NEWBERRY — The Newberry County Family YMCA will begin registration for its summer programs Saturday during its Healthy Kids Day, which also will be the time families can sign their children up for swim lessons and summer camp.
The Y has completely revamped their swim lesson program this year and is offering some exciting summer camps themes.
“We are really excited about the new format,” said Taylor Fulmer, membership and group fitness director at the YMCA. “We are going to two week sessions. They will be 45 minutes each day, Monday through Friday. Fridays will either be make-up days, if we have bad weather, or used as educational fun days, so they can strengthen things they have done during the week.”
Swim lessons will be for children as young as six months old, and up. The lessons will not be broken down by age group, but rather skill level.
“Any child under three years old, they have to have a parent or guardian in the water with them. A grandparent or other family member is fine as well,” Fulmer said.
In the past, the Y has had large class sessions, and this year they will have between four and six in each class, but no more. Fulmer said this year it will be really focused attention on the children, and they will get one on one attention, even though they are still in a group setting.
“The swim lessons are extremely popular. Last year and the year before, we have been pretty full almost every session. Our instructors do a great job. We are one of the only institutions in Newberry that offer swim lessons,” Fulmer said.
The Y also offers the third grade Learn to Swim for students who have just completed the third grade. This offers one free swim lesson to those Newberry County students. The Y also offers scholarships for which anyone can apply.
The swim lessons are $65 for members and $75 for non-members. The sessions will be June 5, June 19, July 10 and July 24, with multiple sessions running each day. Fulmer added that the Y is still looking for swim instructors and life guards. You must be 16 years old to serve. Call 803-276-9936 for more information.
Summer Camps
The Y will have 100 spots available for the summer camp program this year. Fulmer said they anticipate the camp filling up quickly. The Y is currently offering spots to youth enrolled in the Y’s after-school program before anyone else. All others will be able to register during Healthy Kids Day.
“We will have a waiting list if it gets full and people are interested in signing their kids up,” she said.
Summer camp will be $90 a week for members, and $115 for non-members, with scholarships available. The Y will also accept ABC Vouchers.
Camp will be for school aged children up to age 13. High school students can sign up for the Counselor in Training program.
“A benefit we have is that we have a pool on site, so they will go swimming several times a week, and we obviously have all of our lifeguards on staff, so it is super safe,” Fulmer said.
Jackie Holmes, childcare director at the Y, said they will have the children divided by age group, Pre-K to second grade, third through fifth grade and the sixth through eighth grade.
The 12-week summer camp will have different themes — Summer Camp Out, Where Dreams Come True,Go for the Gold, American Made, Sea’s the Week, Souper Bowl, Space is the Place, Land Before Time, My Town, Favorite Team Week and Holiday Celebration.
“There will be lots of educational based games, reading. We will have lots of visitors. Local community leaders like to come and speak to the kids. Lunch and snacks will be provided, all healthy options,” Fulmer said. “Also, we are planning to have one field trip a week for the entire summer.”
Holmes said the field trips will be to places like the zoo, local farms and she is hoping to go to the State Museum.
Parents can pick up a packet to fill out beginning Saturday.
If you have any questions about the Y’s summer programs you can give them a call at 803-276-9936.