Rye YMCA Summer Camp

Please visit our new camp website

2011-03-14T11:57:00.001-07:00

We are phasing out this blog and have an all new blog on our new camp website.

Please visit www.ryeycamp.org to view.

Olympic Games Day at Discovery/Sports Camp

2010-08-13T09:17:00.000-07:00

A little Yoga does the body good

2010-08-10T11:43:00.001-07:00

A long-time yoga instructor at the YMCA, Nora, joined us at camp last week and today to give our campers a little balance, movement and calm in their camp today. We can't always guarantee us being calm, but we definitely stretched our tired muscles out!

Steve Max and SIMON SEZ

2010-08-10T11:35:00.000-07:00

Genuinely one of the most anticipated shows all summer; Steve Max and his hysterical and inspiring Simon Sez show. Steve mixes ridiculous fun and humor with our own Character Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. He runs a loud and wacky all-camp Simon Sez but then shows us how to respect one another by listening and sharing. You may also have seen Steve Max at NBA half-time shows around the country; getting 60 people out in under 6 minutes.

Rye Police Visit our Explorer Campers

2010-08-05T14:41:00.000-07:00

Life The Place To Be - Week 6 Trip

2010-08-05T14:39:00.001-07:00

Our Pioneers and Trailblazers traveled to "Life the Place to Be" this week in Ardsley, NY. Campers got to experience everything from rock climbing to lazer tag, arcades and a ton more. It was a brand new trip for us and a total blast!

Hovercraft Rides - Video

2010-08-02T07:07:00.001-07:00

Basketball Sports Camp Update

2010-07-30T13:39:00.000-07:00

This week the Basketball Sports Camp has focused on everything related to the sport of basketball. Our instructors set up daily drills focusing on dribbling and shooting as well as team work. Our older campers also work on zones, passing, layups, and more advanced skills. Throughout the summer our sports instructors run unique programming that focuses on both skill development but also the FUN of camp. They have free swim times Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays as well as other fun programs that breakup their day (today we played croquet)!"

So How Do Camp Swim Lessons Work?

2010-07-29T07:14:00.000-07:00

We have quickly reached our third session of camp and are excited with all of the progress our campers are making everyday! They are swim tested on their first day of the session and are designated to a group color according to their swim ability. Red swimmers are beginner swimmers and swim with a ratio of 1 counselor or swim instructor to three campers. Yellow is a more advanced beginner/intermediate class with a ratio of 1 counselor or swim instructor to six campers. Purple and blues are intermediate and advanced swimmers who also swim with a ratio of 1 counselor or swim instructor to six campers. With the help of camp counselors our aquatics staff provide swim instruction to the campers enthusiastically and safely.

We want every camper to have a great experience in the pool, learning new skills and improving their swimming everyday! We try to accomplish this while still maintaining safety in the pool. In order to ensure a safe experience, we have our campers swim one at a time with their counselors and swim instructors. While children wait for their turn we ask that they sit on the wall in order to maintain safety in the pool area. Along with swim instructors in the water we also have 2-5 lifeguards on deck watching over the campers depending on how big the camp groups are. We have seen tremendous success through out the summer so far and are excited to continue teaching our campers the rest of the summer! If you are interested in continuing swim lessons here at the Y in the fall you can request your child be evaluated during their camp swim time. Please contact Vickie at Vickie@ryemca.org or speak with their counselors during drop off. We hope that you are having a great summer and hope the kids are having a blast at summer camp!

Rye Y Aquatics Dept.

Duct Tape Not Only Fixes All But Carries It Too!

2010-07-28T10:55:00.000-07:00

This week our Pathfinders groups (Nikita and Amber's groups) are making Duct Tape wallets in their Arts & Crafts classes with Miss Jamie. Jamie has a ton of other unique and brand NEW arts programs lined up for the rest of the summer and we're excited to share with the parents at home!

Reuse & Repurpose Science Project

2010-07-28T10:49:00.000-07:00

We need our camp familie's help to collect over 300 clear plastic bottles (water bottle size and bigger) to make our next big science experiment at camp. Please collect as many as you can and send them in with your camper. Thank you for your help and we're excited to show you what we're gonna do!

Hovercraft for One

2010-07-26T16:02:00.000-07:00

Our campers learned about gravity, weight and friction today in Science. Our Science Specialist, Evan Frank gave each camper a ride on a genuine hovercraft, showing each of them how a simple pocket of air overcomes their own weight and the friction of the floor. We sorta' had fun learning about it too!

Day Rockers

2010-07-23T11:47:00.000-07:00

Bob Angelo of Day Rock (http://www.dayrock.net) visited today and transformed Discovery Campers into Rock n' Rollers.

New Photos of Discovery, Lego and Baseball Camp

2010-07-23T11:35:00.000-07:00

Explorers Have More than Just Smiles!

2010-07-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

Storymaker Records with Lou Del'Bianco came to Discovery Camp and performed for and with the Explorer's today! Lou puts on an interactive, one-man story telling program, involving all the kids in the program from human props, to movement and singing. We had a blast today!

Straight from his website:

“Around the World” is an exciting 45 minute multicultural program that combines storytelling, theater, and music. Lou invites children onstage to help him act out stories that reflect the African, South and North American, Asian and European cultures. Each story contains a valuable lesson that can teach us all something about ourselves. Children will discover that we all have a song to sing or a story to tell no matter where we come from …Around the World!

Homemade Playdough!

2010-07-20T08:55:00.000-07:00

The first half of this week our campers are learning how to make their own homemade playdough. It's as easy as flour, salt, cooking oil and some Kool Aid for the coloring. Enjoy a little camp at home; ask your camper for the recipe as Evan, our Science Specialist will teach everyone.

Sushi With a Twist

2010-07-16T11:34:00.000-07:00

Our Arts Specialist, Miss Jamie, made "Sushi" with our campers in Fun with Food today. Instead of the usual ingredients they used Fruit Roll-Ups, rice crispy treats and swedish fish. Campers learned how to roll sushi then skip the chop sticks and eat with their fingers!

Lego Camp - Block At a Time

2010-07-16T11:12:00.000-07:00

Today in Lego camp, Nicolas tackled the MOST difficult lego project we have; building a twin motor track tank completely on his own! Nicolas, along with all his other Lego campers have built a huge range of projects from catapults and track cars to entire Lego cities. Lego camp is staffed with both YMCA counselors and professionals from Play-Well TEKnologies.

2010-07-14T04:56:00.000-07:00

It Doesn't Rain at Discovery Camp, It's just a "Dewy Day!"

During staff training our unit leaders and counselors all planned indoor rainy day activities and we are set to go for today! The Pathfinders will still continue their trip to the Hudson River Museum while we have a bunch of other activities running here at the camp. As long as we don't have lightning, we will continue our swim lesson rotations as well.

See you all soon!

2010-07-14T04:52:00.000-07:00

Adventure Camp Rainy Day Plans - Wednesday, July 14th

Due to the rain, Teen Adventure Camp has moved it's outdoor waterpark destination to Coco Key in Waterbury, CT. Same times for departure and return, just a whole lot drier!

If you have any questions about the trip, please contact the camp office at 914.450.1435

New Camp Photos!

2010-07-09T12:40:00.000-07:00

2010-07-08T07:51:00.000-07:00

Can't Remember What Group Your Camper is In?

Discovery Group Translations:

o Explorers – 4 & 5 year olds

o Pioneers – Campers that have finished Kindergarten or 1st grade

o Trailblazers – Finished 2nd or 3rd grades

o Pathfinders – Finished 4th and 5th grades

2010-07-08T07:49:00.000-07:00

Session Two Special Events

Go Green Week – The first week of Session 2 (week 3 of camp) is Go Green Week next week. We have a number of Science and Art projects that need YOUR help! We are trying to teach campers about reusing and repurposing and would appreciate your help in colleting 2-Liter Plastic Bottles and Toilet Paper Rolls (empty). Please send in the items with your campers if you have them.

· Hudson River Museum, Yonkers – Week One Pioneer, Pathfinders and Trailblazers Trip. Please note that for week 3 of camp two of our trip days have switched. The Pathfinders are on Wednesday and Trailblazers are Thursday just for this week.

· The Beast Boat Ride, Manhattan – Week Two Trip for Pioneers, Trailblazers & Pathfinders Trip

2010-07-08T07:48:00.000-07:00

Special Event Plans For Session One

· Gold Rush Day – This Friday! Come dressed in your best (camp appropriate) Western gear. Please don’t bring any toy guns however! Campers have made their own bandanas this week in Art and will add them to their outfits.

· Pizza Fridays - If you want pizza, you will need to send in $2 (cash only) for each slice of pizza you want ordered in an envelope or plastic bag with your camper’s name on it no later than Wednesday. Please do not wait until Friday to send the cash as we need to order the pizza’s ahead of time and we may not have enough if you wait until the day of. You will still need to send in a drink and snack.

Week One Update

2010-06-30T15:22:00.000-07:00

CAMP CLOSED JULY 5TH
A reminder that ALL CAMPS WILL BE CLOSED on Monday, July 5th. The note was on the registration form but we want to be sure everyone knows.

Camp Safety Regarding the Coyote in Rye
Camper Leadership and the camp staff are all aware of the concerns in regards to the coyote that has been in the Rye, NY area. We have taken a number of steps to ensure your camper’s safety while at camp including appropriate procedures in the event a coyote is sited. Today we spoke to all our campers and asked them to let their counselors know immediately if they spot any large dogs near our camp property.

Pizza Friday!
Every Friday of camp is Pizza Friday. IF you want pizza, you will need to send in $2 (cash only) for each slice of pizza you want ordered in an envelope or plastic bag with your camper’s name on it no later than Thursday. Please do not wait until Friday to send the cash as we need to order the pizza’s ahead of time and we may not have enough if you wait until the day of. You will still need to send in a drink and snack if they want it.

A Few Friendly Reminders
• A camper Pick Up card MUST be displayed in your car window during pickup. If the person picking up does not have one, they need to have ID so that we may verify that they are safe to take your child home.
• Morning drop off does not begin until 8:45am. Please help us and plan accordingly as our supervision for all our campers will not be ready until then.
• Camp Phone number – 914.450.1435 answered from 7:15am to 4:30pm each day. You can also email the Camp Director, Scott Umbel directly at scott@ryeymca.org
• Campers must come with a lunch every day. Your camper has a very active day and we want to make sure they are set for success!

Camp photos - Wednesday morning, June 30

2010-06-30T11:32:00.000-07:00

2010-06-21T13:07:00.001-07:00

DISOVERY, ADVENTURE & SPECIALTY CAMPS PROGRAM UPDATE

2010-06-16T12:22:00.000-07:00

Hey There Camp Families!

REMINDERS
• If you have not turned in your Immunization Records they are PAST DUE. Campers may not attend camp without the appropriate records on file. All we need is the record printed out from your family doctor there is no form. You will receive a phone call if we do not have them on file.

• If your camper needs to take any prescription or over the counter medication a Medication Authorization Form must be completed. Click to Download

• Lunches should come to camp in labeled, re-sealable zip plastic bags (lunches are refrigerated at camp)

• Closed-toed shoes, water bottle and sunscreen are needed every day (the complete packing list is in your Parent Handbook)

So What’s New for 2010?
• The Explorer Groups will now have “Special Guests” each week. Our guests range from an amazing live Monarch Butterfly exhibit to a “Build Your Own Musical Instrument Inventors Workshop”
• Full-Day Sports camp will have another day of swimming each week

• The Pathfinders will enjoy new fine arts creations including ceramics and canvas frame painting

• Campers will get their own swim caps on the first day of the session and keep them at the Y

Online Camp Documents
• The Parent Handbook will help our new camp families get ready for their summer, pack the right gear and be prepared for their first day at camp. This handbook applies to all programs located at the Osborn School. Click Here to Download

• The Discovery Camp Calendar shows all our summer events, trips and program reminders. Click to Download Discovery

• The Adventure Camp Calendar shows our daily trips, locations and weekly reminders. Click to Download Adventure

• A Medication Authorization Form must be completed for any prescription and over the counter medicine that you wish for our staff to administer during the day. Click to Download

WELCOMING OUR CITs

2010-06-16T12:18:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our group of YMCA camps and I hope you’re excited as we are about the upcoming summer.

What We Need From You
1. CIT handbook must be read through in its entirety prior to the start of camp. If you have any questions, please let me know. Once you have read through it, you will need to sign the last page, verifying that you have read, understand and will abide by our camp policies and code of conduct. This CIT Acknowledgement must be signed and returned to the YMCAs camp office no later than June 24th. You can get the handbook by emailing the camp director at scott@ryeyymca.org

2. Read through the training times in the CIT letter and notify me through this email what portions, if any, you will be able to attend.

You will get your CIT shirts during training or on your first day of attendance at camp.

If you have ANY questions, don’t hesitate to ask!

Scott

Teen Adventure Camp

2010-05-11T13:39:00.000-07:00

Check out the great summer we have planned for adventure campers! - Grades 6-9 (grade finished)
Click here for schedule.

Meet the Discovery Camp Director

2010-04-09T12:09:00.000-07:00

Dear Parents,
We'd like to introduce you to our new Discovery Camp Director, Scott Umbel, on Monday April 12, at 7 pm in the Rye Library Meeting Room.*

During his brief presentation, Scott will discuss his camp philosophy and background and fill you in on the great summer the Rye Y camp team is planning! This meet and greet is for parents of Discovery Campers or parents interested in the Discovery Camp.

All parents of registered campers who attend, including those that register Monday evening, will be entered in a drawing to win a Camp Fun Kit for their child.

We hope to see you Monday evening! Children are welcome.

Win a Free Week of Rye Y Discovery Camp - Register by 3/15

2010-03-08T06:02:00.000-08:00

Register for the Rye Y Discovery Camp by March 15 and we'll enter you in a raffle to win a free week of Discovery Camp! (a $225 value) Already registered? You'll automatically be entered in the raffle. (This offer applies to Discovery Camp only.) Your early registration allows us to plan more innovative programs and bring back our most experienced staff.

Camp is offered in two week increments -- providing flexibility in your summer schedules. To ensure that our summer of fun is open to all, we offer extended payment plans, a flexible refund policy and financial assistance.

Don't miss out on the fun - space is limited. For more information, call us at 967-6363 or click here to view our camp brochure. Click here for a financial aid application.

Discovery Camp 2010

2010-03-02T07:40:00.000-08:00

What activities would you like to see at Discovery Camp this summer?

Please click here to fill out a short survey to help us plan our activities!

Here are some the new activities and programs we're planning:

Project Impact: Arts in Education will offer hands on arts related workshops for our campers. Possibilities include a workshop on building musical instruments using recycled materials and a dance workshop featuring tap, disco and hip-hop instruction.

Cultural Enrichment Week: Campers will learn about the world with several fun activities during this brand new theme week.

Environmental Education: Campers will take part in hands on activities related to the environment.

Character building activities with local heroes and community role models.

Back by popular demand:

New England Tram- High flying acrobatics!
Steve Max - Simon Says extraordinaire
Day Rock - every camper gets a chance at rock stardom
Science - Campers will build a hover craft and feel what it's like to glide through the air
Beach Holiday - special trip to Rye Beach for a sand castle competition

As always, Discovery Campers will participate in team building activities, instructional swim and plenty of outdoor games.

Rye Y 2010 Summer Camp Brochure is now online

2009-12-08T08:09:00.000-08:00

Click here to view the 2010 Summer Camp Brochure.

Priority Mail-In Registration for returning campers and their siblings is Jan. 11- Jan. 17.

Registration for all Campers starts January 18 at 9 am at the Rye Y Member Services Desk.

Camp Carnival

2009-08-20T10:38:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow (Friday, Agust 21st) is our camp carnival. We will have games, rides and lots of activities for the campers to take part in. The camp carnival is always a fun way for us to end our camp season. A pizza lunch will be providedfor the entire camp, please only send drinks and snacks to camp with your camper. Camp runs at its normal times and extended care is still at the same time. Parents are more than welcome to stop by and join in on the fun.

2009-08-06T10:33:00.001-07:00

This Friday all of our Discovery Camp groups will be taking a trip to Rye Beach to participate in sand castle competitions and other beach games. On this trip the campers will not be going in the water at the beach but they will be going to the YMCA for swimming so please send your child with a bathing suit. If you would like to send your child to camp with a sand shovel or bucket please make sure that they are all labeled.

Reminder for Pizza Friday

2009-08-05T12:13:00.000-07:00

If you would like your child to get pizza this friday please turn in an envelope to your childs couselor with the following information.
-Name
-Group
-Number of Slices
Pizza is $2 a slice and please turn in all money on Thursday. Thank you

Trip Change

2009-08-05T12:10:00.000-07:00

The Discovery Camp Pathfinders group; tomorrow's trip has been changed from Yankee stadium to Lake Compounce Amusement and Water Park. Campers should wear their trip shirts and a bathing suit and they should pack a towel and a lunch. Thank you.

All Aboard Camp

2009-07-23T11:15:00.000-07:00

Space is filling up quickly for our all aboard camp, so register soon if you would like to participate. All-Aboard camp is being offered in two one-week sessions
Session One: Monday August 24- FridayAugust 28
Session Two: Monday August 28- Thursday September 3
Stop by the Rye YMCA to register.

Camp News

2009-07-22T07:38:00.000-07:00

Camp Talent Show:
This Friday July 24 will be our camp talent show from 12-1pm. Each of our Discovery Camp groups will be performing a short skit for the camp. We invite all parents to join us for this show.

Additional Lego Camp:
Due to the great response we have received from parents about Lego camp we have decided to add an additional week, from July 27 – July 31. If you are interested in registering please contact us as soon as possible.

Adventure/Teen Travel Camp Schdule Changes

2009-07-21T14:31:00.000-07:00

During sessions three and four there have been some changes in the Adventure and Teen Travel Camp schedule. On July 29 instead of the original trip to the Orange County Fair the camp will be going to Dave and Busters. Also on August 17 instead of Jones Beach the camp will be going to Quassy Amusement Park.

2009-07-21T14:25:00.000-07:00

Attention parents, this week in Arts and Crafts campers will be working with acrylic paint, please send them in painting clothes or pack a shirt that they can paint it. Thank you.

Funstation

2009-07-20T11:54:00.000-07:00

This week all of our Discovery Camp groups will be going to Funstation in Danbury, CT on their designated trip day. We ask that you please make sure your child is wearing socks on this day so that they may participate in all activites. Thank you.

PICTURE DAY

2009-07-16T03:44:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder!

Camp picture day is tomorrow, July 17th. Please send campers in their trip T-shirt Friday morning. Picture forms are due in the morning and went home with campers last night. If you need a form please ask a YMCA camp staff person and they can assist you. We are only offering group pictures this summer, the cost is $12 for a group shot and payments can be made in check or cash. Checks can be made payable to Irvin Simon Photographers.

Friday is also pizza day at camp! Please send in your campers pizza money in an envelope with their name and group designation. Pizza is $2 a slice.

SESSION 2

2009-07-10T09:48:00.000-07:00

Session 2 begins Monday July 13th. Groups will be spread out through the Osborn campus. Each group will be clearly defined by a sign. We will have YMCA staff around to help direct you to the area designated for your camper.

Please remember to have campers bring their bathing suits, towles and lunches. Next weeks theme is Under the Sea. We will be doing all sorts of activities involving water.

It is helpful if sunscreen is applied to campers before they begin their camp day, we will make sure that they reapply.

Please remember to turn in your immunizations if you have not already done so.

Arts and Crafts

2009-07-01T14:46:00.000-07:00

For next weeks theme, Go Green!, campers will be making projects in Arts and Crafts from recycled materials, however we need your help. If you could please send any empty aluminum cans (soup, sauce, etc.) with your child in the morning it would be greatly appreciated.

Fourth of July Weekend

2009-07-01T11:04:00.000-07:00

Camp is open and will follow a regular schedule on both July 3 and July 6. Have a great holiday weekend.

A friendly reminder from the camp staff

2009-06-30T07:08:00.000-07:00

In recognition of the continuing news regarding the H1N1 virus, the Rye YMCA Summer Camps will be following the CDC’s recommendations:

At this time, CDC recommends the primary means to reduce spread of influenza in camps focus on early identification of ill campers and staff, staying home (or away from others) when ill, good cough and hand hygiene etiquette, and environmental controls that encourage use of these hygiene practices.

To help us keep the camps as safe as possible, if your child is sick with a flu-like illness, please keep them home for 7 days after their symptoms begin or until they have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. You will also want to keep the child away from other household members as much as possible. This is to keep them from infecting others and spreading the virus further.

For more information on how to prevent the spread of flu, please visit the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu

2009-06-23T14:35:00.000-07:00

Reminders for Discovery Camp

Camp Begins Monday June 29th for those signed up for the first session.
Drop-off for camp begins at 8:30am and the camp day begins at 9:00am. We ask that you please use the proper side when dropping your children off and that you remain in your cars.
Pick-up begins at 4:00pm and your children will be on the same side you dropped them off at. When picking your child up please have your pick up cards displayed on the dashboard. If you do not have the pick-up cards, you will be asked to park and provide ID.
Every Friday is Pizza Friday if you would like your child to have pizza for lunch please send them on THURSDAY with money. Pizza is $2 per slice. Please put the money in an envelope marked with your child's name, their group name, and how many slices you would like for your child.

Pick up and Drop off Information

2009-06-23T14:33:00.000-07:00

Drop off begins at 8:30am and the camp day begins at 9:00am. We ask that you please follow the drop off procedures below:

Children in our lower camp, Explorers and Pioneers, should be dropped off by the Main Entrance to Osborn on the Osborn Road Side.
Children in our upper camp, Trailblazers and Pathfinders, should be dropped off by the side entrance off Boston Post Road.
If your child is in Sports camp, Lego Camp, or TV Camp you can also use the Boston Post Road Entrance.

For all day camps pick up will be at 4:00pm and your child will be located on the same side they were dropped off at. Half day camps will be dismissed at 12pm.

Group Clarification

2009-06-22T10:44:00.000-07:00

Here is some information for Discovery Camp group clarification:
The groups are based on which grade your child has just completed.
Pre-K ---Explorers
K-1 -----Pioneers
2-3 -----Trailblazers
4-5 ----- Pathfinders

What to pack for camp

2009-06-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

What should you pack with your child?

Bathing suit and Towel
Goggles if needed
Water Bottle
Lunch (Properly Labeled)
Snacks
Sunscreen
Sneakers or shoes that your child can run/play in

What not to pack?

Gameboys
Pokemon Cards
Cell Phones
Any Valuables
Heely's

Be sure to clearly label all belongings.

Adventure/Teen Travel Camp

2009-06-16T19:11:00.001-07:00

Schedule Change for Adventure/Teen Travel Camp:

The first Monday of each session (6/29, 7/13, 7/27 and 8/10) the Adventure/Teen Travel Camp will be swimming at Chappaqua Swim and Tennis Club in the afternoon. Please be sure to pack a swim suit and towel with your child on these dates.

CIT Information

2009-06-09T17:35:00.000-07:00

Just a Reminder:
Wednesday June 10 there will be a meeting for CIT's and their parents at 5:30pm at the YMCA. All CIT's are encouraged to attend.

Summer Camp Starts June 29th

2009-06-09T13:19:00.000-07:00

Register now!

Important Reminders:
If you have not turned in your immunization forms please do so as soon as possible.

You can mail them to the YMCA at
21 Locust Ave.
Rye, NY 10580

or fax them to
Attn: Tom Swanciger
(914)967-6398