First Friday: July 2022

Girls swimming at summer camp

Putting the Fun in Summer

Summer is in full swing and at the YMCA of Greater Brandywine our locations are buzzing with the fun and excitement of summer camp!

Since the first official YMCA summer day camp was founded in 1885, YMCAs across the nation have been keeping children active, safe and engaged throughout the course of the summer. The YMCA of Greater Brandywine is proud to be a part of such a timeless tradition of service.

This summer, YGBW will host over 3,250 campers across our eight camp locations. Each day trained staff lead our campers in a variety of activities to keep them engaged, active and learning. Camp activities include literacy time, recreational swimming, arts & crafts, STEM projects, camp games, special events and more.

To bring an extra level of fun to camp, each camp week features a special theme that our camps celebrate. Camps have been visited by princes and princesses during A Kingdom Far, Far Away week, taken on the scallywags during Pirate’s Life week and visited a galaxy far, far away during Star Wars Universe week.

While they’re having fun campers are also learning important life skills throughout their day. Our campers learn how to make friends, solve problems, build their independence and conquer fears with the support of our camp counselors.

“Summer camp is such a meaningful experience for our campers and their families,” says Bridgette Barbera-Byrne, executive director of the Oscar Lasko YMCA and association leader of summer camp. "

"Campers try activities they may not have experienced otherwise, they get to make new friends and they have positive, caring adult role models with our camp team. Families are happy that their children are safe, having fun and not sitting in front of a screen."

The impact of summer camp and the friendships made last a lifetime. With the generous support of our community and donors like you, 317 children received the gift of YMCA summer camp in 2021.

This year we are looking to give even more children the gift of camp and created Project 317 to help us reach our goal. Your donation to Project 317 will help provide a child with the summer they deserve. Contact our Mission Advancement team to make a gift or learn more. 

Sincerely, 

DD Sig

President & CEO

YMCA of Greater Brandywine

Category: Newsletters