Why Families Choose the Y Each Summer

When families find a summer camp where their children feel like they belong, make lasting friendships and come home with stories to tell, they tend to come back. That's why so many Denver-area families choose YMCA Summer Camp year after year.

For one Denver Y family, the Y has become synonymous with summer adventures and lasting friendships. 

"The Y Summer Camp has been amazing," said Tamara who has three kids. "My daughter has attended for about five summers now." 

Her daughter agrees. "I've made a lot of friends, and every year I go, they're there and I get to hang out with my friends," said Tayven, 11.

From swimming and field trips to park outings and weekly themed activities, campers stay active, engaged and connected all summer long. 

"I really like that they have different things every week that she can participate in," Tamara said. "She's really tired when she gets home, so I know her day is super active." 

For another family, it was the welcoming environment that made an immediate impression.

"The first time we entered the YMCA, the instant draw was just the friendliness of the teachers and the staff," said Morgan, a mother of two. Her child Trey is preparing for kindergarten through YMCA Kinder Camp, a program designed to help children build confidence, independence and social skills before entering the classroom.

"The Kinder Camp option is amazing," she said. "One of the main reasons we selected it was for the extended hours as a working parent. We also chose it for the diversity in the day-to-day activities they're going to be doing."

Morgan believes those experiences will help her child feel comfortable in new settings, interact with new peers and build the confidence to speak up and participate. 

For families across the Denver metro area, the Y isn't just a place to spend the summer or prepare for school. It's a place where children build friendships, confidence and memories that last long after the season ends. As Morgan said: "Definitely check out the local YMCA in your area."