North Valley Family YMCA July 2013

OUR VOICE

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

JULY 2013 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 parentchild experience that is designed

MORE on P. 3

Success! Kids to Camp Golf Tournament Many children rely on scholarships to attend the Summer Youth Programs. So we extend a warm thank you to all those who attended the 24th Kids to Camp Golf Tournament, and a very special thank you to Committee Chair, Bob Kagy. Together, we had a full field and raised $135,000—the most in 24 years—and are able to help send 500 more kids to camp this year.

Major Sponsors: Daily News and Fred Fyten Printing & Logistics, Porter Ranch Development Company, and Northridge Toyota/Scion. Camp Sponsors: Joseph and Helen Allegretti and Family and City National Bank.

Lunch Sponsors: Porter Valley Country Club

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

When I reminisce with my kids about my summer youth, it always brings to mind

Community PARTNERS Working together for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility On Tuesday, June 4th, the North Valley Family YMCA presented an award to the Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council in recognition of a $1,000 sponsorship that was made toward the YMCA’s Thanksgiving Baskets program.

This generous donation was used to purchase canned goods and turkeys that were organized into baskets for struggling families in the North San Fernando Valley during the Thanksgiving holiday.

The goal was originally 2,000 baskets and the Y exceeded it with 2,700 Thanksgiving Baskets that were passed out to 2,700 families!

the fun times I had going to Camp Dudley, the oldest YMCA camp, on Lake Champlain: swim point, canoeing, baseball games and

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

camaraderie around the evening campfire.

Well, that camping fun continues here at the North Valley Family YMCA (NVFY). Check out our Resident Camps, Summer Expo camp and our Licensed Summer camp where children get to know themselves and others as they explore interests and broaden their horizons. If sports is your child’s passion, the NVFY has summer basketball and soccer, leagues where building self-esteem, forming healthy habits and long-lasting friendships are the key.

Don’t miss the Adventure Guides programs beginning in August. Children and their fathers join tribes and participate in fun events. Many of my fondest memories with my son and daughter were events with each of their tribes. My children are in their 20s now but we still laugh and enjoy the special times we had together one-on-one.

Finally, the 24th Annual Kids To Camp Golf Tournament was a huge success. 160 golfers participated and the NVFY raised over

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...

Sherri, YMCA Member “I’m 72, and I’m proud to be 72. I think the Y is wonderful. I enjoy Tai Chi, I enjoy lifting weights, and I think being at the Y is going to lengthen my lifespan.

Anyone thinking about joining the Y... should definitely do it.”

$135,000 so that we can provide scholarsh35s to our young campers in need.

I hope you are having a wonderful summer.

Please take advantage of the programs the NVFY offers and you and your kids will have a summer to remember.

Share your Y Story with us today!

Contact Claudia Calderon for details.

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GIFT OF LIFE Blood Drive: Fri. July 10th 1-3pm & 4:30-7:30 pm Provided by Providence Blood Donor Center. Sign up at the Welcome Center or call 818 926 6245 and give the gift of life. Only you can prevent a summer blood shortage.

• Urgent Plea for type “O” Blood • Blood Mobile in lot behind pool • Every actual donor will receive a

coupon good for a print of Baskin Robins Ice Cream

Requirements: • Be good in health • Bring valid photo ID • Weight at least 110 lbs • Drink plenty of fluids • Eat a nutritious meal • No tattoos within the last 12 months • Be at least 17 years old (16 with Hospital Parental Consent)

OUR CAUSE | STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY

change today for a healthier tomorrow Diabetes Prevention Program If you are at high risk for type 2 diabetes, the Y’s Diabetes Prevention Program can help you adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles that will help you reduce your chances of developing diabetes by eating healthier, increasing physical activity and losing a modest amount of weight in order to reduce their chances of developing the disease.

For information about program fees, financial assistance or to see if you qualify, contact: Chelsea Good - Healthy Lifestyles Director 818 3683231 ext 2317 Sign up at the Welcome Center today!

ABOUT THE PROGRAM In a classroom setting, a trained lifestyle coach will help facilitate a small group of participants in learning about healthier eating, physical activity and other behavior changes over a 12-month period, beginning with 16 weekly one-hour sessions followed by monthly maintenance for added support to help them maintain their progress.

National Institutes of Health research has proven that programs like the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program can reduce the number of cases of type 2 diabetes by almost 60%.

SWIM TO HAWAII Member Incentive Game While working out at the YMCA, you can simultaneously compete in this race! Swim, bike, run, walk, step, dance and lift your way across the Pacific Ocean. Get healthy while having fun and making new friends!

Here’s how it works: You will be placed at random on a team. Record your individual workout miles and at the finish, we combine them with the miles earned by your team mates. The first team to “swim” to Honolulu, Hawaii wins!

How you earn miles for your swim: 15 minutes = 1.25 miles 30 minutes = 2.5 miles 45 minutes = 3.75 miles 1 hour = 5 miles - There is a cap of 10 miles or 2 hours of workout per day.

- Everything counts, from treadmills and bikes, to group exercise classes and weights!!

Sign Up at the Welcome Center.

GAME RUNS: July 1 - July 31

GUIDES programs (cont.) to build and strengthen the bonds of love, understanding, and respect between you and your child.

During monthly tribal meetings, children and parents will participate in story time, crafts and educational topics. The Nation will sponsor monthly events and outings.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

JULY CALENDAR • Blood Drive Wednesday July 10th | 1 -3pm & 4:30 - 7:30pm • Licensed Summer Camp: June 10- August 9th | closed Wednesday July 4th Monday-Friday | 6:30am - 6:30pm • Summer Resident Camps Camp Round Meadow Grades 3 -8: July 13- 20 White’s Landing, Catalina Grades 7 – 10: August 6-9 Mammoth Caravan: Grades 6 - 10: July 27 - August 2 • 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 & 4:306:30pm • 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 6, 9 a.m.

Newton Canyon Falls Location: Malibu Distance: 2 miles Hike Level: Easy Saturday, July 20, Night Hike Rocky Oaks Location: Malibu Distance: 2 miles Hike Level: Easy

• 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.

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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.

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.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.

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 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.

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 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.

Mammoth Caravan: July 27 - August 2 6th to 10th Grades 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 13 - 20, 3rd to 5th Grades: 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 13 - 20, 6th to 8th Grades: 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.