NASHUA This summer, the YMCA of Greater Nashua’s day camp programs offer kids an enriching, learning experience to help them get more out of summer break – more friendships, more accomplishments and more belonging. Camp registration is open and camp starts on June 22. Through a mix of fun and educational activities aimed at improving well-being, kids will experience new adventures, learn and master new skills, share and trade interests with friends, exchanging plenty of high-fives along the way. This summer, more than ever, the YMCA believes that kids need a camp experience.

The Y offers the traditional outdoor day camp experience at Camp Sargent. Camp Sargent is located on Lake Naticook in Merrimack and sits on 22 acres. Since 1924, the camp has offered the Greater Nashua Community a quality day-camping program to boys and girls in kindergarten through 12. Sessions range from one to 12 weeks of traditional camp activities to more involved specialty camps that provide more time for campers to dive deeper into what interests them most. Regardless of the type of camp, staff always stress safety and teamwork towards each camper while building self-confidence and making friends.

While camp will look and feel a bit different this summer, the Y is committed to ensuring that our staff will create the same memorable experience for campers. There are a few important changes. (A full FAQ area is available on our website: https://nmymca.org/ymca-summer-camps).

• Bus Transportation – After reviewing state guidelines and having conversations with the bus company, the Y will not be offering bus transportation to our camps this summer. Campers will need to be dropped off at camp each morning.

• Camp Hours – To meet the new guidelines of keeping campers in their groups, the camp day will run from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. We ask that parents or guardians drop off by 9 and pick up after 4 to ensure a full camp program. This summer will not include a separate Pre-Camp or Post-Camp program.

• Masks – Campers will NOT have to wear a mask while they are at camp. We will explain all of our safety procedures, including what pick up and drop off will look like, but we first wanted to put parents’ minds at ease regarding masks.

YMCA Camp Sargent is accredited by the American Camp Association, a voluntary commitment by camps to adhere to the highest standards of health, safety, and program quality.

The Y also offers additional summer day camp programs at our Merrimack Branch (6 Henry Clay Drive, Merrimack) and new Westwood Park Branch (located off Amherst Street in northwest Nashua) for youth in grades 1 through 9. The Y’s camp activities focus on impacting the social-emotional, cognitive and physical development of all kids. Activities offered range from outdoor learning, STEM-focused programming, archery, arts, dance, play-acting, sports, cooking, and leadership development.

“With school out during the summer, many kids don’t get enough physical activity or learning – a critical gap the Y is addressing,” said Tiffany Joslin, director of Camp Sargent. “At camp, kids are in a safe environment with nurturing adults where they feel welcome, develop character and explore new talents and interests to reach their potential. We want to ensure that campers in our camp programs return to their school year more confident, civically-minded and believing that they can contribute to making the world a better place to live. Our programs are more than just a place to be in the summer; we will help children become the person they want to be.”

To learn more about the YMCA of Greater Nashua’s camp programs, contact Tiffany Joslin at tjoslin@nmymca.org or 603.882.2011 or visit www.nmymca.org.

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