At YMCA camp, ‘it’s all about the kids’

BY JOSHUA BYERS

JBYERS@TRIBDEM.COM

Children beamed with excitement Monday as they worked on crafts, swam in the pool, played games and visited with Santa Claus at the Greater Johnstown Community YMCA.

They were the first to take part in the YMCA’s new Frosty Fun Winter Day Camp – an opportunity for parents and caregivers to take their children to a safe space during the holiday break from school.

“Having them not have to worry about child care ... was the goal,” YMCA youth and family coordinator Jolie Carey said. “We love having them here. They love being here.”

The idea for a winter camp – which started Monday and continues from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday and the same time Dec. 30 and Jan. 3 at the YMCA, 100 Haynes St. – sprung from the success of this year’s Summer Day Camp.

Carey said this was the best year the YMCA had regarding attendance, with more than 50 children taking part per week. Because of that, the YMCA extended the offering.

“We knew that there was definitely a need for this sort of thing over winter break,” Carey said.

Drop-off commenced at 7:30 a.m. Monday and was followed with crafts that included paper snowmen, ribbons and coloring.

Shortly thereafter, the children were surprised by Santa Claus walking through the door to read them a book, chat about their Christmas lists and spend some quality time with them.

The rest of the day included a pizza party, a free swim in the

Please see YMCA, Page 2

Zane Castello, 6, of Johnstown, whispers his Christmas wish to Santa Claus during the Frosty Fun Winter Day Camp holiday party Monday at the Greater Johnstown Community YMCA in Johnstown, above. Below left, children line up to receive a gift from Santa Claus at the winter camp; below right, they gather around him. Find a gallery with more photos of the festivities online at www.TribDem.com.

PHOTOS BY THOMAS SLUSSER/ THE TRIBUNE-DEMOCRAT

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YMCA pool and an afternoon snack before pick-up.

“I’m looking forward to swimming,” 9-year-old Laila George said. She has attended YMCA programs for five years and always has a great time, she said.

Ryder Elliott, 9, was a firsttime attendee at the YMCA day camp, but he was enjoying himself. He said he was looking forward to meeting new friends and also was excited to swim.

Holiday music played as children bounded from one station to the next, chatting with staff, crafting and playing with Santa.

They also carefully picked handmade knit caps donated by a YMCA member, both to take and gift to family members.

“It’s all about the kids,” YMCA counselor Aijahn Tisinger said.

He said the day camp is a great offering because it provides parents with peace of mind that their children are at a safe space, enjoying themselves and getting to interact with others their age.

Tisinger grew up attending similar offerings at the YMCA, New Day Inc. and Greater Johnstown School District’s Summer in the City. He also worked at Flood City Youth Fitness Academy after high school. That inspired him to follow in his mentors’ footsteps.

“It was motivating to me,” he said of those role models. “That made me want to give back.”

Registration for the other Winter Day Camp days is still open and can be completed at www.johnstownpaymca.org.

The YMCA is offering holiday swim lessons for pre-school through school-aged children on Thursday, Monday and Jan. 2.

For more information about all programs, visit www. johnstownpaymca.org.

Joshua Byers is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. He can be reached at 814-5325054. Follow him on Twitter @Journo_Josh.