Featured Camp: Missoula YMCA Offers Options for All

Whether your kid is into rock climbing or theater, fly fishing or basketball, there is something for them at the Missoula Family YMCA.

In fact, when I told my daughter that she was old enough to attend the YMCA’s Cheer Camp, she, well, cheered.

You don’t want to wait to register though. With limited space due to Covid restrictions combined with the popularity of the YMCA’s camp schedule, spots are filling up fast.

Nicole Martin, Senior Director of Youth Programs, highlighted the diversity of the camps offered, including an equestrian leadership camp that allows teenagers to learn leadership skills while learning to care for horses. She also said she’s very excited about Junior Bug Olympics camps, which is a partnership with the Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium.

”It’s a sports camp that allows kids to learn about different Olympic sports and a bug’s ability to do things on their scale,” she said.

The YMCA has thought of everything, even producing this video tutorial to help families signing up for multiple camps.

All of the YMCA’s Covid protocols have closely aligned with the Missoula City-County Health Department recommended health and safety policies and will continue to follow these guidelines throughout the summer camp programs.

Last year, the country was becoming more aware of the risks of Covid-19 as the YMCA was releasing their camp information, requiring the group to pivot their plans to safely provide engagement and care to campers. Martin said the YMCA was lucky to avoid needing to close due to close contact exposure in any of the school-age children’s programs throughout the year. They coordinated various pick up and drop off locations throughout town so the campers could stay within their small groups rather than mingling on site.

She attributed the YMCA’s commitment to youth development ensured the group would continue providing to local families throughout even the earliest stages of the pandemic.

”We were told to be scared and to stay home, but our counselors and teachers who work directly with kids didn’t bat an eye and offered a consistent safe place to be. They showed up to work every day. Looking back, so many of our staff were totally committed to being there for the kids.”

Check out the YMCA’s 2021 Summer Camps Guide. 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.

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. The YMCA doesn’t want cost to be a barrier to camp attendance, so financial help is available. 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.