The South Brunswick Family YMCA opens Summer Camp on Monday, June 25. “It’s a Summer to Discover” is the theme this year and there are plenty of reasons to come to the Y and discover! This year, Summer Camp features a free Teen Overnight to Camp Ockanickon in Medford (NJ), archery and fishing. In addition, campers will be able to enjoy the addition of a nature trail on site!
“This year through your valuable feedback and our careful evaluation, we’ve redesigned how we deliver camp from weekly themes, new trips and new camp events. This summer will be a huge success,” said Joe Marciszyn, Summer Camp Director.
“We offer a variety of experiences all summer long for children and teens ages 5 – 16,” explained Joe Marciszyn. “Action-packed days are filled with recreational activities, inspiring games, fun themes and trips. All while learning new skills, expanding imaginations, making friends, building self-confidence - for an overall, amazing summer experience.”
Joe Marciszyn joined the South Brunswick Family YMCA in March. Joe is a full-time YMCA professional with extensive experience in YMCA operations and effectively running summer camps. Joe has directed camps throughout the country and although this will be his first summer with the South Brunswick Family YMCA, it is his 13th summer leading camps.
Group Leaders and Counselors are primarily teachers and college students over 18 years of age. All are carefully selected on the basis of skill, experience and understanding of the YMCA philosophy. All team members must attend a weeklong training before the start of camp, which includes multiple topics concerning all aspects of camp. Counselors are also trained according to YMCA and State Health Department standards. In addition, team members are trained in First-Aid/CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer.
The YMCA day camp philosophy is to help children grow physically, mentally, and spiritually while incorporating the YMCA four core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility into all aspects of our camps. Under the guidance of our carefully selected and trained staff, campers will achieve the unexpected, learn valuable life lessons and make friends and memories that will last a lifetime.
“We have reached out to a number of local organizations to join us this summer,” stated Tom Libassi, Executive Director. “The Township Recycling Department will visit to discuss recycling, teach paper-making and will be bring the Grand Falloons. The American Cancer Society will conducting Recess Relay and reviewing the importance of sunscreen. In addition, we will devote 30-minutes each day to the D.E.A.R. program (Drop Everything and Read). New this year is a trip to Von Thuns to learn a little about farming.”
“We have taken it to a new level to make it easier for parents to get their kids to camp by adding a pick-up and drop-off location in Kendall Park and Monroe,” said Marciszyn. “In addition, the newly expanded Y parking lot provides reserved parking for summer camp parents.”
South Brunswick Family YMCA is a nonprofit values based, community-centered, membership organization dedicated to enriching the spirit, mind and body through quality programming and services; including child care, after school programming, sports, aquatics, health and fitness classes, family activities, senior programming, personal training and summer camp. Over the past 12 years, the Y has continued to grow and expand programs and today we reach a membership that exceeds 1,550 local families, seniors, teens, youth and adults with more than 2,500 people using the facility on a regular basis. We’re for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. More information may be found by calling 732-329-1150 or visiting www.southbrunswickymca.org.
