Featured Camp: Missoula Family YMCA
Deciding on summer camps was never easy to begin with, and then Covid-19 hit and everything got that much harder. Which is why the Missoula Family YMCA’s Summer Camps stand out more than ever.
When it comes to keeping your family safe, the Missoula Family YMCA has thought of everything. As one of the few organizations providing care throughout this pandemic, the YMCA has been at the forefront of adapting services and implementing safety protocols to help serve Missoula families. They have worked closesly with the Missoula City-County Health Department and Child Care Licensing to implement recommended health and safety policies and will continue to follow these guidelines throughout the summer camp programs. For more about the changes including plans to limit group size, increased staff training and sanitation standards, visit their page.
Nicole Martin, Senior Director of Youth Services, said they’ve been fielding calls from campers and parents eager about their summer plans. She said the Y is excited to continue offering many of the same camps as before, but with smaller group sizes. Now there will be eight campers per group with two camp counselors instead of 10 or more to comply with state coronavirus regulations. But Martin sees the benefit beyond COVID-19. “It will help kids create better bonds with each other and their camp counselors,” she said. “As much as we would like to serve the same amount of kids, we are limited right now, so sign up as soon as possible and if a camp is full, get on a waiting list.”
Missoula Family YMCA offers a plethora of camps in every topic, from soccer to kindergarten readiness to climbing. They even offer a babysitting camp to teach young people how to earn money by watching after children.
A quick look through the YMCA’s “2020 Camp Guide” and you will be amazed at their comprehensive summer care options. With extended care available from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m., and camps available every week of summer, there is no more scrambling to piece together your summer. If your schedule isn’t the same from week to week, no problem, the YMCA has the options for you too! They even have half day camps for both morning and afternoon.
Kids are guaranteed to have a fun summer. Each week of camp features a different theme, like Spy Kids, Rockstars, and our personal favorite: Rockets & Sprockets. Whether your child is interested in arts and crafts, or archery and ropes course, they are sure to try some new things and have some amazing adventures. For students in Grades 8 and up, make sure to check out the Junior Counselor Program.
Many parents also factor cost into their summer camp decisions. YMCA members receive a discount on all camps, and they also have two licensed summer camp options, Camp Horizon and Camp Imagination which accept Best Beginnings Scholarships. Camps includes breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack.
For more information, including weekly themes, cost, and registration info, visit ymcamissoula.org/camps or call at (406)-721-9622.