YMCA Holds Summer Program for Kids

For the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Garver Memorial YMCA in Roaring Spring is holding a parks and recreation program this summer for children ages 6 to 13.

Starting every weekday at 8 a.m. until 12 p.m., children are able to spend their time outside making crafts, playing games, performing science experiments, and doing water activities.

Such activities include water tag, a game in which the children each have their own water guns and chase each other around.

Another game includes water sponges, which is similar to water balloons, but just with sponges instead. Children also had the opportunity to play BINGO and make slime.

The program offers a diverse range of activities to cater to each child's interest.

Staff member Tiana Eicher said, "It's so much fun. The kids are great."

Each week also comes with a theme for the kids, which allows them to have unique and various activities to enjoy.

Week two's theme–from June 24 to June 28–was Disney, and for that, the helpers planned a range of themed crafts and games. Children participated in a scavenger hunt, created their own Mickey ears, played Disney trivia, and made Mickey Mouse soft pretzels.

Other themes included STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) and the ocean.

The themes allow for more organization within the program, but it also provides something for the kids to be excited for.

There are a variety of themes, and if the children are interested in a theme the camp has, they'll look forward to that week and have a great time.

Overall, the children really enjoy all the crafts and games. Eicher said, "The kids always say that they have fun."

This summer program started June 17 and will last until August 9. It takes place at the Garver Memorial YMCA recreational complex and anyone interested can still register.