Registration Now Open for Summer Day Camps/Resident Camps at Area YMCAs

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - March 18, 2016 - PRLog -- Branches of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA are now accepting signups for summer camp.

        The four YMCA branches are the Conejo Valley YMCA (serving Thousand Oaks, Moorpark and the Santa Rosa Valley), Miller Family YMCA of Newbury Park, Triunfo YMCA (serving Westlake Village, Agoura Hills and Oak Park and Simi Valley Family YMCA.

        Each YMCA branch offers traditional day camps for kids in kindergarten through eighth grade. Counselor-in-Training programs are available for teens in 9^th and 10^th grade. Camp activities are based on age group. Day camps include swimming, (including opportunities to work on swimming skills), games, field trips and exploring and appreciating the outdoors.

        "We show kids that there is a world out there beyond a computer screen or cell phone," says Chrissy Withers, Triunfo YMCA senior program director. "Our camps are filled with fun learning experiences. They focus is on personal growth, self-respect, character building and values such as caring, honesty, respect and responsibility."

        The YMCA was one of the first to offer organized summer camps in the U.S. "The goals of Y camps haven't changed," says Stacey Huff, Simi Valley Y's associate executive director. "We strive to give  kids an opportunity to take on new responsibilities, become more confident and grow as individuals and as part of a group-all while making new friends and having a wonderful summer they'll never forget."

        Weeklong resident camps are another long-held YMCA tradition. YMCA resident camps this year are Camp Sequoia Lake near Sequoia National Park (www.conejoycamp.com/home) July 30 through August 6 and Camp Oakes in Big Bear (www.sevymca.org/simivalley) July 9 through 16.

        Resident campers will enjoy activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, archery, high and low-rope challenge courses, swimming, disc golf and hiking. Traditional evening camp activities include stargazing, night hikes, campfires and dances. "Many parents attended YMCA summer resident camp as kids and want their own children to have the same experience," says Allison Mehnert, youth programs director at the Conejo Valley Y. "Today's YMCA camps are a bit of a throwback to a more relaxed, electronic-free time."

        To ensure that every child and teen has the chance to go to camp, the Y offers financial assistance to those in need.

        For more information on YMCA summer camps, go to http://www.sevymca.org or contact YMCA branches directly:  Conejo Valley YMCA, (805-523-7613), Miller Family YMCA of Newbury Park (805-480-0309), Triunfo YMCA, (818-707-9622) and Simi Valley Family YMCA, (805-583-5338).