NORTH VALLEY FAMILY YMCA - July 2014 newsletter

OUR VOICE

NORTH VALLEY FAMILY YMCA 11336 Corbin Ave, Northridge, CA 91326

JULY 2014 www.ymcala.org/nv

A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y

A SUMMER TO REMEMBER FOREVER YMcA SUMMER YoUtH PRoGRAMS

At the Y our priority is to create new and exciting experiences for youth.

For more than six decades, kids throughout the San Fernando Valley have come together with our trained, licensed staff for a summer full of water fun, arts& crafts, sports & science, hiking & campfire, character building & new friendships.

MoRE on P. 4 & 5

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

National Parents Day (7.28) & Adventure Guides Program We’ve celebrated Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, and now the kids are wondering, when will it be “their day.” Let’s celebrate national Parents Day, by making it “for the kids.”

If you were looking for a new way to enjoy time with the kids, with like-minded families... look no further. For every age, the Y offers the perfect program to bond parents and kids through fun.

LITTLE GUIDES: Children ages 3 to 5 & their parents this is not just a children’s program, but a joint parent-child experience that is designed to build and strengthen the bonds of love, understanding, and respect between you and your child.

During monthly meetings, children and parents will participate in story time, crafts and educational topics. the nation will sponsor monthly events and outings.

MoRE on P. 3

OUR VOICE | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y

INSIGHT

By John Sinnema, Chair of North Valley Family YMCA’s Board of Managers

Do you have your summer planned yet? If you’re looking for something adventurous but safe, check out the incredible list of summer offerings from the Y. From a few hours a day to a full week, the Y has something for every age and interest.

And summer at the Y is not just for kids! Join us for adult basketball leagues, new classes and Summit Seekers: our outdoor hiking club.

I must also thank the incredible sponsors and players at our 25th Annual Kids to Camp GOlf Tournament. Together, we had a full field and raised $125,000 and can help send 450 more kids to camp this year. In particular, I’d like to thank our Major Sponsors: Daily News, Fred Fyten Printing & Logistics, & Northridge Toyota/Scion and Camp Sponsors: AIG, City National Bank, Shapell Liberty Investment Properties and Toll Brothers, Inc. With all of the great things planned for the summer, I’ll see you at the Y!

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GUIDES programs (cont.)

ADVENTURE GUIDES: Kids in Kindergarten to 3rd grades and their fathers The North Valley YMCA Parent/Child Programs set that “special time” aside for dads and their children. The small groups meet together once a month for tribal meetings. Tribal meetings are highlighted with crafts, games, Indian lore, songs, field trips and more.

TRAILBLAZERS: Children in 4th to 8th grades and their fathers The North Valley Family YMCA Trailblazer Program has designed activities and events to be more challenging for the older youth. This provides children with an opportunity to learn and develop leadership skills, gain greater self-confidence and make new friends.

In addition to the tribe meeting, the Ga-Sioux Nation (all tribes) get together once a month for all special activities, such as campouts, bowling and picnics.

The key to the program is the relationship built between a dad and his child.

This, coupled with the positive environment created by other dads and their children, make for an experience of a lifetime.

Each group meets monthly in a member’s home and conducts monthly activities.

They also participate with other clubs in Trailblazer activities such as weekend campouts, rock climbing, laser tag and community service projects.

The Adventure Guides Program begins again in August, so sign-up today so you don’t miss a single adventure!

ENSURING A SAFER FUTURE Jr. Lifeguard Program

Develop a sense of responsibility and build a strong work ethic, while forming healthful exercise patterns. You’ll receive continuing education in water safety, hazard awareness in aquatic environments, and basic water rescue skills. Added benefits include learning job skills for possible future employment, increased fitness, and new friendships. Successful completion of the course will certify participants in CPR/AED, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen.

Session 2: July 14th-August 1st, 9am-5pm AGES: 12-15 Year’s Old COST: $300 per session CONTACT: Andrea Magana, Jr. Lifeguard Coordinator, 818 271 5054, AndreaMagana@ymcala.org

OUR VOICE | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y

A SUMMER to remember forever summer youth programs (cont.)

We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. Whether your child drops in for one week or is engaged in fun activities until the end of summer, our programs will provide the flexibility to fit your needs.

Besides all the exciting activities and friendships made, the biggest value in camp is the development of key lifetime skills and characteristics, like confidence, cooperation, communication, new talents and decision-making.

PRESCHOOL CAMP: Infant & Preschool Center: (6 wks - 5 yrs old) Call 818 898 1131; Preschool Learning Center: (2 - 5 yrs old) Call 818 891 9214 This specialty camp offers unique experiences for your child at two locations. Giving them the love and encouragement they need to explore and grow every day. Please contact the site you are interested in for pricing information and space availability.

TINY TOT CAMP: Child Activity Center, Ages 3-6 Each day will be filled with new adventures and friendships, camp songs, games, art and crafts and FUN! Each week, camp will focus on a different specialty including swimming lessons twice a week.

Expo Camp at Topeka Elementary School Are you ready for a summer packed with fun, friends, and unforgettable experiences for your Kinder-5th grade child? Our 9-week Summer Expo camp offers weekly sports, arts, and sciences that every kid will enjoy. Experience a fun and safe summer day camp, while discovering hidden talents that will last a lifetime.

JUnior leaders teen summer camp Weekly: June 9 - August 8, Ages 11-16 Junior Leaders Summer Day Camp is a service learning program for teens. This club focuses on community service, social development, leadership training, teambuilding and fun. All members play an active role in the club and are responsible for achieving personal growth through goals defined by each teen. This program is a way to connect, earn volunteer hours, share new experiences and create life long friends while promoting leadership.

5 Day: $65/week | 3 Day (M/W/F) : $50/week

SPORTS LEAGUES Youth Basketball League, Ages 3-17 Youth Soccer League, Ages 3-15 Youth Volleyball Clinic, Ages 7-17 Here, success is measured by how hard you try and how well you play together. Teamwork EQUALS fun, so try it today. Summer leagues begin in July.

JULY CALENDAR • Licensed Summer Camp: June 9- August 8th | closed July 4th Monday-Friday | 6:30am - 6:30pm • Summer Resident Camps Camp Round Meadow: Ages 7 - 13: July 6 - 12 Mammoth Caravan: Ages 12 - 16: July 26 - Aug 1 White’s Landing, Catalina: Ages 12 - 16: August 4 - 7

• Expo Camp: Arts, Sports, & Science Specialty Camp June 10th – August 6th | Monday-Friday | 9:00am-4:30pm with FREE extended care 6:30-9am & 4:30-6:30pm

• Summit Seekers Hikes: All the hikes are free, open to the community and geared for beginner/intermediate hikers.

Children are welcome to attend as long as an adult accompanies them. As always, remember to bring plenty of water and snacks. See you on the trail!

Saturday, July 12th, 8am Mt Hollywood/Dantes Peak Location: Griffith Park Distance: 3.5 miles Hike Level: Moderate • Member Appreciation Day: Join us for our monthly Member Appreciation Days filled with delicious, healthy foods as our little thanks to you for being part of our Y family. Member Appreciation Days are every month, on the second Wednesday of each month, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. & 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Y Business Leaders: Friday, July 26th , 7:30 am – 9 am Join us each month at Porter Valley Country Club as we feature a new dynamic speaker along with many networking opportunities! See right for details.

• Wellness Booth at our Y: July 25th, from 9am-12pm, in our Lobby.

Humana: Understanding Your Medicare Options Danilo Leon will be here to help you understand the ins and outs of Medicare and how Medicare works so you can make the right decisions.

OUR MISSION | The North Valley Family YMCA puts Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

RESIDENT CAMP Has your child been dreaming about sleeping under the stars? Well then check out our multiple arrays of resident camps this summer.

With adventure, healthy fun, personal growth and memories, your child will not only have an experience of a lifetime but will also befriend new types of people.

White’s Landing: August 4 - 7, Ages 12 - 16 Looking for an exotic island adventure this summer?

White’s Landing in Catalina is the answer. After the cruise from Long Beach Harbor, campers can swim, kayak, snorkel, fish, lounge on the beach and participate in archery, arts and crafts, nature awareness activities, sports and campfire programs.

Mammoth Caravan: July 26 - August 1, Ages 12 - 16 A perfect introduction to YMCA Caravan Camping, this exciting schedule is designed with the younger or first time caravaner in mind. On this trip, you’ll visit many beautiful sites, meet great new friends and have an unforgettable experience.

While at Mammoth Base Camp, campers will have the opportunity to enjoy fishing, hiking, rock climbing and swimming. We will visit some amazing places like Bodie Ghost Town, June Lake, Rainbow Falls, Devil’s Postpile National Monument, and others throughout the Mammoth Lakes area.

YMCA Camp Round Meadow: July 6 - 12, Ages 7- 11: Camp Round Meadow, located in the San Bernadino Mountains near Big Bear, offers an ideal setting for a beginner or experienced camper. All campers are under the guidance of a trained Y-Camp Counselor and are assigned to a cabin group with 8-10 friends of their age group.

Activities include swimming, crafts, archery, ropes course, canoeing and then rounding out each day with a campfire…singing, putting on skits and having fun.

Grab your best friend and sign up together!

JR HIGH Camp Round Meadow: July 6 - 12, Ages 12- 13: This separate and special part of Camp Round Meadow is created exclusively for teens and is designed so you’ll have the ultimate Resident Camp experience. Your week will include archery, swimming, campfires, special theme activities, hikes, overnight campout and trips to Jenks Lake for canoeing.

Teens will be assigned to a cabin group to join for morning activities. Campers can then select their own afternoon activities, allowing them to map out their own week in a fun safe and supervised environment.

You’ll have the opportunity to share in a cabin group and make new and special friendships to last a lifetime, while learning more about yourself in a fun and challenging camp setting.

LICENSED SUMMER CAMP at Schools throughout the Valley Discovery Camp: For Kids entering Kindergarten - 2nd Grade

Adventure Camp: For Kids entering 2nd Grade - 5th Grade

For our young campers, a summer at the Y will be unforgettable. Kids will be active and engaged through- out the summer with our full-day, theme-based curriculum to capture their attention and build a love for learning. Add the fun of field trips, enrichment classes and water days, and parents will be thrilled with the stories their children will share each day. Having peace of mind, knowing that your children are cared for in one of our licensed facilities makes it even better.

Adventure campers and their parents have a lot to look forward to this summer. Keeping them active, busy and always wanting more, while teaching the Six Pillars of Character and helping them develop the skills and relationships they need to be healthy, confident and connected to others are our goals. Parents can rest easy knowing their kids are happy and safe each day as they participate in enrichment classes, field trips, and water days. Watch them thrive as they head down the path to their future.

FALL CHILD CARE: SIGN UP NOW!

Club Mid at Porter Middle School & Porter Ranch Community School: For Kids entering 6th Grade - 8th Grade Club Mid is a fun summer experience for teens and beneficial to their self development: learning respect for themselves and others. Daily Field trips to off-site locations contain educational, theme-based and service learning elements. Amongst all the excitement, the YMCA counselors incorporate creativity, character development, healthy lifestyles, team building and positive values in everything they do.