The Boothbay Region Y in partnership with the Central Lincoln County (CLC) YMCA are offering a combined and expanded summer camp experience, with transportation, to give kids and teens in Lincoln County an adventurous, active and healthy summer.

Our YMCA camp programs 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.

“Over the course of several months in 2014, Boothbay Region and CLC Y staff, board and other community volunteers participated on a task force to develop a Summer Camp strategic plan for the Boothbay Region YMCA,” BRYMCA Executive Director Andy Hamblett said.

“Summer is the ideal time for kids to get up, get out and explore. But, for some kids summer means no access to recreational and educational activities to help them learn, grow and thrive during out-of-school time. As a result, some kids can experience learning loss and gain weight twice as fast than during the school year. Attending any of our combined summer camps this summer is a wonderful opportunity for kids and teens to keep their minds and bodies active,” CLC YMCA CEO Meagan Hamblett said.

There are five reasons why youth should attend summer camp:

1. Adventure: Summer camp is all about a wide variety of fun adventures and new experiences, and especially exploring the outdoors. YMCA camps have a new adventure for every child and teen. Read through this comprehensive summer guide for details.

2. Healthy Fun: Both full and half day camp experiences offer fun, stimulating activities that engage the body and mind, and also help children and teens learn the importance of nutrition to help improve their healthy eating habits.

3. Personal Growth: While being away from the routine back home, 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. New Friendships: Amidst the fun of camp games, songs, swimming, canoeing and talent shows, campers meet new friends and strengthen existing friendships. The relationships formed at camp are important and lasting for many youth. This summer, combining several different communities allows children to meet new friends outside of their own school experiences.

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.

Through a partnership with Healthy Lincoln County and the USDA, the CLC YMCA is able to offer s Summer Food Service Program which provides free breakfast and/or lunch during the summer months to our campers. Since 2012, Healthy Lincoln County has worked to serve 20,000 meals from 7 site locations.

In partnership, the Boothbay Region and the CLC YMCAs are offering: transportation to YMCA Camp Knickerbocker daily; free, healthy breakfast and/or lunch daily; Camp Knickerbocker Day Camp located on 65 acres in Boothbay adjacent to beautiful, Lake Knickerbocker; half day camps with morning and evening option; YArts Camps (Theater, Dance, Creative Art); Adventure Camps for Explorers and Navigators; Sport Camps and Specialty Camps in both Boothbay and Damariscotta; Sailing Camp in Round Pond.

And, to ensure that all youth have the chance to experience camp, both YMCAs offer financial assistance to those in need. Those registering in the Boothbay Region should apply for financial assistance through the Boothbay Region YMCA. Likewise, those from the CLC YMCA should apply at the CLC YMCA.

To learn more about summer camp programs through the Y, download a comprehensive 2015 Summer Camp guide Summer Camp guide at www.boothbayregionymca.org and www.clcymca.org.

The Boothbay Region Y and CLC Y, in partnership, have now increased the potential to give youth an enriching, safe experience with caring staff and volunteers who model positive values that help build their kids’ character.