As a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y works to help children and teens discover their full potential by providing opportunities to learn and grow.

The Kosciusko Community YMCA is encouraging parents to help keep their kids physically active and mentally engaged by signing them up for one or several of the Y’s sports camps or the Y’s day camp, Camp Little Eagle.

This year at the Kosciusko Community YMCA, specialty camps include camps for ages ranging from 3 to 17, focused on cross training, Zumba, gymnastics, fitness, cheerleading, basketball, sports, golf and swimming. This is a great opportunity for children to try something new without committing to a full session or season of a sport.

To start off the summer kids’ cross training camp, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.  June 9-13, will engage kids ages 7 to 12 in fun, constantly varied, functional movement workouts that involve playing, pulling, pushing, running, throwing, climbing, lifting and jumping. Kids zumba will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. June 9-13, for ages 7 to 12 and will get kids moving to the beat with age-appropriate music and dance moves.

Youth Gymnastics Camp for ages 6 and up will be held from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 9-12, and will use gymnastics as a foundation in developing strength, flexibility and coordination. Gymnasts will work with the vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor. Preschool gymnastics camp for ages 3-5 will build self-confidence and motor skills in a safe environment from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. June 11-13, And that’s all just the first week of summer!

Your child, ages 3 to 5, will find exercise fun and exciting as they move through fun activities in Preschool Fitness Camp, from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. June 16-20. The Y will offer a Cheerleading Clinic from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. June 16-17, for ages 5-10. The cheerleading clinic will offer an opportunity for your child to learn basic jumps, cheers, chants and some stunting while gaining confidence and coordination.

Boys gymnastics camp is a great option for using up excess energy for boys ages 4-11 through basic tumbling, vault and uneven bars. They’ll also develop strength, flexibility and coordination. Basketball Camp will be offered for two different age groups- ages 5-8 and 9-12, June 23-27. Kids will improve fundamental basketball skills through drills and games.

Sports of all sorts camp will be offered from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.  July 7-11, for ages 3-6. preschoolers learn about a new sport each day. Golf Camp will be offered in partnership with Denny Hepler of Raccoon Run and includes three days of instruction and drills, chipping, putting, and the full swing, and golf balls. The time will end with a golf camp tournament.

The Sharks Swim Team Camp, for those already familiar with all four competitive strokes, is July 28 to Aug. 1.

Camp Little Eagle YMCA Summer Day Camp will also run from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, throughout the summer. Camp Little Eagle provides a safe environment in which campers can create wonderful memories and lasting friendships. It’s a place where fun activities await such as swimming, canoeing, and field trips. Parents have peace of mind knowing their kids are cared for during the day in a safe, enriching environment. Camp Little Eagle Day Camp takes place on weekdays throughout summer break at Lucerne Park on Pike Lake. There are weekly themes and field trips to keep each week interesting!

Registration for Camp Little Eagle and the youth sports camps is going on now, and financial assistance is available, please apply three weeks in advance. Our regular classes for youth and adults will also be going on this summer, to see a schedule see www.kcymca.org. Register at the Smith Street or North Webster locations or sign up online at www.kcymca.org. Call 574-269-9622 with any questions.