Steve Reynolds - Special to the Eagle

The preschool Class of 2008 are presented to the parents. (Left to right) Front: Rachel Drake, Montse Romero, Deborah Jones, Anthony Rodriguez, Chloe DaCruz, Alyssa Kirstein and Kendall Jacobs. Back: Miss Irazema Gurrero, instructor, Teya Beatty, Olivia Neff, Grant Fordon, Koby Garcia, Scotia Holdworth, Michael Camacho, Vanessa Lopez, Miss Ruth Carvajal, instructor.

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It was pre-school graduation time at the Marco Island YMCA. A whole year has just flown by and the little guys and gals will be moving on to Kindergarten.

It is very interesting to observe the children at the beginning of the school year. So shy, at least a few and others just waaaaay out there!

Miss Ruth, the pre-school teacher and 2007 award winner of the Marco Island YMCA Teacher of the Year award, along with Miss Charlene, has worked with these children approximately 3 years to get them where they are today — little folks who are learning how to work well with others and get prepared for their future learning opportunities.

Good luck and best wishes to the Marco Island YMCA pre-school class of 2008!

I have exciting new information to share with you on to Summer Camp 2008.

Since I shared some reading time with all of you last week, new camp information has been announced. The YMCA Leadership Training sessions have been scheduled. The YMCA Leadership Program is a week long program designed to allow teens to develop the tools, skills and confidence needed to excel in leadership roles in our community and in a camp setting. Two sessions will be offered. The first is scheduled from July 7 to 11 and the second from July 21 to 25. The scheduled times for these sessions is 10 to 3 p.m. at the Manatee Elementary School Cafeteria. Mandatory training is scheduled for May 29 from 6 to 9 p.m., May 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. and May 31 from 9 to 6 p.m. This program is open to guys and gals entering 6 to 9 grades. The cost for one session is $125 for YMCA members, $150 all others and for both sessions it’s $220 for YMCA Members and $270 for all others. The Leadership Supervisor is Gina Sisbarro, YMCA Senior Program Director.

The Naples Zoo and the Marco Island YMCA have put together a unique, educational and exciting experience for Summer Camp 2008. Your child will learn about all different aspects of working and operating a zoo. Each day camp will be a different program or activity. Campers will transport to and from the zoo. Lunch is included with this program. Monday is Zoo Career day, Tuesday is Zoo Scavenger Hunt Day, Wednesday the campers will learn about animals and diet, Thursday is Botanical Day and Friday is primate day. The Zoo Camp is open to boys and girls entering grades 4 to 9 and is scheduled from August 4 to 8. A $75 deposit is required to hold a place. This camp is limited to 15 Junior Zookeepers so sign up now at the Customer service desk.

The last new camp announcement for this column is “YMCA Camp Rock”. The “Y” welcomes recording and touring artist Lee Brovitz as the “Camp Rock” instructor. Lee was the touring Bass player for Cyndi Lauper and The Shadows of Knight Band (Gloria) and has toured with John Fogerty and many others. The band camp includes “hands on” instruction in guitar, bass, drums and percussion, vocal techniques, sound and stage production, stage presence and student performances. Students should bring their own personal instruments but drums and amp will be provided. The beginning session is for beginners ages 8 to 16 and will be held on July 28, 30 and August 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $250 per camper. Session 2 or “Boot Camp” is for advanced students ages 8 to 18 and will be held on August 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and cost $275 per camper. “Camp Rock” is a pre-requisite for “Boot Camp” but you may be eligible for the advanced session if you are deemed qualified. Both sessions will be held at the Charter Middle School Main Stage. Limited space is available. Camp fees must be paid in full at the time of registration.

Tonight is the “End of the Year Dance Bash’ at the Marco Island YMCA.

Join the YMCA Child Care Staff as they host this event. Boys and girls graduating from 3, 4 and 5 grades are invited to the “Y” Gym dressed in their Hawaiian or Beach wear to enjoy games, prizes, dancing and refreshments. The time is scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. and the cost is $10 in advance and after 7 p.m. it’s $12 at the door.

The Marco Island YMCA is located at 101 Sandhill Street. The phone number is 394-3144 and the Web site address is: www.marcoislandymca.org. Visit soon!