While summer camp programs keep children busy and engaged, children who are hungry simply cannot focus. That is why the Tampa Metropolitan YMCA is once again partnering with the Hillsborough County Public Schools to provide free breakfast and lunch to all campers 18 years old and younger. The Summer Food Program runs from Tuesday, May 29 through Friday, August 3. Meal times vary at each YMCA.
Children can receive breakfast, a nutritious snack and lunch. Last year, the Tampa Metropolitan YMCA served over 75,000 healthy meals and 300,000 nutritious snacks. An example of breakfast is cereal, milk, cheese stick and juice. An example of lunch is ham and cheese wrap with fruit and juice.
In addition to the Summer Food Program, area YMCAs will once again offer the Y’s Go for Green program. Since summer is synonymous with swim season, the Y’s Go for Green program provides free swim lessons to Y summer campers who are unable to pass the swim test. The campers will receive free swim lessons throughout the summer until they can pass the swim test and get a green wristband.
Last summer, 1,465 YMCA summer campers received free Go for a Green swim lessons. The Go for Green program is one of the many drowning prevention strategies offered by the Tampa Metropolitan YMCA. This is included in the summer camp experience at no extra cost to the camper.
Director of Camping Services, Mark Battig said, “Summer camp is an excellent way to ensure kids stay engaged socially, physically and academically throughout the summer.” Battig added, “In Y Summer Camp, kids are in a welcoming environment where they can belong. They are building relationships, developing character and discovering their potential. We really encourage parents to give their kids the gift of camp to keep them active and engaged all summer long.”
The Y’s summer camp is offered to ensure that children and teens in the Tampa area are given the opportunity to be adventurous, active and healthy over the summer.
For information, on the Y’s summer camp programs, visit http://www.tampaymca.org/bestsummerever.
