Dear YMCA Day Camp Parent,

 Many of us share fond memories of camp experiences from when we were young.  The activities were great fun, but the friendships and role models are what really changed us and made it special.  Parents are often surprised when their children have a positive change after only a short time at camp. This is because YMCA summer camp truly is a magical place where kids can leave their everyday worries behind and everyone can feel like they belong.

 Camp Y’s Acres has become an important part of growing up to many because of the strong goals and values that are the very basis of our program.  We want kids to have the happiest eleven weeks of their year while learning to grow in character.  Great adventures have been carefully designed over many years of experience to nurture, challenge, and excite our campers.

 Finally, we would like you to know that our staff has been selected based on their ability to share these very ideals. They are mature, responsible, capable, and fun role models of the best sort. Our staff is looking forward to meeting you and your child this summer.  If I can be of any assistance, please give me a call.

Sincerely,

 Michael A. Talerico

 Michael A. Talerico

Associate Executive Director

About Camp

The YMCA of Tuscaloosa County Incorporated’s summer day camp offers a wide range of opportunities for each child to develop a healthy spirit, mind and body through a variety of planned and well organized camp activities.  These activities focus on fulfilling the following goals: 

• Develop self-confidence and self-respect among participants, and to create an appreciation of their own worth as an individual.
• Appreciate that health of mind and body is a gift, and that mental well-being and physical fitness are conditions to be achieved and maintained.
• Recognized the worth of all persons and work towards inter group understanding.
• Develop a sense of world-mindedness and work for world wide understanding.
• Understand the importance of displaying caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, faith and fitness.

Campers will have unique opportunities to build friendships, develop values and physical skills in a safe and nurturing environment.  The YMCA strives to help each child develop to their fullest potential in these areas. 

Focusing on these goals daily insures a well-rounded program.  Through this program the mission of the YMCA is reflected. 

Our Mission

 To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

 Scholarship Program

The YMCA of Tuscaloosa County, Inc. makes every effort to ensure that no person, especially youth, will be denied access to programs because of financial hardship.  Our Financial Assistance Program is supported by contributions to our annual Strong Kids campaign.  Families requesting financial assistance must apply in person and provide supporting documentation to verify household size and income. 

To apply for financial assistance download, complete and return the following forms:

Page 2     Page 3     Page 4

Camp Fees

Downtown YMCA Family Members

$64.00 first child    $54.00 second child    $44.00 third child and beyond

Program Participants

$74.00 first child    $64.00 second child    $54.00 third child and beyond

There are additional fees collected for some field trips, or special events and a one time $25.00 family registration fee is due when you register.

Camp Times

Summer day camp begins at 7:00am and ends at 6:00pm Monday through Friday.  A late pick-up fee of $2.00 per minute per child will be charged beginning at 6:01pm. 

Wacky Weekly Themes 

Week 1 – Welcome to the “Y”, May 28^th

The gang’s all here! Summer Camp 2010 will be unlike anything you’ve done before.  Make new friends, and reconnect with all your old friends from last year.  Hang on tight. It’s going to be a crazy ride!

 Week 2 - Blast off to the YMCA, June 1st - June 4th

Blast off with us for the summer of a life-time!  Experience space travel, explore the Tuscaloosa YMCA’s very own space center and take one small step for man, one giant step for mankind as we touch down on the moon.  This week’s camp is going to be out of this world!   

Week 3 – Y Go Green, June 7^th – June 11^th

Learn cool ways to save our Earth and then share those ideas with your friends and family.  This week features eco-hikes, recycling games & activities and tons of fun while learning what it means to go green. 

Week 4 – Gamesapalooza, June 14^th – June 18^th

A week full of games and activities that focus on having fun, developing new skills, learning sportsmanship and the importance of being a team player.  During Gamesapaloosa we will play every type of game you cam imagine from basketball, soccer, uno, dance, dance revolution, Madden, Old Maid and tag to Ultimate Frisbee and everything in between. 

Week 5 – High Noon at the YMCA, June 21^st – June 25^th

Participate in water shoot-outs, gold rush games and sharpen your sling shot skills.  We’re gonna have a good ole time!  The week will end with a cookout and fun day at the park. 

Week 6 – The Big Yellow “Y” Bus, June 28^th – July 2^nd

Pack you bags and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.  We’ll travel across the country and the world in the YMCA’s Big Yellow Bus.  During this week you’ll learn about customs and traditions of different cultures.  Get ready for a whirlwind of excitement. 

Week 7 – Crazy Days, July 5^th – July 9^th

Expect the unexpected!  Join us for crazy daily themes and activities such as crazy hair day, outrageous outfits, tie-dying challenge, hat day and Hawaiian day.  Come get CRAZY with us. 

Week 8 – YMCA Olympics, July 12^th – July 16^th

These aren’t your usual Olympic games.  Come ready to bring home the gold as our camp is transformed into Olympia, Greece the site of the first Olympics.  Campers participate in a week long series of fun and exciting games including potato sack race, water balloon toss, baton race, hula hoop, tug of war and many more. 

Week 9 – Artrageous, July 19^th – July 23^rd

Outrageous fun and creativity packed into one week!  Local artists and our staff will help campers explore their artistic abilities using a variety of mediums.  Painting, crafts, mosaics, drawing, traditional camp arts, plus a whole lot more. 

Week 10 – The Amazing Race, July 26^th – July 30^th

Join us this week for a race across camp.  Campers will develop teamwork skills as they compete in relays, conquer challenges, perform group skits and songs and finish the amazing race.  The final leg of this race will have you dashing to the finish line as we wrap up the week with a cookout and games at the park. 

Week 11 – The Last Hurrah, August 2^nd – August 6^th

Enjoy one last hurrah as we put together the best of the best week, including all of your favorite games and camp activities.  The final week of camp will feature a day trip to the McWayne Center for our 4/5 and 6/7 year age groups and a trip to Alabama Adventure for our 8/9, 10/11 and 12/Up groups.

It's Easy to Register!

1. Complete the registration form and return it to the Downtown YMCA (2405 Bryant Drive, Tuscaloosa).

2. Pay the first week's fee along with the family registration fee.

3. Pick-up a parent handbook .

4. Get ready for an AWESOME summer!

Download Summer Camp 2010 Information

Camp Flyer / Registration Form

Parent Handbook

You can't spell family without the !