at the Keene Family YMCA this Summer

The Keene Family YMCA provides affordable, quality summer experiences for youth. Read on for each of the available program options for 2023.

Camp Wakonda is a traditional day camp for kids in grades 1-6. Primarily taking place outdoors on the Y’s expansive campus, campers will participate each day in group games, STEM projects, creative arts, team building, water play and more. All camp programming is intentional in its effort to build self-esteem and positive relationships among campers. At Camp Wakonda, your child will find their home away from home. Individual, daily team huddles bring the group together to build trust and respect for one another while fostering a strong sense of social responsibility. Whether campers attend for one week, or all eight, this camp promises fond memories and friendships that will last a lifetime!

The Gymnastics Program at the Y offers three different camps for kids in grades 1-6, each with a different focus. There are options for those who are just beginning in the sport and for more experienced gymnasts interested in advancing their skills.

At Gymnastics & More Camp campers will play in the gymnastics center, enjoy water activities, create arts and crafts and explore the fields surrounding the YMCA. This camp is designed to offer the perfect balance between gymnastics and a traditional summer camp experience. Our talented camp staff use a positive and enthusiastic approach with campers to build strength, balance and self-confidence.

Gymnastics Skills Camp is designed for the seasoned gymnast looking to improve their skill base in our state-of-the-art gymnastics center. Campers will have the chance to improve their skills and build their strength and flexibility while enjoying their week with other gymnasts. Campers will be grouped by skill level and will rotate through the events each day. We'll also find some time to enjoy water activities, reading, arts and crafts, and plenty of outdoor time. At the end of the week, campers will perform their newly improved or developed skills for friends and family.

Ninja Camp is a unique experience, designed for aspiring Ninjas everywhere! Campers will push themselves to beat the clock on timed obstacle courses, learn to move swiftly through agility courses, and learn safety rolls and falls. Campers will also learn how to work together to build their own obstacle and agility courses, while taking some time as well to enjoy water activities, reading, arts and crafts, and outdoor time.

Additional camp options at the Y include Adventure Camp, and new for 2023, Sports Camps for kids in grades 1-8. Adventure Camp is perfect for kids who love the outdoors. Campers will be out and about, experiencing and exploring local hiking trails, mountains, beaches and more. Each day (weather permitting) they’ll be outside, active, and often offsite on an adventure. Field trips may include activities such as zip lining, tubing and hiking. For each outing, campers will be transported in the Y’s “Belong Bus.”

The Sports Camps being offered this year will be led by counselors who play the sports themselves, and who have a passion for coaching kids. They’ll be immersed in sports each day, and will have some swim time in the pool as well!

Also new this year the Y is offering Leaders in Training (LIT) and Counselors in Training (CIT) programs for teens ages 13-18. These programs are designed to develop participants into positive role models for younger campers through games and activities that they will assist with planning. LITs will graduate from the program having earned their Safe Sitter Certification. While CITs will earn their CPR/First/Aid/AED Certifications. Both LITs and CITs will be eligible to receive letters of recommendation at the conclusion of the program, that can be used for college or employment applications.

No matter which of the Y’s day camp experiences you choose, your kids will make new friends and have tons of fun as they explore new adventures each day.

Financial assistance is available for those who qualify. You’ll find the application, along with full details and dates for each camp at keeneymca.org/camp. Find your adventure this summer and enroll your kids today!