Thursday, July 18, 2024
Dear Friends,
I hope your summer is going well, and you have taken some time off to recharge. The importance of slowing down every now and then can’t be understated. It is essential for both our physical and mental health. On the other hand, for many of our local youth, summer means enjoying a host of constructive and enriching activities at their local YMCA. This is the time of year when kids are expanding their horizons by developing new interests, learning new skills and making lifelong friends in one of our summer camps.
Involvement in programs like Summer Day Camp is critical in keeping children active and healthy, while also developing social skills, finding positive role models and feeling a sense of belonging. If you have set foot in one of our Ys lately, you have definitely seen the positive impact being made every day; and for some, these experiences would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors!
Likewise, the YMCA’s Blue Ridge Leaders’ School is another annual summer program that sees teen leaders from across the country gather in North Carolina. Our Tampa YMCA was proud to send 90 amazing youth, who were provided with the opportunity for leadership development at this truly amazing venue deep within the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Blue Ridge Leaders’ School helps our teens develop leadership qualities through a profoundly structured program with high standards of behavior, physical participation and individual performance. It is a memorable experience for local youth from our Teen Leaders’ Clubs and one they will always cherish.
Furthermore, I don’t want to speak too early, but as we near the end of July, back to school is certainly on many minds. Our diligent Before and After School Enrichment (BASE) department is ready to provide quality affordable childcare to children in kindergarten through fifth grade, providing them a safe and enriching environment for learning while parents and caregivers are at work. The initiative comprises a variety of activities, which include homework help, free healthy snacks, structured physical activities and enriching hands-on activities as well as arts/crafts to name a few. We encourage you to register soon as spots fill up fast. There is more information available on our website.
Continuing with the school theme, we are delighted to announce the launch of our Licensed Preschool program at the Central City YMCA in Tampa Heights, and in Carrollwood at YMCA Camp Sierra. This is in direct response to our strategic plan objective to fill critical community voids. As one of the largest childcare providers in the nation, it is in our DNA to help develop our youth and help prepare them to learn during their school-age years. Hence, coming this August, both Y locations will offer comprehensive programming dedicated to promoting the social, emotional, and physical well-being of children. These new preschools will be led by certified and experienced childcare staff to ensure the highest quality of care and education with an evidence-based curriculum. We are excited to see this program grow. Here’s the complete story with additional details.
Friendly reminder to please donate here if you want to support any of our amazing Y programs.
With appreciation,
Matt Mitchell
President & CEO
813.224.9622