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More Local Recreation

• Eye on the Y: Calm after summer
• Local Recreation Schedule: August 18, 2008
• Eye on the Y: Stevie goes to camp — the final chapter

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The “buzz” around Marco Island has been the talk of the Summer Day Camp the “Y” is offering along with the Specialty Camps that will be offered during the same time period.

If you have been away from the island and don’t know anything about what is available to your children and grandchildren, then let me enlighten you.

The first thing you have to consider is the price of gas. Why send the kids away when you can have them close to you and not have to worry about fighting traffic and get hit with high fuel charges?

So, here is the information you need to make your decision now and ensure your child has a great summer of memories.

Summer Camp 2008 starts on June 2 and continues until August 15. The camp hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will meet Monday through Friday.

At the Marco “Y” the camps are divided by grades K-2 and 3-6. Each camp has a different theme week and daily activities are patterned after the theme week.

For example, week one is “Summer Safari” for grades K-2 and the 3-6 theme is “Pizza and Pasta” week. Both camps will meet at the south end of the YMCA for pick-up and drop-off.

Your child must me 5 years old by June 1 to be able to attend camp. Sign up now for the full summer, full day weeks, and half day weeks or by the day. Three field trips will be offered each week and kids get a free camp tee-shirt!

Campers will want to sign up for the full summer and weekly full days to be able to go on the field trips. Payment for full summer camp attendance is due May 28.

Camp volunteers are needed to help out with our special events.

Guitar Camp will be offered for the first time at the YMCA. Beginner Session 1 starts June 9 and runs to June 19. Participants, male and female from age 10. The camp will be from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the “Y.”

Cost is $120 per student. Other sessions are scheduled in July and August.

Another new camp is Computer/ Swim Camp. This camp combines computer work in the morning with learning swim techniques in the afternoon. This camp is open for guys and girls entering grade 3 through middle school. Two sessions will be held in June. Session 1 scheduled for June 9-13 and Session 2 from June 16-20. Cost for “Y” members is $95, all others $110.

A very important camp at the “Y” is the 2008 YMCA Leadership Training Camp. This is a week long program designed to allow teens to develop the skills, tools and confidence needed to excel in leadership roles in their community and in a camp setting. Mandatory training days are May 28, 29 and 30. Sessions are offered on July 7-11 and July 21-25. The time will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Manatee Elementary School Café. This camp is open to males and females entering 6-9 grades. The fee for 1 session is $125/ $150. Two sessions will cost you $220/$270.

Other specialty camps in June include: Saturday Morning Cheer Camp, All Skills Volleyball Camp, Scott Stewart Basketball Camp and Junior Tennis Camp. Coming in August is the popular British Challenge Soccer Camp.

I’ll have details on these camps in next week’s column. Swim lessons with Dottie continue on June 2 until June 12.

Coming up May 16 is the “End of the year Dance Bash”

Join the YMCA Child care staff as we host the biggest event of the year. Come and party “Island Style”. Enjoy games, prizes, dancing and refreshments while celebrating summer fun! This dance is open to boys and girls graduating from 3-5 grades. Attire is Hawaiian or beach wear. The dance is in the “Y” Gym and costs $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Parent chaperones welcome. Please contact Stephanie Pepper for volunteer information at 394-3144 ext. 203.

The Marco Island YMCA is located at 101 Sandhill Street, Marco Island. Contact phone is 394-3144 ext “0”.

The Web site address is www. marcoislandymca.org. Hope to see you at the “Y”