As a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y works to help children and teens discover their full potential by providing opportunities to learn and grow. The Kosciusko Community YMCA is encouraging parents to help keep their kids physically active and mentally engaged by signing them up for one or several of the Y’s sports camps or the Y’s day camp, Camp Little Eagle.

This year at the Kosciusko Community YMCA, specialty camps include camps for ages ranging from 3 to 17, focused on cheerleading, gymnastics, fitness, yoga, golf, running, basketball, and swimming. This is a great opportunity for children to try something new without committing to a full session or season of a sport.

The summer starts off with a Preschool Fitness Camp from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. June 10-14 for ages 3 to 5 that will make exercise fun and exciting. Children will be moving and entertained for 30 minutes of fun activities.

New this year, Yoga Camp for ages 10 to 17, will be from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. June 10-14.  Youth will learn yoga poses including inversion, twisting, stretching and balance. They’ll also work on dealing with emotions, creating focus and self-awareness.

The YMCA’s Kids Run Camp will take placefrom 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. June 10-14. For ages 10-13, kids will become better runners and athletes by working on form and with different training techniques.

Cheerleading Camp for ages 5 to 10 will be held from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. June 11-13. Children will gain confidence and coordination while learning basic jumps, cheers, chants and some stunting.

Youth Gymnastics Camp will be held from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 17-20 for ages 6 and up. Gymnasts will learn skills on the bar, beam, floor and vault. Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 will also get a chance to try out gymnastics in all events in the Preschool Gymnastics Camp, while building self confidence, life and motor skills from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. June 19-21.

In Boys Gymnastics Camp for ages 4 to 11, June 25-27, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., children will develop strength, flexibility and coordination, which are the building blocks needed for all sports. Kids will learn basic tumbling and explore different skills on the vault and uneven bars.

Two Basketball Camps will be held, 10:30 a.m. to noon July 15-19, for ages 5-8 and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for ages 9-12. Children’s fundamental skills in basketball will be improved through drills geared to refine and enhance the basic skills of the sport.

Sports of all Sorts Camp will be held for preschoolers ages 3-6 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. July 29-Aug. 2. This is a fun non-competitive atmosphere for kids to learn about a new sport each day.

For swimmers already on or interested in joining the Sharks Swim Team, a swim camp will be held from Aug. 5-9.  Swimmers must have a basic knowledge of all four competitive strokes to join the Sharks Swim Team Camp.

Camp Little Eagle

Golf Camp, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Aug. 7-9, will be held at Raccoon Run with one of the best PGA professionals in the state, Denny Hepler. Kids ages 7-12 will learn the basics of the short game, chipping and putting, and the full swing.

Camp Little Eagle YMCA Summer Day Camp will also run from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday throughout the summer. Camp Little Eagle provides a safe environment in which campers can create wonderful memories and lasting friendships. It’s a place where fun activities await such as swimming, canoeing and field trips. Parents have peace of mind knowing their kids are cared for during the day in a safe, enriching environment. Camp Little Eagle Day Camp takes place on weekdays throughout summer break at Lucerne Park on Pike Lake. There are weekly themes and field trips to keep each week interesting!

Registration for Camp Little Eagle and the youth sports camps is going on now, and financial assistance is available. Regular classes for youth and adults will also be going on this summer, for a schedule see www.kcymca.org. Register at the Smith Street or North Webster locations or sign up online at www.kcymca.org. Call (574) 269-9622 with any questions.