ESCANABA — The Northern Lights YMCA is offering summer day camp, keeping kids in Delta County adventurous, active, engaged and healthy all summer long. YMCA summer camp offer youth fun and unique experiences with an opportunity to explore the outdoors, meet new friends, discover new interests and create memories that last a lifetime.

“It’s imperative that kids stay engaged socially, physically, and academically throughout the summer. Summer camp is a wonderful way to ensure that,” says Raquel Schon, Youth, Family, & Sports Director. “In our day camps and summer program, kids are in a welcoming environment where they can belong, they’re building relationships, developing character and discovering their potential. We really encourage parents to give their kids the gift of camp to keep them active and engaged all summer long.”

Raquel says there are five reasons why children should attend summer camp:

1. ADVENTURE: Summer camp is all about a wide variety of new experiences and exploring the outdoors. YMCA camps have a new adventure for every child. Visit https://nlymca.com/delta for details.

2. HEALTHY FUN: Day camps offer fun, stimulating activities that engage the body and mind, and also help children learn the importance of nutrition to help improve their healthy eating habits.

3. PERSONAL GROWTH: While in the welcoming environment of camp, youth have a chance to learn new skills, and develop confidence and independence by taking on new responsibilities and challenges. Camps offer cognitive learning and social-emotional development opportunities for achievement.

4. FRIENDSHIPS: Amidst the fun of camp games, songs, swimming, and talent shows, campers meet new friends and strengthen existing friendships. The bonds formed at camp are important and lasting for many youth.

5. MEMORIES: Summer camp is an unforgettable experience that will give each camper memories (and camp traditions) that will last a lifetime. Youth return to school with plenty of camp stories to share!

The Northern Lights YMCA offers:

Wells Summer Program (Ages 5-6)

A camp-like experience for kids ages 5-6 that focuses on age-appropriate arts and crafts, activities, and outdoor exploration. This program requires all kids to have attended at least one year of Kindergarten or Readiness Kindergarten. Program hours run 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. Before and After care is provided with the cost of camp and is available 7:30 to 9 a.m. and 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Located at the Wells Childcare Center 5775 Main Street, Wells

Registration opens April 1st.

Camp Dates: June 3 – August 16; No camp the week of July 1-5.

Cost: $175 for YMCA Members *A second child discount is available.

$210 for Public

Limited to the first 24 kids per week

YMCA Day Camp (Ages 7-12)

Campers get the opportunity to celebrate weekly themes with corresponding crafts, yard games, outdoor exploration, and daily swim time. Program hours run 9:00AM – 4:00PM; Monday – Friday. Before and After care is provided with the cost of camp and is available 7:30 to 9 a.m. and 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Located at the Main Delta Center 2000 North 30th Street, Escanaba

Registration opens April 1st.

Camp Dates: June 3 – August 16; No camp the week of July 1-5.

Cost: $175 for YMCA Members *A second child discount is available.

$210 for Public

Limited to the first 70 kids per week

YMCA/Rotary Camp Harstad (Ages 6-17)

The YMCA and the Rotary Club of Escanaba have partnered to provide a wonderful Day Camp experience for individuals with mild to moderate special needs who are between the ages of 6-17. The program offers arts and crafts, nature hikes, songs and skits, swimming in Lake Michigan, and so much more! Campers will have the opportunity to have a great summer and make new friends. Program hours run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday – Friday. Campers will be transported to Camp Harstad by DATA bus daily. Camper drop off & pick up will take place at the Wells Childcare Center located at 5775 Main Street, Wells.

Located at Camp Harstad in Ford River E4655 Hwy M-35, Ford River

Priority registration for DSISD Learning Center students runs April 1-14.

Open registration for the public opens April 15th.

Camp Dates: June 10 – August 9; No camp the week of July 1-5.

Cost: $60

Limited to the first 15 kids per week

To ensure that all youth have the chance to experience camp, Northern Lights YMCA offers financial assistance to those in need. If you’re interested in helping send kids to camp this summer, you can donate at www.nlymca.com/delta/donate/