allows campers to explore the past in an engaging and interactive way. 

Fun National Holidays
July 2: Civil Rights Act Passed
July 4: Independence Day

Inventors Lab (July 8-July 12)
INVENTORS LAB
This is an exciting and hands-on theme within your "Dream Big and Explore" camp program. This week is dedicated to fostering campers' creativity, problem-solving skills, and innovation as they immerse themselves in the world of inventors and inventions. empowers campers to embrace their inner inventors, see challenges as opportunities, and recognize that their creative ideas can have a real impact. It's a week where imagination meets practicality, and where campers can dream big while bringing their inventive ideas to life. 

Fun National Holidays
July 8: National Video Game Day
July 8: Math 2.0 Day

Nature's Wonders (July 15-July 19)
NATURE’S WONDERS
This week is all about immersing campers in the beauty, diversity, and awe-inspiring aspects of the natural world, fostering a deep appreciation for nature and its intricate ecosystems. This week provides campers with a memorable and enriching experience where they can explore, learn, and connect with the world around them. It instills a sense of responsibility for the environment and encourages them to be lifelong stewards of nature. 

Fun National Holidays
July 15-19: Farm to Summer

Dream Careers (July 22-July 26)
DREAM CAREERS
Dream Careers week is dedicated to helping campers explore a wide range of potential careers, empowering them to dream big about their future aspirations and learn about the paths that can lead them to their desired professions. This week offers campers a unique opportunity to explore a diverse range of career possibilities, ask questions, and gain insights that can shape their future choices. It's a week of self-discovery, inspiration, and empowerment that encourages campers to dream big and take steps toward realizing their professional goals. 

Fun National Holidays
July 25: National Interns Day

Space Odyssey (July 29-August 2)
SPACE ODYSSEY
Space Odyssey Week is all about venturing into the realm of outer space, inspiring campers to learn about the cosmos, space exploration, and the mysteries of the universe. This week provides campers with an extraordinary opportunity to delve into the mysteries of the universe and ignite a lifelong interest in space exploration and astronomy. It's a week where they can dream big about venturing beyond our planet and explore the vastness of outer space.

Fun National Holidays
July 31: NASA Founded

Tales of Discovery (August 5-August 9)
TALES OF DISCOVERY 
Step into the enchanting realm of imagination during the week of “Tales of Discovery." Here, every page is a gateway to adventure, every story a path to exploration. Get ready to embark on a literary journey that takes you beyond the boundaries of reality and into the captivating worlds woven by words. Tales of Discovery will promote a love for reading, creative expression, and the joy of exploration. Through the exploration of diverse stories, campers will cultivate empathy, broaden their perspectives, and discover the connections that bind us all. Join us for a week filled with captivating tales, imaginative quests, and the thrill of discovery. Together, we'll dive into the enchanting world of books and uncover the treasures that lie within the pages of our imaginations. 

Fun National Holidays
August 9: National Book Lovers Day

August 12-August 16 Dream Big and Beyond!
DREAM BIG AND BEYOND!
DREAM BIG AND BEYOND! is the culminating theme for the summer. This week is dedicated to reflection, personal growth, and looking ahead to the future. Campers have the opportunity to showcase what they've learned, celebrate their achievements, and set intentions for their continued journey beyond the camp. Let’s provide campers with an opportunity to reflect on their journey, acknowledge their achievements, and prepare for their future endeavors with confidence and optimism. It's a week of closure, inspiration, and setting the stage for a promising future beyond the camp experience. 

Fun National Holidays
August 12: International Youth Day

Bonus Week: For extended summer programs
August 19-13 Adventure Seekers
VENTURE SEEKERS
This week is all about challenging campers to step out of their comfort zones, embrace new experiences, and develop essential skills through a variety of outdoor adventures and team-building activities. The goal is to instill a sense of confidence, resilience, and camaraderie while fostering a love for adventure and exploration. 

Fun National Holidays
August 19: National Aviation Day
August 19: National Discovery Day

Contacts

Bryan Family YMCA: Alex Ruppert
Eden YMCA: Gina Richardson
Hayes-Taylor YMCA: Monica Moore
Ragsdale YMCA: Shawna Spencer
Reidsville YMCA: Jennifer Stadler
Spears YMCA: Catherine Stallings
YMCA Camp Weaver: Jessica James