YMCA of Greater Moncton has plenty of camps and activities for area youth.

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Margaret Campbell

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With the school year drawing to a close, parents may be wondering how to help their kids get the most from the long dog days of summer.

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These parents need not look further than the Greater Moncton YMCA. This popular charitable organization offers fun, safe day camp programming all summer long for kids of all ages. Patricia Worthington, Director, Youth Recreation and Camp, is looking forward to this summer's lineup of summer camp programs.

"Camp is an important part of one's childhood. At our camps we keep the children active, social and engaged "" children will always go home tired which is a good thing. Camp also provides a wonderful opportunity for kids to gather stories and create memories upon which they will be able to reflect in later life."

The traditional summer day camp begins June 22 and continues for 11 weeks of summer. The programming runs on-site from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with a different theme each week. Kids ages 5-12 can enjoy two outings a week, swimming and gym time three times a week, outdoor play, arts and crafts, and special events and games based on the weekly themes. Some of the programming is divided into Junior and Senior groups to allow for age appropriate activities.

An exciting new addition to the camp schedule is the specialty camps that will be held at the Queen Elizabeth School on Lynch Street in Moncton. These day camps will run 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for eight weeks starting June 29 with a different specialty each week. The different specialties are aimed at different ages, interests and genders. Whether it is a week of Girl Power, Boy Zone, Leadership, or Dance and Drama, these specialty camps are designed to expose kids to certain skill set. All activities are beginner level with no experience required but aimed at kids who "want to focus on a specific skill set." says Worthington. "These camps are for those kids looking to acquire a certain skill while continuing to enjoy the traditional day camp activities."

Not forgetting the campers-in-training, Kinder Camp is a fantastic new option for children ages 4-5. This programming has the same running times and dates as the other specialty camps, but is offered for only 15 wee ones who want to play outside, swim, do arts and crafts, and explore the whole new world of camp. There is one hour scheduled every afternoon for quiet play, stories and songs which provides a calming atmosphere in which the kids can refresh for the afternoon. "These eight weeks are a great introduction to camp and can help prepare this age group for the social setting of school." says Worthington.

Campers need to bring a peanut-free lunch and two snacks to all activities. Worthington reminds that while pre-registration is necessary for all camps, participation doesn't have to be for the full duration of the summer. "Parents are able to pick and choose the weeks that best suit the interests of their children and register accordingly."

Contact Patricia at the YMCA (857-0606) for more information, registration, or payment options.