BURNHAM — The summer season is in full swing, and while kids are excited to have a break from school, for some parents, summer can be the most stressful time of year. Trying to maintain employment and responsibilities while also finding childcare can be tough for many families. The Juniata Valley YMCA may be the solution.

Located in Burnham, the YMCA has been a place of inclusion, fun, learning, and opportunity for many years. This year is no different as the YMCA begins their summer camp program for children grades kindergarten through fifth grade and introduces a new pre-k camp for children ages 3 through 5.

Chief Executive Officer Victoria Searer shared, “This summer at the Juniata Valley YMCA, things are busier and more exciting than ever. Compared to last year, we have seen growth in camp enrollment, increased participation in programs, and even more energy throughout the building. We’ve added new camp themes and activities, introduced a Preschool Summer Day Camp, and made facility improvements that our members and families are really noticing. It’s clear that the community is responding to the positive changes we’ve made and we’re just getting started.”

Searer added that this season can be slow, but there are several programs offered at the YMCA.

“Summer tends to be our slowest season for programs at the YMCA, as many families travel or focus on outdoor activities during this time. However, we continue to offer key programs like summer day camp and swim lessons to keep kids engaged and provide support for working parents. We also use the summer months to plan, improve, and prepare for a strong fall season,” Searer explained. “In the summer we run our summer day camp program which runs for 12 weeks out of the summer for children in grades K through 5. Parents can drop kids off anytime before 9 a.m. and pick them up anytime before 5:30 p.m.”

The summer camp at YMCA is like no other, from themed weeks to adventurous field trips, the YMCA has something to offer every child.

“Kids stay active, make friends and have fun all week long. Each week has a different theme and is packed with a variety of activities including swimming, arts and crafts, outdoor games, STEM projects, sports, guest speakers, team challenges and field trips. Some of the field trips this summer are 2000 degrees to paint pottery, Promise Ranch, Miller Cinema, Mifflin County Library, Lake Raystown, DelGrosso Park, Poe Valley, Greenwood State Park, T&D Cats, Little Buffalo, East Broad Top Railroad, State College Spikes Game and the Whitaker Center. We also focus on character development and building confidence through group activities and positive mentorship. Every week has a different theme, keeping things fresh and exciting for campers all summer long. You can sign your child up for as many weeks as you would like, one week, or all 12,” Searer explained.

For the YMCA, it does not have to be out with the old to be in with the new. While maintaining their K through 5 camp, they have also added a Pre-K camp for children ages 3 to 5. Along with a new camp opportunity, they have also added some new equipment to better fit the needs of the members.

“New programs this summer include our pre-K camp for kids ages 3 to 5. This program will run for two weeks in the summer, June 15-20 and July 14-18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. At the YMCA’s Pre-K Summer Day Camp, our youngest campers enjoy a fun and nurturing environment filled with age-appropriate activities that help them learn, grow, and play. Each day includes hands-on crafts, story time, songs and movement, beginner sports and games, water play, and outdoor fun. Our themed weeks spark imagination and keep little ones engaged while promoting social skills, creativity, and independence in a safe and caring setting,” Searer explained. “New equipment we have added to our fleet in the last few months is a Palisade (stair) Climber, a new treadmill, a new elliptical, a new Smith machine, a forearm wrist roller blaster exerciser and an adjustable back extension machine.”

Although summer comes with its own perks, there are also a few programs that the YMCA offers all year round such as swim lessons.

Searer added more detail, explaining, “We have private swimming lessons and group swimming lessons which run all year round. Swimming lessons at the YMCA offer more than just water safety, they build confidence, teach lifelong skills and promote healthy activity. Our certified instructors create a supportive environment where kids of all ages and abilities can learn at their own pace. The Y’s swim program focuses on safety first while also helping children become strong, capable swimmers. Plus, learning to swim at the YMCA means joining a community that cares about every child’s growth and well-being. People can sign up for private swimming lessons at any time by contacting Meg at ypoolmanager@yahoo.com and the next group lessons are set to run in July for three Saturday’s July 12, 19, 26. You get three group lessons for $28 for YMCA members and $38 for nonmembers.”

The YMCA also has lifeguarding certification classes and will be offering more classes on June 26-29. Along with lots of pool related activities, the YMCA also offers year-round karate classes every Tuesday with Hanshi Joe. Anyone interested in karate classes can join on Tuesday night from 6-7 p.m. for ages 6 through 12 and there’s a class for ages 13 and up, which is held from 7-8:45 p.m. The YMCA isn’t just for young children, they also offer classes for all fitness abilities, offering senior silver sneaker classes, senior fitness classes in the water, aqua zumba, yoga, tabata and much more.

As the YMCA staff continues to add experiences for everyone in the community, their membership has been on the rise.

“Membership at the Juniata Valley YMCA has been trending upward over the past few years. We believe this positive growth is a direct result of the many improvements we’ve made to our facility, programs and services. The community sees our commitment to reinvesting in the Y, whether through updated equipment, expanded programming for all ages or enhancements to the building itself. These efforts have helped us better serve our members and attract new ones who recognize the value the YMCA brings to the community,” Searer noted.

Summer isn’t the only time the YMCA offers grand opportunities, there are also multiple programs to look forward to during the fall months. Some fall programs include judo which will start again on Mondays in September for children ages 6 through 9, jelly bean tumbling for children aging from 18 months to 3-years-old, gymnastics for children ages 4 to 10, youth recreational basketball from 3-years-old to eighth grade, the YMCA swim team for ages 5 to 18, and adult volleyball ages 18 and up. The YMCA also offers themed pool parties.

Searer had some final comments, stating, “The community can check out our new website at www.jvymca.org and subscribe to the YMCA’s newsletters to be the first ones to find out about programs and events at the YMCA. We typically send out one newsletter per month with information about what is going on at the YMCA. We have a few spots left for our preschool classes that will start in the fall. What makes our YMCA preschool activity time unique? Children will have the opportunity to learn in a positive, creative environment while also enjoying time in the gym and swimming pool. This will run from September to the end of the MCSD school year.”

The three-year-old class will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will have eight class sessions.The cost for members is $65, while the cost for nonmembers will be $95. The four-year-old class will run on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will consist of 12 class sessions. The cost for members will be $95 and the cost for nonmembers will be $140.

For more information you can visit www.jvymca.org or call 717-248-5019.