YMCA Summer Day Camp provides kids with opportunities to have fun while building a healthy spirit, mind and body. Kids have the opportunity to find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships and memories. These experiences would not be possible without the support of our generous charitable partners.

That is why the C.W. Avery Family YMCA would like to thank the NASCAR Foundation for a $9,250 grant through its Speediatrics Grant Program which helped to support the promotion of healthy lifestyles for kids in summer camp this year.   

Camp activities included a three week step counter challenge, with campers receiving special pedometer watches from NASCAR to help track their progress each day. NASCAR also provided racing themed programming for campers featuring an activity booklet, healthy snacks and interactive videos.

C.W. Avery Family YMCA Youth and Family Director Shannon Stawikowski said the resources fit perfectly with the Y’s efforts to keep kids healthy and active.

“By engaging in fun games and activities during the day at camp, kids learned that physical activity is fun and exciting and that a healthy lifestyle can make them stronger, help them to have more energy, and feel their best,” Stawikowski said.  

Activities culminated in a Speediatrics Fun Day Festival that allowed kids to participate in fun outdoor games and challenges. Stawikowski said campers enjoyed the festival and that Speediatrics programming was an amazing addition to the Y’s summer day camp program in Plainfield.

“It kept the kids excited to come back to camp each day in anticipation of what we had planned for them next,” she said. “Everyone who helped plan the program went above and beyond to make it as easy as possible for YMCA staff to facilitate the step challenge and daily activities. We truly appreciate all of the work that went into providing this great program at our Y.”

Through its commitment to youth development, the C.W. Avery Family YMCA nurtures the potential of every child through its summer day camp and Kid Zone PLUS before and after school programs. Parents can learn more about Kid Zone PLUS for the 2020-21 school year  by clicking here. To pledge your support for these programs through a charitable gift to the Mission Strong Fund, click here.