NORTH VALLEY FAMILY YMCA AT PORTER RANCH June 2013 Newsletter

OUR VOICE

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

JUNE 2013 www.ymcala.org/nv

A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y

SUMMER FUN FOR EVERYONE 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. 2

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 15 with a Summit Seekers Hike at Trail Falls.

June 8: National Get Outdoors Day This is a new annual event to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun. 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 an event, or venture out on your own as National Forests are FREE on June 8th.

JUNE 22: 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.

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 Trent, Chair of North Valley Family YMCA’s Board of Managers

SUMMER FUN FOR EVERYONE

summer youth programs (cont.)

It’s officially summer time and the Y has plenty to keep you active all summer long: from resident camps, day camps, licensed summer camps, teen volunteer camps--the North Valley Family YMCA offers many opportunities to try something new, go somewhere different, meet great people and bask in the sun!

Spring feels like it has come and gone.

And, summer has definitely arrived as we see temperatures in the 80’s in the San Fernando Valley.

That means it’s summer camp time at the North Valley Family YMCA. Let this summer be the one your children remember forever.

Our unique, themed Summer Child Care camps feature trained, licensed staff for a summer full of water fun, games, arts

With a wide range of activities to stimulate your child’s creativity, self-esteem and independence, our YMCA 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 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.

& crafts, character-building and new friendships. We offer a variety of camps for all ages: Preschool, Discovery, Adventure and Club Mid camps.

For the older kids, there is Camp Round Meadow, Camp Whittle, Mammoth Caravan and White’s Landing. So sign up

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 online at www.ymcala.org/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.

today for an experience your children will thank you for throughout the year.

PRESCHOOL CAMP:

On June 10th, we are holding our 24th

Infant & Preschool Center:

Annual Kids to Camp Golf Tournament at the Porter Valley Country Club. This annual event is tons of fun and proceeds from the tournament provide scholarships to our young and at-risk campers as well as supports the year-round camping program for more than 1,200

6 weeks - 5 years old 818 8981131; 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.

campers. Grab your golf clubs, hit the driving range and join us for a fun-filled

TINY TOT CAMP:

day while we help our youth.

Child Activity Center, Ages 3-6

Come beat the heat with all of the great family-friendly programs at the Y!

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.

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.

Santa Barbara Zoo Overnight: June 14 -15 Ages 6 to 12 Take a step out of the ordinary and jump into a wild adventure at the Santa Barbara Zoo! Campers will be led through a series of exciting, hands-on educational activities including up-close animal encounters and behind-the-scenes explorations.

YMCA Camp Round Meadow: July 13 - 20 3rd to 5th Grades: Located in the San Bernadino Mountains near Big Bear, Camp Round Meadow offers an ideal setting for a beginner or experienced camper. 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!

YMCA Camp Whittle: June 22 - 29 Elementary Unit: 3rd to 5th Grades Jr. High Unit: 6th to 8th Grades Leadership Teen Unit: 9th & 10th Grades Nestled in the mountains above Big Bear Lake, Camp Whittle is an ideal spot for campers of all ages. With three units within the camp, all campers are placed in cabin groups with friends of their own age, allowing campers to choose many of their own activities and gain valuable new experiences. Camp activities include a ropes course, mountain biking, canoeing, swimming, crafts, archery, horseback riding and much more.

White’s Landing: August 6 to 9 7th to 10th Grades 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.

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.

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.

Expo Camp at Darby 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.

CAMP CALENDAR • Licensed Summer Camp: June 10 - August 9th | closed July 4th at Elementary & Middle Schools throughout the Valley | Monday-Friday | 6:30am - 6:30pm

• Summer Resident Camps Santa Barbara Zoo Overnight: Ages 6 - 12: June 14 - 15 YMCA Camp Round Meadow: Grades 3 -8: July 13 - 20 YMCA Camp Whittle: Grades 3 - 10: June 22 - 29

Mammoth Caravan: Grades 6 – 10: June 27 - August 2 White’s Landing, Catalina: Grades 7 – 10: August 6 - 9

• Expo Camp: Arts, Sports, & Science Specialty Camp: June 11th – August 7th at Darby Elementary School Monday-Friday | 9:00am-4:30pm with FREE extended care 6:30-9am & 4:30-6:30pm 3

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

JUNE CALENDAR • Licensed Summer Camp: June 10- August 9th | closed Wednesday July 4th Monday-Friday | 6:30am - 6:30pm • Summer Resident Camps Santa Barbara Zoo Overnight: Ages 6-12: June 14- 15 Camp Round Meadow Grades 3 -8: July 13- 20 Camp Whittle Grades 3 - 10: June 22- 29 Mammoth Caravan Grades 6-10: June 27-August 2 White’s Landing, Catalina Grades 7 – 10: August 6-9 • Expo Camp: Arts, Sports, & Science Specialty Camp June 11th – August 7th at Darby Elementary School | 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, June 15th, 9am Trail Canyon Falls Location: Sunland 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 June. Call Daniel Zadikov for details at ext 2307.

Summer Basketball: Ages 3-17 Summer Soccer: Ages 8-17 • Member Appreciation Day: June 12th 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. & 3p.m. to 6 p.m.

You make us feel special! Please join us for Western Bagels and fruit (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.). And for our evening members (3 p.m. to 6 p.m.) we’ll serve vegetables, hummus and pita.

• Y Business Leaders: Friday, June 28th, 7:30am-9am 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.

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WHAT’S Happening In THE WATER Jr. Lifeguard Program

The Jr. Lifeguard program encourages participants to develop a sense of responsibility, and build a strong work ethic while also forming healthful exercise patterns. The program provides continuing education in water safety, being aware of hazards 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 1: June 10th-June 28th Session 2: July 15th-August 2nd 9am-5pm $300 per session CONTACT: Lauren Szendrei, Aquatics Director 818 368 3231 ext. 2342 Laurenszendrei@ymcala.org

you HOLD THE KEY TO KIDS’ FUTURES Y Business Leaders

Presents…

Ricky Powell

Ricky Powell Friday, June 28th 7:30 – 9am Porter Valley Country Club 19216 Singing Hills drive Northridge, CA 91326

Former Child Star and Program Operations Manager for NBC Universal Presents Ricky Powell, Former Star RickyChild Powell grew up as a child actor working with some of Hollywood’s biggest legends. and Program Operations Manager for NBC Universal After graduating from Cal State Northridge in 1985, he began his second career behind the camera and worked at NBC in Burbank for the past 22 years where he continues to prep

virtuallyLeaders every show Co-Chairs: that airs on the network.

Although Ricky has devoted his entire life to Y Business Dave Friedman and Juan Azcarate, the entertainment industry, several years ago he became passionate about the subject of happiness in an effort to help a particular colleague. He launched a website called, Vice-Chair: Dana Ulise LifelongHappiness.com and wrote and published his first book in 2012 entitled, Happiness Rocks: A Powerful Blueprint to Master the Art of Lifelong Happiness.

Ricky is the currentup President of Imagination NBC Universal Toastmasters has served Ricky Powell grew as a child actoratworking with some ofandHollywood’s biggest as past area governor for his district. He is a qualified speaker for the Golden Gavel Speakers Bureau and is also a member of the newly formed Habitat for Humanity legends. After graduating from Cal State Northridge, he beganSpeakers his 2nd career behind Bureau. Aside from his career at NBC, Ricky is an author, speaker, coach and consultant for both individuals whopreppng want to experience happiness on ashow daily basis andairs for companies the camera at NBC virtually every that on thewho network. Aside want to improve their bottom line with employees who are engaged, productive and thrilled to be on the job. from his career at NBC, Ricky is an author, speaker, coach and consultant for both Please join us as we hear discuss “Happiness Rocks: A Powerful to Masterand the Artfor of individuals who want toRicky experience happiness on a Blueprint daily basis companies Lifelong Happiness, and creator of the Happiness Rocks System for Loving Life!” who want to improve their bottom line with employees who are engaged, producFriday, June 28, 2013 tive and thrilled to be on the job. us as we hear Ricky discuss “Happiness 7:30Please am – join 9 am Porter Valley Country Club Rocks: A Powerful Blueprint to Master Art of Lifelong Happiness, and creator of 19216 Singing the Hills Drive Leaders Co-Chairs: Dave Friedman and Juan Azcarate the HappinessY Business Rocks System for Loving Life!”

Vice-Chair: Dana Ulise If you would like to attend, RSVP by June 26th to Adam Pilder, Director of Financial

(818) 368-3231 Ext. 2319 or by email at AdamPilder@ymcala.org.

If you Development would likeat to attend, RSVP by June 26th to Adam Pilder, Director of Financial Development at (818) 368-3231 Ext. 2319 or by email at AdamPilder@ymcala.org.

OUR CAUSE | STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY

Community PARTNERS Working together for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility We extend a special thanks to The Elephant Bar in Northridge for being a strong partner in our community and helping to make lives better. The Elephant Bar in Northridge generously donated $3,125 to the North Valley Family YMCA’s Scholarships for Children.

Pictured - Jane Stanton, the Executive Director/Vice President of the North Valley Family YMCA and Mike Johnson, General Manager of The Elephant Bar.

For information on how you can help support the efforts of our Y in the community, speak to Adam Pilder at ext. 2319

On Friday, May 17th Whole Foods at Porter Ranch presented a check in the amount of $2,380 to the North Valley Family YMCA. This money was part of Whole Foods “5%” day where they donated 5 percent off overall sales for the day. We would like to thank Whole Foods for being such an incredible partner in our local community and for supporting our YMCA! Pictured -Ashley Johnson, Marketing Supervisor for Whole Foods at Porter Ranch and Jane Stanton, the Executive Director/Vice President of the North Valley Family YMCA

TOMORROW STARTS NOW Education & Leadership Training with Junior Leaders June 17 - August 9 Junior Leaders is a leadership program that helps teens 12-15 years old learn how to work in a job setting. The Junior Leaders will focus on daily jobs, activities, meetings and workshops throughout the day. This program is a way to connect, earn volunteer hours, share new experiences and create lifelong friends while promoting leadership.

Sign up at the Welcome Center today!

MY Y STORY The North Valley Family YMCA is a big part of the community, and in individual’s lives. Thank you to the following members that shared their Y story...

Robles Family, YMCA Preschool Learning Center in Granada Hills “They take the time to get to know each child, to get to know each parent, and to get to know each need. and each family. They know me. They know my child.

That’s why this is the best place where we can be.”

ROBERTA LEWIS & DORY FRIDAY, Y Members, & Y Coffee Club “People say when they retire, they have nothing to do. Let me tell you all. Go to the YMCA. You’ll meet wonderful friends and find so much to do.”

We’ve become the YMCA Coffee Group.

We meet everyday after class and go on outings and check up on one another.

All we can say is Thank you YMCA!”

Share your Y Story with us today!

Contact Claudia Calderon for details.

FORE THE KIDS 24th Annual Kids to Camp Golf Tournament NORTH VALLEY FAMILY YMCA

JUNE 10, 2013 Porter Valley Country Club

TOURNAMENT SPONSORS: Daily News Fred Fyten Printing & Logistics Northridge Toyota/Scion Porter Ranch Development Co.

Camp Sponsors Joseph and Helen Allegretti City National Bank

COME PLAY & Give a child the lifelong benefits of a Y camp.

Contact us for more information: 818-368-3231 | www.ymcala.org/nv