YMCA Day Camp Staff preparing for Summer

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka summer day camp staff is in the midst of some very thorough planning and training this month, focusing on water safety, first aid training, healthy child development, inclusion facilitation, bus transportation safety and most importantly how to make sure our campers have an amazing summer at Camp!

According to Cat O'Connor, the Manager of Day Camps for the YMCA Simcoe/Muskoka, "We have hired an amazing camp staff team this summer and we are very excited to be offering camp programs based in and around the following communities: Barrie, Collingwood, Midland, Orillia, Wasaga Beach, Huntsville, Parry Sound. All of our staff is extremely excited to meet each camper and to help each camper have a summer to remember! The YMCA prides itself on providing the highest quality camp experiences for all campers by hiring the best staff and delivering training for that staff that prepares them for a safe and memorable summer. Our training offers our counsellors and inclusion facilitators the opportunity to develop progressive programs that promote the YMCA values of Caring, Honesty, Inclusiveness, Respect and Responsibility."

This is the fourth year that the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka will be offering traditional outdoor education through its summer day camps at the Geneva Park location on Lake Couchiching, just outside of Orillia. Cat explains "Our outdoor biweekly sleepovers for our Adventure Campers provide outdoor education, canoeing, swimming, team building, low ropes initiatives, and a traditional campfire all under the stars in the most peaceful waterfront location. This is an excellent opportunity for each camper to develop self confidence and a sense of independence in a safe and nurturing environment."

The YMCA Adventure Campers will experience the Roots Outdoor Education Program to teach them about the world around them as well as outdoor living skills. Each week and year that campers return to the outdoor camps they will build on the skills they have acquired.