The Connections Bridgewater-Somerville Edition Apr/May 2025

KIDZ CONNECTION

PAGE 23

COMMENDS The Countdown to Summer is On! By Jenayah Mathis-Minnigan CONNECTION

140 Mt. Airy Road Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 908-493-5805 www.gsymca.org

SUMMER FUN STARTS AT THE Y! Dive into 100+ day camp options packed with adventure, creativity, and discovery – from outdoor fun to swimming and STEM exploration – at 7 convenient locations near you. Financial assistance available. gscymca.org/camp

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For teens looking to develop leadership skills, our Counselor in Training (CIT) program provides hands-on experience in teamwork, creativity, and responsibility, all while being mentored by experienced staff. Excitement is also in the air at Camp Acorn Camp Acorn at Somerset Hills YMCA, where a fresh leadership team is ready to bring new ener gy to camp. Associate Branch Executive Di rector Nya Noziere and Associate Program Directors Andrew Lomauro and Jessica Mayers are eager to create an engaging and enriching summer for all. “Camp is where kids can truly be them selves—laughing, learning, and making memories in a supportive environment,” says Gabi St. Fleur, Senior Director of Youth Development at Somerset Hills YMCA Somerset Hills YMCA. “Every child brings their own personality, background, and interests, and our counsel ors play a key role in shaping a welcoming space where they can thrive.”

he excitement of summer is building— not just for kids but for everyone at Greater Greater Somerset County YMCA! As we gear up for another season of sun-soaked adventures, we’re preparing programs that will engage, challenge and inspire, ensuring an unfor gettable summer for children across our community.

BRIDGEWATER YMCA | SOMERVILLE YMCA Branches of Greater Somerset County YMCA

For over 132 years, the Y has been a leader in providing summer camp experiences that nurture youth development in a safe and enriching environment. Greater Somerset Greater Somerset County YMCA proudly holds accredita tion from the American Camp Association (ACA), meeting nearly 300 rigorous health, safety, and program quality standards. This summer, our diverse lineup of day camps will be available at: • Camp Timber at Bridgewater YMCA • Camp STAR at Hillsborough YMCA • Camp Acorn at Somerset Hills YMCA • Camp Sunburst at Somerville YMCA “Summer camp is a place where energy, enthusiasm, and growth come together. Having spent years immersed in camp life, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative these experiences can be,“ shares Jamie Norgard, Youth Development Director at Somerville Somerville YMCA. “From the thrill of mastering a new swim skill to the joy of making lifelong friends, every summer is a new adventure. I can’t wait for the exciting trips and experi ences we have in store this year!” At the Y, our S.P.A.C.E. philosophy— Swimming, Play, Art, Community, and Enrichment—guides every aspect of our camps, ensuring a well-rounded and engag ing experience. From action-packed outdoor adventures to educational activities that help prevent the “summer slide”, our campers are set up for both fun and personal growth.

One of our most special programs, Camp Camp Dragonfly, offers a free, week-long camp for children who have experienced trauma, grief, or loss. Held at Somerset Hills YMCA Somerset Hills YMCA Day Camp, this unique experience, led by licensed professionals, provides healing and fun through traditional camp activities. At Greater Somerset County YMCA, we believe every child deserves the chance to experience the magic of summer camp. Thanks to the generosity of our Annual Campaign donors and fundraising events, financial assistance is available for qualify ing families. Visit gscymca.org/fa to learn more. As we approach summer 2025, we invite families to discover all that Y camps have to offer. To explore our full lineup of summer camps, visit gscymca.org/camp.

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