Summer Camps for the Kids at Y.W.C.A.
During the down time of summer, kids look for a way to make memorable moments with their family and friends. Summer camps are a way to do that. All over the country, kids will be able to engage in activities in and outside of the classroom; on land and in the water there’s something to do. This year, YWCA is covering all the bases with summer camps for the young and old. Sabreena Daly went out hunting for summer camps again this week and brings you a snippet of what your kids are up to at the Y.
Sabreena Daly, Reporting
If you were looking for a one stop place this year for summer activities, you would have likely found one or more in the fifteen summer camps offered simultaneously this year at the YWCA. From cosmetology, to baking, swimming, arts and craft, to learning conversational Spanish, there’s something for the young and older.
Leah Brown
Leah Brown, Program Coordinator YWCA
“When you know about the Y, we’re always trying to teach a new skill for our kids to use, for adults to use. We have the cosmetology, we have the nail technology group that can be used as a side hustle or as a side business, that they can start from young. Um, we want to ensure our kids are off the streets, they’re engaged for the summer programs and learning.”
At the time of our visit, we met four summer camps in action. It’s divided in a rotation of Tuesdays and Thursdays, then Mondays and Fridays. Camps are running in the morning and afternoon and with reason, they are not without numbers. In fact, if you were trying to get your kid enrolled at any of the camps right now, you’re short for time. They currently have enrolled over one hundred children.
Leah Brown
“Because of Covid, covid is still a real thing so we try to limit as much that we can have the students in classes. And if we need to open another one, then we go ahead and do so, but we have about one hundred and fifty coming to our summer programs. Some of the popular classes were the cake and pastries and the cooking. We had to open up another cooking class because the classes were so big. We had so many people interested in the classes as well.”
Over in the kitchen, just in time for lunch, were two chefs-in-training explaining that this is no new feat for them. This summer camp is an opportunity to brush up on their recipes because back at home, they monopolize the kitchen.
Kraiden Lopez & Bi’Jon Pollard , YWCA Cooking Camp
Bi’Jon
Bi’Jon
“I want learn fo make pasta more cause I neva know how fo do that good yet. But I still do it sometimes.”
Sabreena
“And you?”
Kraiden
Kraiden
“How to make dinner for people, pasta, chicken fingers and burger.”
Sabreena
“So, tell me, what have you learnt so far at cooking camp?”
Kraiden
“Not to play around the fire and not to have on jewelry because the fire attract the metal.”
Bi’Jon
“You also have to wear mittens because it wah burn your hand”
The boys added the finishing touches to lunch this afternoon—Pizza was on the menu. The rest of the spectators also cooks-in-training, allowed their leader to handle the hot stuff. And while they were meddling in dough, their neighbors had their hands fixed in hair. The Cosmetology Camp is teaching hair care tips and braiding techniques for those interested.
Jayzen Nembhard
Jayzen Nembhard, YWCA Cosmetology Camp
“It’s been really good. I’ve met new people. I’ve learnt how to take care of my natural hair and keep it curly how I like it. I’ve learnt how to take care, how to keep it curly with chemicals. What products work best in my hair. I learnt that I shouldn’t straighten it that much so it will keep curly. I want to preserve my natural curls.”
Alyssa Aguilar
Alyssa Aguilar, YWCA Cosmetology Camp
Sabreena
“Tell me about your experience here so far at cosmetology camp?”
Alyssa
“Actually, it’s great. All we learnt is to take care of our hair then this.”
Sabreena
“What exactly is this that we’re learning right now?”
Alyssa
“Well, how to crochet braids.”
While some come to learn a new skillset like braid-crochet, others come for formal development of language. The YWCA also offers a summer camp for persons looking to learn conversational spanish.
Angelica Escalante, Teacher Spanish Course Y.W.C.A.
“It’s the first time the YWCA is offering Spanish as a second language course for teens, so, I’m very excited to be the first person to do it. Based on their reactions and how they enjoy the class, I feel that it is something that we could do permanently”
Sofia
Sofia, Spanish Camp
Sabreena
“Did you want to do Spanish camp?”
Sofia
“No, because I thought it would be boring but its actually pretty fun.”
Sabreena
“What is fun about it?”
Sofia
“That we get to do different activities meanwhile studying Spanish.”
Kemi
Kemi, Spanish Camp
“It was a decision that my mom made but when I came and met miss Angelica, she just made the class fun and we have played many games with her.”
Sabreena
“Do you feel like it’s important to learn a second language now?”
Kemi
“Yes ma’am. Because when you go to other countries, you can talk to the people”
And while Kemi is making her mom proud by learning a new language, one little boy down the hall has full days. He’s doing drumming, Karate and Arts and Craft. But he says, he signed up for art because he wants to be like his big brother.
Arian Clarke
Arian Clarke, Arts and craft camp
“I learnt how to make a fishing rod, and I know how to make a bear out of paper. I know how to do arts and I know how to draw. My older brother draws in his arts and craft book and I really want to be like him so my mom signed up for this so that I can learn how to do arts and craft. He’s in the states right now and I’m enjoying my summer out here in summer school.”
Looking on the Bright Side summer days, I’m Sabreena Daly.
