Summer Camp

First day of camp

When our summer quickly deviated from the norm, we quickly got the duo registered for summer camp at the YMCA. My nephew and niece attended camp there for a few summers many, many years ago, and we hear nothing but good things about the program. The duo were signed up on a Thursday, and then began four weeks of Splash Camp the following Monday.

Grace's green band

Splash Camp is one of the specialty camps focusing on swimming. The swim test has stymied us the past couple of years, but this year they tackled swimming head on. The other morning at breakfast they each flexed their muscles, and their four weeks of swimming 3-4 hours per day has literally left its mark on their arms. Their muscle tone is really impressive! After a week of lessons and practice, Grace brought home the green band, signifying that she had passed the (kind of difficult) swim test. Lauren quickly mastered swimming laps, but struggled with treading water for 30 seconds. She struggled and worked VERY hard. During one very determined day, she took the swimming test three times. Her counselors were pulling for her and assured us that she was very close to meeting the requirement. She was bitter about leaving camp with a red band, and we will take her again one weekend to help her with that portion of the test. She is soooo close.

Last day of camp

We would give the YMCA Splash Camp five stars. The camp itself is a little pricey (especially the non-member fee), and not something that we normally would do for four weeks. If I were a working mom, the YMCA program would be my first choice for summer childcare.  As a non-working mom, I am sold, and we will likely sign the girls up for a week next year.