YMCA Summer Camps Sussex County, NJ | Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges

What Types of Camps Do You Offer in Sussex County?
A branch of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, the Sussex County YMCA offers many camp options to accommodate the needs of children of all ages and backgrounds. Consider these fun-filled camp options, so your child can have the best summer ever:

Sussex Y Day Camps 
Our Sussex Y Day Camps are held at the Sussex County YMCA facilities with before-and-after camp care available. Camp activities include archery, arts and crafts, cooking, group swim lessons, nature and science activities, and so much more. Each week brings a different theme all summer long. Day camps are divided by age group: Junior Y Camp (Age 3 – Kindergarten), and Kids Y Camp (Grades 1-6).
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Sussex Y Sports Camp 
Our Sussex Y Sports Camps are also held at the Sussex County YMCA with children grouped by age. Young athletes will develop new skills and a new appreciation for sports and fitness with programs offered in tennis, basketball, soccer, multi-sports, flag football, golf, and World Games (a variety of sports from around the world, including bocce, gaga, archery, futbol, badminton, and More.)

How Would You Describe YMCA Summer Camp Values?
In today’s challenging world, the Sussex County YMCA tries to guide children in making the right decisions while building their self-esteem, empathy, and compassion towards others at camp. Our staff promises to demonstrate and develop the YMCA’s four core values in all aspects of working with the children, but staff alone cannot make a difference. A strong partnership must exist between all parents and staff to reinforce these values at home and foster the growth of happy, confident, caring children. The Y’s commitment to character development makes it valuable to our camp communities. All aspects of camp programming and interaction highlight the YMCA’s four core values, which include:

• CARING: To be sensitive to the well being of others and to love others
• HONESTY: To tell the truth; to act in such a way that you’re worthy of trust; to have integrity and to make sure your choices match your values
• RESPECT: To treat others as you would have them treat you; to value the worth of every person, including yourself
• RESPONSIBILITY: To do what is right, what you ought to do; to be accountable for your behavior and obligations

Why Is It Beneficial for Children to Attend Summer Camp?
It’s no secret that kids lose some of their math and reading skills over summer vacation every year. However, sending them away to summer camp is a great way to keep kids learning all summer long. Camp provides plenty of hands-on arts and crafts, cooking, science, and sports activities to keep their minds and bodies active. It also encourages them to take risks and discover new talents and abilities while building their confidence, team-building, and social skills. You also won’t have to worry about the adverse health effects of a summer spent in front of a phone or television screen.

Camp exposes kids to the great outdoors where they can explore the natural world around them while relieving stress and anxiety and stimulating all five of their senses. Camp also encourages more social interaction with others, which can help children develop valuable leadership skills for life. Your children will also have access to nutritious meals and snacks while attending our camps, so you won’t have to worry about what your kids are eating while they’re away from home. Check out our blog “Reasons to Have Your Children Attend Summer Camp” to explore more valid benefits of summer camp!

How Will I Know If My Kids Are Ready for Summer Camp?
For parents wondering how to tell if their kids are ready for summer camp, the most surefire way is to talk to them about it openly. If they sound excited about going to camp without much prompting from you, they’re probably ready. We suggest starting with our half-day options if your children are under 7 and building up gradually to sleepaway camp as they mature. Regardless of their age, many children experience homesickness to a certain degree the first time they’re away from home. Having your child practice being away by spending the night at a relative or friend’s house will get them used to the idea of independence. We also recommend packing personal items, such as their favorite stuffed animal, to help ease the transition of being away from home. Keep the dialogue open between yourself, your child, and the camp’s counselors to ensure your child has a great camping experience. Let your child know that you will be available to pick them up early should you need to but try to focus on the positives and how much fun they’re going to have at camp. If they’re not quite ready, remember, there’s always next year!

Questions Parents Should Ask While Exploring Camp Options
As a parent, you have the responsibility to ensure your child’s health, happiness, and safety. Not all summer camps are created equal. Choosing the right summer camp is about more than just comparing the costs to attend. You must also weigh the staff’s qualifications, as well as the camp’s qualifications itself. YMCA summer camps are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) for your peace of mind. This translates into our dedication to providing a safe, nurturing environment that goes above and beyond even the highest standards. Asking about the staff’s ages and experience levels will give you valuable insights into the quality of the camp’s programming. Camp counselors should be trained in both first aid safety and CPR for emergencies. Be sure to ask about the staff-to-camper ratio, as this will give you the reassurance that your child will be supervised adequately to prevent accidents. At Sussex County YMCA Summer Camps, you can rest assured we select and screen all counselors carefully.