YMCA Norwich Camp Thompson children built a lean-to in the woods last year as one of the many activities during camp. Registration for this year's camp season is now open for children in kindergarten through eighth grade. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH — The Norwich Family YMCA Camp Thompson registration is now open for the summer season, with day camp programs officially beginning on June 26 for kindergarten through eighth grade children. To register visit: norwich.recliquecore.com/programs/.

Camp Thompson runs from June 26 to August 18 and offers adventurous summer experiences such as, fishing, hiking, swimming, outdoor games, arts and crafts. Children will be divided into four separate groups by grade level.

YMCA Youth Development Director Kelly Reppert said, “Summer camp gives children the opportunity to spend their summer outdoors. Spending time outdoors is known to reduce stress, increase physical activity, and promotes positive mental health. Rain days will be held at the YMCA where children can enjoy activities such as table games, arts and crafts, swimming, as well as time in the Kids Gym and Main Gym.”

“A positive experience at summer camp teaches children about healthy living practices and fosters a lifelong love for the outdoors. Attending Camp Thompson gives children the opportunity to learn about nature, how to respect the living things around us, and the importance of preserving natural habitats in an authentic way,” she added.

Reppert explained, “YMCA Camp counselors are role models and teach YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Overall, Camp gives children a safe and engaging place to spend summer days.

Children should bring their own lunch which does not need to be heated. A refrigerator will be available to keep lunches cool and healthy snacks will be provided.

Norwich Family YMCA Executive Director/CEO Jamey Mullen said, “Longstanding support from the United Way and Preferred Mutual has allowed us to continue offering the summer tradition to many area youth, and we are grateful for their support.”

The Chenango Untied Way, which is part of the United Way of Mid Rural New York supplied funding for the bus transportation of day campers to the Camp facility. Funding was also received from Preferred Mutual Insurance in support of the Summer program at Camp Thompson.

Registered Camp children can be dropped off at the Norwich Family YMCA as early as 6:30 a.m. Buses will transport the children to Camp Thompson and back to the YMCA for parent pick up at 5:30 p.m. If needed, special arrangements can be made for parents/Guardians to pick up or drop off children.

“We started the campaign several years ago in an attempt to raise additional funds to support scholarships that we were giving out to individuals and families that would like to use the YMCA but might be in a tough financial pinch," explained Mullen.

"It could be based upon their annual income, it could be because of financial challenges with relocating, financial challenges due to bankruptcy, financial challenges due to medical or attending doctors appointments, and things of that nature, he added.

"The financial assistance can be good for membership to provide access to the facility, but it's also good for program fees also. A lot of families need childcare, so they will apply for some assistance to help them with the ongoing cost of childcare for their children, so they can continue to work and know their children will be in a safe spot during non-school hours or after school hours,” said Mullen.

Scholarship applications are available on the Norwich Family YMCA website and at the front desk. Applicants will need to submit a completed application as well as a copy of the prior year's tax return 1040 form, and other supplemental documents. Processing of applications can take up to two weeks.

The awarding of a scholarship can help to cover the cost of a child attending Camp Thompson, where they can enjoy several outdoor activities, games, and crafts.

More information on the Norwich Family YMCA, Camp Thompson, and the Open Doors Scholarship can be found online at norwichymca.org, or on the Norwich Family YMCA Facebook page.

Information and forms are also available at the Norwich Family YMCA, located at 68 North Broad Street in Norwich or call Kelly Reppert at 607.336.9622 ext.1028 or email kreppert@norwichymca.org