Campers play a game around YMCA’s Camp Onyahsa’s flagpole during a summer camp iteration. Camp Onyahsa provides year-round, high-quality, educational camping experiences for children from the local area and around the world.

The “best summer ever” is right around the corner and YMCA Camp Onyahsa is offering resident camp to make sure kids and teens in the Greater Jamestown Area are safe, healthy, and happy once school is out. YMCA camp programs offer youth fun and unique experiences with an opportunity to explore the outdoors, meet new friends, discover new interests, and create great memories that last a lifetime.

Summer is the ideal time for youth to get up and explore. But, for some kids summer means no access to recreational and educational activities to help them learn, grow and thrive during out-of-school time. As a result, some children and teens experience learning loss and gain weight twice as during the school year. Attending Camp Onyahsa summer camp is a wonderful opportunity for kids to keep their minds and bodies active.

“Summer camp is an excellent way to ensure kids stay engaged socially, physically, and academically throughout the summer,” says Jon O’Brian, YMCA camp director, and local educator. “In our resident camp, young people join a welcoming environment where they can belong. At Camp they build positive relationships, develop character, and discover their potential. We really encourage parents to give their children the gift of camp to keep them active and engaged all summer long.”

O’Brian added that there are five reasons why children and teens should attend summer camp:

¯ Adventure: Summer camp is all about a wide variety of new experiences and exploring the outdoors. YMCA camps have a new adventure for every child and teen. Visit www.onyahsa.org for details.

¯ Healthy Fun: Day and resident camps offer fun, stimulating activities that engage the body and mind, and also help children and teens learn the importance of nutrition to help improve their healthy eating habits.

¯ Personal Growth: While in the welcoming environment of camp, youth have a chance to learn new skills, and develop confidence and independence by taking on new responsibilities and challenges. Camps offer cognitive learning and social-emotional development opportunities for achievement.

¯ Friendships: Amid the fun of camp games, songs, swimming, canoeing and talent shows, campers meet new friends and strengthen existing friendships. The bonds formed at camp are important and lasting for many youth.

¯ Memories: Summer camp is an unforgettable experience that will give each camper memories (and traditions) that will last a lifetime. Youth return to school with plenty of camp stories to share!

Camp Onyahsa offers: a variety of programs to choose from. Additionally, and, to ensure that all youth have the chance to experience camp, the Jamestown Area YMCA and Camp Onyahsa offers financial assistance to those in need. If you’re interested in helping send kids to camp this summer, you can donate to the camp’s scholarship funds.

A leading nonprofit committed to nurturing the potential of youth, the Y has been a leader in providing summer camp for over 131 years. YMCA Camp Onyahsa continues to give youth an enriching, safe experience with caring staff and volunteers who model positive values that help build their kids’ character.

For more information, visit www.onyahsa.org or contact the Camp Office at 664-2802, ext. 238.