News on "Choosing a summer camp for your child" seems to be in peak season lately. USA Today ran a few articles the last couple of months. Camp Fairs are happening quite a bit, and even the Old Farmers Almanac are into it- http://www.farmersalmanac.com/health/2012/03/26/choosing-the-right-summer-camp/.
So how do you decide? Parents are looking for a safe place to send their child that has a well trained staff. Kids are looking for where their friends go and for that "something special" that piques their interest. They also just want "camp time" to get here soon!
Sending a child to Wa Wa Segowea has a positive affect on both the child and the parent. After a long school year, with tests, homework due and practically every minute scheduled, children that attend camp have a venue where they can decompress and be a kid again. They can be themselves and be who they were meant to be. Learning however, still occurs at camp. The experience a child has at Wa Wa Segowea contributes greatly to the development of independence in them as well as taking on new responsibilities. Segowea offers hands-on learning opportunities where kids try new things, make decisions, learn skills they didn't know they had, and at the same time, have some fun!
When a parent decides to send their child to Wa Wa, they too learn and grow. They learn new things about their children. Parents already know the value of a summer camp and what it means for their child to partake in one. But when the child returns from camp, the parent observes the changes in their child and knows their camp experiences are now a part of the story of their lives. They see and know that their child has lived in a different community, in a natural setting with new friends and is better for it. They see these changes and know what their kids learned at camp will help them when they head back to school in the fall.
We encourage you to see and hear for yourself what YMCA Camp Wa Wa Segowea is all about. In just one month, on May 6, we'll be holding our first Open House. During that time, you have the chance to see the camp, talk to Camp Director Kat Fitzpatrick as well as some volunteers.
Speaking of the volunteers, just the week before, on April 28th, we'll be holding a work weekend, where volunteers come up to camp and assist in work projects put together by the Property Director, Norm Button. After a winter off-season, the volunteers will be sprucing the camp up, grabbing a broom or rake, cleaning out the cobwebs, and getting it ready for the next weekend.
Just a little over a week ago, Smith Park of New York held their annual meeting with past and future members attending, and getting the latest on what's happening with Camp for the 2012 Season as well as what's happening with Smith Park. It was held at the East Greenbush YMCA where attendees had the chance to use the YMCA for the day at no cost. Outgoing Smith Park of NY Chairman, John Dunn, was honored with a nice plaque for his 25+ years of service to the camp and to Smith Park of New York. The different committees supporting camp all made presentations and a few people went home with raffle prizes. All in all, it was a great event!
Below are some pictures of the Smith Park Annual Meeting and the Camp Fair in Red Hook. Thanks to Lana, Chris and Pat for the pictures!
Chairman John Dunn receiving plaque.
Committee Chairs giving their presentations.
Kat giving the Camp Report.
George giving the YMCA Report.
Some meeting attendees.
The raffle prize table.
Inside the Y Lobby, the Camp display.
And lastly, the Red Hook Camp Fair.
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