As the weather turns warm, and the end of the school year gets that much closer, so does the thought of keeping children busy and off their devices. The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA is here to help with your family’s summer camp plans. We offer campers the opportunity to try something new while they build character through activities based on the Y Core Values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
Our East Pasco Family YMCA in Zephyrhills has so much to offer — from traditional camp activities like outdoor games, art and sports, plus a variety of adventures throughout the week.
Geared for ages 6 to 12, camp participants will experience a memorable and fun summer. The East Pasco Y has a camp stage complete with camp seating where campers start and end their day with an energetic opening and closing ceremony.
“The East Pasco YMCA offers many wonderful amenities for our camp kiddos to enjoy every day at summer camp! Firstly, right next to our camp stage out in our open field is a GaGa Pit, 9 Square, and a retention pond for all kinds of games, and activities,” explains Alex Delgado, associate executive director, East Pasco & Dade City YMCA.
“We also have a six-lane, 25-yard-long swimming pool that they get to swim in daily at camp. The pool itself, as well as the deck, were renovated in 2021, so it is still very new. Next, our basketball gym is a great space to play all kinds of sports such as basketball, volleyball, pickleball, indoor soccer and indoor hockey. Campers often play team-building games and partake in fitness classes there as well. Lastly, we have two racquetball courts used for arts & crafts, as well as team-building,” adds Delgado.
Dave Boyle, executive director of Tampa Y’s Camp Cristina, oversees our camps, and shares we are expecting 1,700 campers this year.
“This camp season, while we continue to cherish the timeless traditions that have always defined us, we are excited to introduce a modern twist to these classic elements. Central to our refreshed approach is a renewed emphasis on fostering meaningful connections,” said Boyle.
“We believe that the bonds formed at camp — between peers, with nature and within oneself — are more vital than ever in our increasingly digital world. Our activities are deliberately designed to encourage campers to engage deeply with the world around them, particularly the great outdoors.
“Being outside isn’t just a backdrop for our camp; it’s a canvas for adventure, learning, and discovery. Additionally, we’re reinvigorating our range of age-appropriate games, infusing them with innovative ideas and approaches. These games are not only fun but are carefully crafted to promote developmental skills, teamwork, and healthy competition. By blending the best of traditional camp experiences with a contemporary perspective, we’re creating an environment that is both nostalgically familiar and excitingly new, ensuring that our campers enjoy the most enriching and memorable summer possible.
“Each counselor brings a unique blend of diverse backgrounds and skills, allowing us to offer a personalized experience that caters to the individual needs and interests of every camper. They serve as role models, demonstrating values and attitudes that leave a lasting impact on the campers, shaping not just their summer but their character and life outlook. Importantly, they create a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where campers feel comfortable to be themselves, fostering respect and appreciation for others,” notes Boyle.
Here’s what the American Camp Association’s stats on the value of summer camp tell us, direct from campers:
- Camp helped me make new friends: 96%
- Camp helped me to get to know kids who are different from me: 93%
- The people at camp helped me feel good about myself: 92%
- At camp, I did things I was afraid to do at first: 74%
Spots are still available but are filling up fast. The East Pasco Family YMCA is at 37301 Chapel Hill Loop in Zephyrhills. Visit https://www.tampaymca.org/locations/east-pasco-family-ymca for more information or to register.
For additional YMCA locations, visit https://www.tampaymca.org/.
Kiran Malik-Khan is the senior communications director of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA
Published April 24, 2024
