YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
At the Y, we give young people a safe place to belong, to build confidence and to learn positive behaviors from strong role models who exemplify the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Whether it be child care, early education, youth swim and sports, camp or college preparation, our programs and staff provide the support and opportunities needed to help our youth learn, grow and thrive.
SUMMER CAMP
In 2020, our Summer Camps at the Summit Area YMCA reopened on July 6. Camps were run outdoors and followed the CDC Guidelines to ensure the safety of children and staff at all times. Temperatures were taken each day and masks were required. Sanitizing stations and outdoor hand washing sinks were used to prevent the spread of germs and maintain a healthy environment while giving the children a great summer camp experience.
In 2020, our Summer Camps at the Summit Area YMCA reopened on July 6. Camps were run outdoors and followed the CDC Guidelines to ensure the safety of children and staff at all times. Temperatures were taken each day and masks were required. Sanitizing stations and outdoor hand washing sinks were used to prevent the spread of germs and maintain a healthy environment while giving the children a great summer camp experience.
CHILDCARE & EARLY EDUCATION
The Summit Area YMCA continued to provide childcare and early education once we were allowed to safely reopen on June 15. We incorporated new safety measures and protocols under the guidance of the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF). Staff and children had their temperatures taken each day, parents and visitors were not allowed to enter the facility, and staff were required to wear masks. Classroom sizes were limited based on the ratios mandated by the DCF. Cleaning procedures and multiple sanitizing stations were implemented in addition to our standard frequent hand washing practices.
The Summit Area YMCA continued to provide childcare and early education once we were allowed to safely reopen on June 15. We incorporated new safety measures and protocols under the guidance of the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF). Staff and children had their temperatures taken each day, parents and visitors were not allowed to enter the facility, and staff were required to wear masks. Classroom sizes were limited based on the ratios mandated by the DCF. Cleaning procedures and multiple sanitizing stations were implemented in addition to our standard frequent hand washing practices.
VIRTUAL LEARNING
While The Summit Area YMCA was closed, it was important to us to keep providing children with learning resources and activities to help them make the most of their developmental years despite the circumstances. We provided online learning resources ranging from scholastic learning and story time to arts and crafts to virtually traveling the world. Resources were available for all ages in an effort to maintain mental wellbeing in addition to physical wellbeing.
While The Summit Area YMCA was closed, it was important to us to keep providing children with learning resources and activities to help them make the most of their developmental years despite the circumstances. We provided online learning resources ranging from scholastic learning and story time to arts and crafts to virtually traveling the world. Resources were available for all ages in an effort to maintain mental wellbeing in addition to physical wellbeing.
YOUTH SWIM TEAM
While swim meets were unable to take place in 2020, the Swim Team safely resumed practices on June 22 while following the CDC Guidelines put in place for pool activities. Daily temperature checks were conducted before swimmers or coaches were allowed into the Y. Coaches wore masks at all times and athletes were required to wear masks right up until they entered the water. There was time taken between practices for staggered entry and exit and locker room use was shut down. Social distance was maintained at all times.
While swim meets were unable to take place in 2020, the Swim Team safely resumed practices on June 22 while following the CDC Guidelines put in place for pool activities. Daily temperature checks were conducted before swimmers or coaches were allowed into the Y. Coaches wore masks at all times and athletes were required to wear masks right up until they entered the water. There was time taken between practices for staggered entry and exit and locker room use was shut down. Social distance was maintained at all times.
ACHIEVERS PROGRAM
The Summit Area YMCA’s Achievers Program taught students about college applications, standardized tests, scholarships, career planning, internship opportunities, and more. The Achievers visited several colleges and universities before the pandemic hit including Seton Hall, NJIT, Felician University, The College of St. Elizabeth, and Rutgers New Brunswick. The program continued virtually with a webinar series that covered National Decision Day, dorming vs. commuting, how to prepare over the summer for the upcoming year, financial literacy, and resources for planning and preparing for school. Achievers closed out the school year with a virtual celebration.
The Summit Area YMCA’s Achievers Program taught students about college applications, standardized tests, scholarships, career planning, internship opportunities, and more. The Achievers visited several colleges and universities before the pandemic hit including Seton Hall, NJIT, Felician University, The College of St. Elizabeth, and Rutgers New Brunswick. The program continued virtually with a webinar series that covered National Decision Day, dorming vs. commuting, how to prepare over the summer for the upcoming year, financial literacy, and resources for planning and preparing for school. Achievers closed out the school year with a virtual celebration.
