NORTH VALLEY FAMILY YMCA - June Newsletter

OUR VOICE

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

June 2014 www.ymcala.org/nv

A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Great Outdoors Month June is the perfect time to get outdoors with the YMCA and your family. Let’s celebrate these national events together.

JUNE 1: National Trails Day Go take a hike! Celebrate again on June 14 and 21st/ See p.4 for details.

SUMMER ADVENTURE AWAITS YMCA summer youth programs

Let this summer be the one you remember forever. Join us at the Y, where creating new and exciting experiences for youth is a priority. 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, games, arts & crafts, sports & science, hiking & campfires, character building & new friendships.

MORE on P. 2

June 14: National Get Outdoors Day This annual event ncourage healthy, active outdoor fun at sites across the nation. Each GO Day event will offer a mix of information centers and “active fun” areas – places where guests, and especially kids, can use a fishing pole, go geocaching, help pitch a tent and more. Find out more: http://www.nationalgetoutdoorsday.org.

JUNE 28: 10th Anniversary: Great American Backyard Campout Thousands of people across the nation will gather in their backyards, neighborhoods, communities and parks to take part in a one-night FREE event that will provide an experience for all generations to connect with nature. This year’s goal: 200,000 people camping out. Be part of the fun!

AND CHECK OUT ALL THE great YMCA summer camps (on P.2 & 3) to help you Get Outdoors and have fun!

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

SUMMER It’s almost summer, but it’s not too late to plan your summer of adventure! From resident camps, day camps, licensed summer camps, teen volunteer camps and more, the North Valley Family YMCA has many opportunities to try something new, go somewhere different, meet great people and bask in the sun!

With a wide range of activities to stimulate your child’s creativity, self-esteem and independence, our Y Summer programs will help your child build physical, social and interpersonal skills. Art projects, games, group activities and hands-on experiences will spark your child’s imagination and encourage positive values. The curriculum is based on the YMCA value of Youth Development. 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 throughout the entire summer, our programs will provide the flexibility to fit your needs.

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.

We held our annual Healthy Kids Day & Camp Sign Up Day on April 26th. This is the Y’s national initiative to improve the health and well-being of families and to help them get a jump on creating a healthier summer for their kids. Everyone had a blast enjoying interactive games, an inflatable obstacle course, rock climbing wall and water games, and learning fun ways to get healthy.

With all of the great things planned for the summer, I’ll see you at the Y!

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. Camp goes beyond a summer session by changing lives forever. In that respect, it is priceless. With the non-competitive activities and diverse opportunities to succeed, our camps offer a real boost for young people. We invite you to come to the facility, give us a call (818)368-3231 or go on-line at www.ymcala.or/nv and check out all of our programs offered for the summer. There are endless possibilities for us to help you make this summer unforgettable for your child.

CAMP CALENDAR • Licensed Summer Camp: “A Summer of Real Life Super Heroes” June 9 - August 8th at local schools and Y Preschool Locations Monday-Friday | 6:30am - 6:30pm | closed July 4th • Summer Resident Camps: Santa Barbara Zoo Overnight: Ages: 7 – 12 | June 12 -13 Camp Whittle: Ages 7 - 15 | June 21 - 28 Camp Round Meadow Grades: Ages 7 - 13 | July 6- 12 Mammoth Caravan Grades 6 – 10 | July 26 - August 1 White’s Landing, Catalin: 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 • TINY TOT PRESCHOOL CAMP: June 30th – August 1st at the North Valley Family YMCA Monday-Friday | 9:30am-1:30pm | Ages: 3- 6 years (& potty trained) • Junior Leaders Teen Summer Camp: June 9th – August 8th at the North Valley Family YMCA Monday-Friday | 9am-5pm | Ages: 11-16 years

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

ADVENTURE AWAITS YOU summer youth programs

PRESCHOOL CAMP: Infant & Preschool Center: 6 weeks - 5 years old 818-898-1131; Preschool Learning Center: 2 - 5 years old 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.

TONY TOT Camp at the Y Weekly: June 30-August 1 for ages 3-6 It’s here! Let your little one start a new adventure with Tiny Tot Camp at the YMCA. This is a great introduction to day camp, preschool/kindergarten, or day care! In addition to fun themed weeks, great games, creative arts and crafts, and more– tiny tot camp also comes with swim lessons for your preschooler!

5 Day: $98/week | 3 Day (M/W/F): $78/week*

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. When kids take a break from TV, cell phones, and the Internet, they rediscover their creative powers and engage the real world— real people, real activities, and real emotions.

They realize there’s always plenty to do.

JUnior leaders teen summer camp Weekly: June 9 - August 8 for 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

Expo Camp at Topeka Elementary School Get 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.

LICENSED SUMMER CAMP at Schools throughout the Valley Discovery Camp: for Kids entering Kindergarten - 2nd 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, themebased curriculum to capture their attention and build a love for learning. Add the fun of fieldtrips, 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 Camp: for Kids entering 2nd Grade - 5th Grade 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.

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 Y counselors incorporate creativity, character development, healthy lifestyles, team building and positive values in everything they do.

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

BIG NEWS FROM OUR AMAZING STAFF Sona Matevosian just graduated CSUN with her Masters in Kinesiology Her passion, in the area of fitness, is helping others reach their fitness goals. “I get a thrill out of knowing that, because of me, someone was able to walk an extra lap or lift five extra pounds,” says Sona. “I believe that as a kinesiologist we have to strive to help our community be physically fit and strong.”

JOSH BEALL

Dario Senftleben

Graduated CSUN with Undergraduate Degree in Kinesiology Josh’s passion is to help people of all fitness levels meet and achieve their health and wellness goals through functional training. His hobbies include competing in extreme fitness events and mud runs.

Received the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition Community Leadership Award Annually, no more than 50 individuals or organizations that provide or enhance opportunities to engage in sports, physical activity, fitness, or nutrition-related programs within a community, receive this presitigious award.

Dario was selected because of his inspiring leadership of the San Fernando 100 Citizens Outdoor Fitness Program. This free exercise program for adults takes place three times each week at Recreation Park, and is run by volunteers from CSUN’s Kinesiology Department.

She likes to stay fit by swimming.

“Being in the water clears my mind and allows me to relieve the stress that comes with our daily life struggles. Swimming helps me become a more focused and positive individual.”

[Pictured: Sona Matevosian, Dario Senftleben, Josh Beall]

Give a child the lifelong benefits of a Y camp.

Every gift can change a life.

Donate to North Valley Family YMCA’s Kids to Camp scholarship fund to provide positive influences for young adults that need it most. Your gifts support youth groups: Devonshire PALS, Casa Esperanza, and the Kidney Kids at Mammoth Camp.

FORE THE KIDS

BUY YOUR $100 Opportunity Ticket today, or go on-line to make a donation: http://tinyurl.com/pssuqz7

JUNE 9, 2014

25th Annual Kids to Camp Golf Tournament 5

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

PLAN TODAY TO GIVE BACK FOR THE FUTURE Strategies for Leaving Your Legacy

Help the North Valley Family YMCA continue to strengthen the foundations of our community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. With three simple ways to make a deferred gift to the Y, you can ensure that the Y will be there for future generations of Angelenos as it is today.

• Include the Y in your Will or Trust • Make the Y a beneficiary of your IRA, retirement plan or life insurance policy • Establish a charitable gift annuity and receive payments for life

BONJOUR DANKE CIAO FitLinxx Member Incentive Game

Planned Giving Seminar Join our Planned Giving Seminar. Learn more about making a community impact for generations to come by giving back through your estate and navigate through any questions you may have.

Guest Speakers: Les Grossman, Attorney, Partner at Grossman & Mahan Asher A. Levin, Attorney, Attorney at Law Edward Mullen, Attorney, YMCA Senior Director of Gift Giving When: Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 12pm Where: North Valley Family YMCA Community Room

(Lunch Provided) RSVP:

to Jane Stanton 818 368 3231 or janestanton@ymcala.org

JUNE 16 - 27 Backpacking across Europe is something many people dream about but never actually do. This summer, we bring Europe to you through our latest incentive game!

With your Healthy Lifestyle Counselor serving as your tour guide and team captain, you and the rest of the team will travel city to city completing challenges at every stop!

Teams will be scored through weekly mileage, determined by the percentage of possible hours completed that week. To keep it as competitive and as fun as possible, there will be bonus weekly challenges!

Sign up today! Don’t have Fitlinxx ID number?

Set an appointment with a Healthy Lifestyle Counselor!

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

JUNE CALENDAR • Y Business Leaders: Friday, June 27th 7:30am-9am Join us each month at Porter Valley Country Club as we feature a new dynamic speaker along with many networking opportunities!

• 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, June 14th, 9am Limekiln Canyon (Family Hike) Location: Porter Ranch Distance: 2 miles Hike Level: Easy Saturday, June 21st, 9am Newton Canyon Falls Location: Malibu Distance: 4.5 miles Hike Level: Moderate+ • Summer Sports Leagues Here, success is measured by how hard you try and how well you play together. Teamwork EQUALS fun. Registration is now open. Games start in July.

Call Daniel Zadikov for details at ext 2307.

Summer Basketball League: Ages 3-17 Summer Soccer League: Ages 3-15 Volleyball Clinic: Ages 7-17 Don’t let the kids have all the fun! Join us for NEW adult leagues: (Men’s and Women’s) Adult Summer Basketball Leagues • Member Appreciation Day: May 28th, 9am - 12pm or 2pm - 5pm You make us special! Join us for healthy foods from Ed DeSouza and let us thank you for being a part of our Y family.

• Junior Lifeguard Program: Session 1: June 10 - June 28 Learn water safety and basic water rescue skills.

Added benefits include learning job skills, increased fitness and new friendships. Plus, become certified in CPR/AED, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen. 9am - 5pm | $300 per session

SUMMER LEARNING LOSS PREVENTION SUMMER CHILD CARE

Many Americans have a wonderful image of summer as a carefree, happy time when “kids can be kids,” and take for granted the prospect of enriching experiences such as summer camps, time with family, and trips to museums, parks, and libraries. Unfortunately, some youth face anything but idyllic summer months. When the school doors close, many children struggle to access educational opportunities, as well as basic needs such as healthy meals and adequate adult supervision.

Did You Know?

• All young people experience learning losses when they do not engage in educational activities during the summer. Research spanning 100 years shows that students typically score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer vacation than they do on the same tests at the beginning of the summer (White, 1906; Heyns, 1978; Entwisle & Alexander 1992; Cooper, 1996; Downey et al, 2004).

• Most students lose about two months of grade level equivalency in mathematical computation skills over the summer months. Low-income students also lose more than two months in reading achievement, despite the fact that their middle-class peers make slight gains (Cooper, 1996).

• More than half of the achievement gap between lower- and higher-income youth can be explained by unequal access to summer learning opportunities. As a result, low-income youth are less likely to graduate from high school or enter college (Alexander et al, 2007).

• Children lose more than academic knowledge over the summer. Most children— particularly children at high risk of obesity—gain weight more rapidly when they are out of school during summer break (Von Hippel et al, 2007).

• Parents consistently cite summer as the most difficult time to ensure that their children have productive things to do (Duffett et al, 2004).

Don’t let your child fall victim to these statistics.

Enroll now for the North Valley Family YMCA’s summer day camp programs located at elementary schools throughout the north part of the San Fernando Valley. With our Summer Super Readers program, STEM (Science, Technologoy, Engineering and Math) curriculum, and Character development, all tied into our awesome theme based curriculum, your kids are sure to have a blast while hanging onto all that was taught during the school year.

READ MORE ABOUT SUMMER PROGRAMS