3
4
5
1
2
Gaston County Schools Shout Outs !
The Gaston County Family YMCA is offering day camp to give kids and teens throughout Gaston County an adventurous , active and healthy summer — one that will surely be described as “ the best summer ever ” for years to come . YMCA camp programs offer youth fun and unique experiences with an opportunity to explore the outdoors , meet new friends , discover new interests and create memories that last a lifetime .
Summer is the ideal time for kids to get up , get out and explore . But , for some kids summer means no access to recreational and educational activities to help them learn , grow and thrive during outof-school time . As a result , some kids can experience learning loss and gain weight twice as fast than during the school year . Attending summer camp is a wonderful opportunity for kids to keep their minds and bodies active .
“ YMCA summer camp supports the social-emotional growth , cognitive development and physical well-being of kids ,” says Jaimie Cline , Youth Program Director . “ In our day camp , kids are in a welcoming environment where they can belong , they ’ re building relationships , developing character and discovering their potential . We really encourage parents to give their kids the gift of camp to keep their kids active and engaged throughout the summer .”
Cline says there are five reasons why children and teens should attend summer camp :
Gaston County Family YMCA Helps Youth Experience Their Best Summers Ever Programming keeps kids moving , exploring and learning
3
4
5
Personal Growth : While in the welcoming environment of camp , youth have a chance to learn new skills , and develop confidence and independence by taking on new responsibilities and challenges . Camps offer cognitive learning and social-emotional development opportunities for achievement .
Friendships : Amidst the fun of camp games , songs , swimming , canoeing and talent shows , campers meet new friends and strengthen existing friendships . The bonds formed at camp are important and lasting for many youth .
Memories : Summer camp is an unforgettable experience that will give each camper memories ( and camp traditions ) that will last a lifetime . Youth return to school with plenty of camp stories to share !
The Gaston County Family YMCA offers : traditional day camp , STEAM camp , specialty camp , and licensed day camp . And , to ensure that all youth have the chance to experience camp , the Gaston County Family YMCA offers financial assistance to those in need . If you ’ re interested in helping send kids to camp this summer , you can donate to the Y at gastonymca . org / giving .
A leading nonprofit committed to nurturing the potential of youth , the Y has been a leader in providing summer camp for over 132 years . The Y continues to give youth an enriching , safe experience with caring staff and volunteers who model positive values that help build their kids ’ character .
1
2
Adventure : Summer camp is all about a wide variety of new experiences and exploring the outdoors . YMCA camps have a new adventure for every child and teen . Visit gastonymca . org for details .
Healthy Fun : Day and resident camps offer fun , stimulating activities that engage the body and mind , and also help children and teens learn the importance of nutrition to help improve their healthy eating habits .
For more information , visit gastonymca . org or contact Jaimie Cline at 704.865.8551 , jcline @ gastonymca . org .
Gaston County Schools Shout Outs !
• Matthew Hipps of Ashbrook High School , Elizabeth Leonard of North Gaston High School , and Kristy Newton of Brookside Elementary earned National Board Certification , which is the highest standard for the teaching profession .
• The North Gaston High School cafeteria staff earned a 100 percent sanitation grade .
• Sherwood Elementary collected 1,471 non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army . Tiffany Phillips ’ first grade class contributed 517 items to win the school-wide collection contest .
• Highland School of Technology took first place in the Mathematical Puzzle Program High School Challenge at
UNC-Charlotte . The program is a team-based mathematical puzzle competition for high school students and rewards players for their problem-solving ability .
• McAdenville , Rankin , and Robinson elementary schools participated in the N . C . First Lego League regional robotics competition and qualified to represent Gaston County Schools in the state competition . Bessemer City Central and Pinewood also participated in the regional competition .
• North Belmont Elementary collected 1,434 nonperishable food items for the S . O . C . K . S . organization in Belmont . The collection drive was organized by the school ’ s safety patrol and Girls on the Run team .
4 • March / April • Parent Teacher Magazine