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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

YMCA DAY CAMP OFFERS YOUNGSTERS AN ABUNDANCE OF NEW EXPERIENCES AND SKILLS - AND PARENTS PEACE OF MIND THIS SUMMER

Chicago, January 13, 2005 - For both parents and kids, it's never too early to start thinking about summer vacation. But this is the case for different reasons. Parents are concerned with ensuring that their children are safe, supervised, and engaged in activities that keep their minds and bodies active when school lets out for the summer. Youngsters eagerly anticipate the free time, and simply want to have fun and learn something new. YMCA day camp programs are a solution designed to keep everyone happy this summer.

Day camp for youth was the number one program offered by YMCAs in 2003, with more than 1,700 Ys offering it. Since YMCAs are independent, grassroots organizations, day camp activities vary at each YMCA. However, all programs are community-based, offering youngsters a unique opportunity to connect with their communities. For example, YMCA day camp programs in Tampa, FL, incorporate oceanfront or poolside activities and offer deep sea fishing field trips. YMCA day camp programs in Los Angeles, CA, offer campers exposure to career opportunities in the entertainment industry.

For example, at the Hollywood Wilshire YMCA in Los Angeles, CA, teen day-campers received a backstage tour of the recently-renovated Phantages Theater, which is only a short walk from the YMCA. There they met with costumers and lighting experts, and learned about "behind the scenes" employment opportunities in live theater. Another day camp excursion included a visit to one of four companies in the world that create movie trailers. Kids got to preview some of the trailers and sit in on an editing session.

"One of the most memorable field trips was when our kids had an opportunity to visit Klasky and Csupo, the animation studio behind the â€˜Rugrats,' " said Mark Dengler, executive director of the Hollywood Wilshire YMCA." Approximately 45 teens had a chance to meet animators, tour the studio and draw their own characters."

"Gone are the days when day camp meant simply tying knots or making pot holders," said Gary Forster, camping and outdoor education specialty consultant, YMCA of the USA. "Today, YMCA summer day camp programs are as unique as the campers themselves. We still provide arts and crafts, but in addition we offer kids an exceptional opportunity to experience the attractions and resources in their communities that are often unavailable to them during the school year."

In addition to the range of activities offered at YMCA day camp, parents also have the flexibility of enrolling their youngsters during sessions that suit their needs. For example, if a parent only wants a child to participate two days a week, YMCAs can accommodate that schedule. Different levels of supervision are also available, depending on the age and interests of the parent and child.

There is also flexibility regarding the amount of supervision a youth or teen receives, depending on the parent's preference. Day campers can use computers in the teen center, do digital art or teach younger children computer skills with minimal supervision - or they can participate in more structured field trips.

"YMCA programs are designed to meet the needs and schedules of today's busy families," added Forster.

In Atlanta, GA, YMCAs offer specialty camps that include sports like tennis, soccer, mountain biking, equestrian, water sports, cheerleading, gymnastics. They also offer travel and adventure camps, plus counselor-in-training and babysitting (instructional) for teens. At the Wood River YMCA in Ketchum, ID they offer specialty day camps on a weekly basis, where kids can spend their days doing activities like fly fishing, road biking, and rebuilding cars or "monster-garaging." Although the types of day camp activities offered vary, all YMCAs offer financial assistance, so families may end up paying as little as $5 a day, depending on their financial status.

YMCA day camp programs are also designed to provide opportunities for physical activity. This is vital due to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that 9 million young people between the ages of 6 and 19 are overweight and on a very unhealthy path to adulthood.

"The number of overweight children in the U.S. has more than doubled since 1980. Increasing the levels of physical activity in the lives of our children is a critical component of this country's efforts to help children get healthier," said Forster.

"No other organization is better positioned to help young people get healthier and feel connected to their communities during summer months than America's YMCAs," said Kenneth L. Gladish, Ph.D., national executive director, YMCA of the USA. "We encourage parents and kids to experience our longstanding commitment to strengthening the spirits minds and bodies of kids firsthand."

To find the YMCA nearest you, visit www.ymca.net

YMCA of the USA is the national resource office for America's 2,575 YMCAs. Collectively, YMCAs are the nation's largest not-for-profit community service organization and largest provider of child care, serving 19 million people of all faiths, races, ages and incomes, including 9 million children. YMCAs offer a broad range of programs including youth leadership and volunteerism, and financial assistance is available. To learn more visit www.ymca.net.

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