Middlesex Y Members: Participation Makes a Difference

During the month of March, more than $3,800 was raised for our 2012 Community Support Campaign, thanks to our incredibly committed and supportive Y members!

In planning for our annual campaign, a highly passionate and dedicated group of Y staff members planned, worked and held exciting and fun events to help raise funds and awareness for our Community Support Campaign. From BINGO to a swim-a-thon, spin-a-thon; a Hoop and Shoot Contest; to a Hip Hop Party and Dodge Ball Tournament, the month was filled with exciting new ways for our members to stay fit and become involved in making a difference for their Y, their community. 

Thank you to everyone who helped to make our fundraising events such a success!  It is because of your efforts, our supporters, members and friends, that the Y will remain an essential part of our community, providing accessibility to all.

The Y Needs You

It’s not too late to participate!  Our 2012 Community Support Campaign continues and each and every dollar raised is vital to ensuring that the Middlesex Y remains an accessible and vital part of this community for everyone.  And as a non-profit organization, the Middlesex Y relies on the generous contributions from you, members, friends, participants and community members. 

To learn more about how you can contribute to the Middlesex Y’s 2012 Community Support Campaign or to make a secure donation online, please visit: www.midymca.org/giving.html . 2012 Pledge Cards are also available online for those who do not wish to make your gift via the internet.  For more information, please call (860) 343-6232 or email jcarso@midymca.org 

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES

Did you participate in one of our fundraising events in March?  Share your story by replying in the comments section below.

Make Summer Count with Camp

Lately I have heard a lot of talk about Summer Learning Loss and how it affects our children during the summer months. Summer Learning loss is an actual loss of academic skills and knowledge during summer vacation. The loss varies across subject matter, child’s grade level and family income. 100 years of research show that students typically score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer vacation than they do on the same tests at the beginning of the summer (White, 1906; Heyns, 1978; Entwisle & Alexander 1992; Cooper, 1996; Downey et al, 2004). All children experience learning loss when they do not engage in educational activities during the summer and due to the cost of summer programs, children that come from lower income families experience more of a loss (Alexander et al, 2007).

According to the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA), summer camp programs can help stem summer learning loss. Camp is the experiential classroom. It is a place where children learn how to solve everyday problems that relate to social situations and how to managing time. Camps also provide them with opportunities to take calculated risks such as participating in the High Ropes Course or sing a camp song in front of peers. Numerous studies show that camps positively affect children’s self esteem, confidence and motivation, all which lead to improved academic performance.

Finding the right summer program for your family can be challenging. Indicators of a quality program include: licensing or accreditation, age of counselor and camp leaders, counselor to camper ratio and site or facilities. Of course other factors to think about are location, price and hours of operation. For a complete list of currently licensed programs visit: http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?a=3151&q=400928&dphNav=|&dphNav_GID=1863.

Of course with programs such as Mega Science, Rocketry Camp, Film Making and our Reading Program, YMCA Camp Ingersoll intentionally supplements its traditional camp experience with enriching and educational experiences. Our Open Doors program also ensures that no one is turned away base on their ability to pay. For more information about YMCA Camp Ingersoll and nearly 20 camp programs visit www.campingersoll.org.

Building Awareness, Fostering Community

On March 1^st, the Middlesex Y officially kicked off its 2012 Community Support Campaign. This year, we’re raising awareness and financial support for three of our important focus areas:

Strong Kids, providing local children in need with access to the many life changing programs such as Summer Camp, Before and After School Care, Youth Sports, Swim Lessons and Youth Enrichment; 

Building Healthy Communities, beyond traditional exercise and movement, working to address some of today’s most critical health needs including diabetes, arthritis and obesity and assuring that everyone in our community, regardless of their ability to pay, have the opportunity to live healthier lives; 

Lessons for Life, providing swim lessons and water safety instruction for any child or adult who wishes to learn this critical lifesaving skill.

During this time, we encourage everyone to join our cause,” urges Board Chair Richard Carella. “When we all pitch-in and help our neighbors, we make a meaningful, enduring impact in the lives of children and families, and ultimately strengthen our community.” 

Throughout the month, dedicated Y staff members and volunteers have planned, coordinated and held exciting and fun events to help raise funds and awareness for our 2012 Community Support Campaign.  From BINGO to a swim-a-thon, spin-a-thon; a Hoop and Shoot Contest; to a Hip Hop Party and Dodge Ball Tournament, the month was action packed.  This weekend, 16 teams registered for the second annual Dodge Ball Tournament, which raised more than $1,500 for the campaign. 

Great articles appeared in the Middletown Press:

http://www.middletownpress.com/articles/2012/03/26/news/doc4f700152c3da0737907752.txt?viewmode=fullstory and the Middletown Patch: http://middletown-ct.patch.com/articles/dodge#photo-9416160. If you participated in any of these events, thank you!  We hope you had fun.  We look forward to next year!

We thank all of our supporters! It is with YOU that the Middlesex Y will remain an essential part of our community, providing accessibility for children and teens, for families, for residents, for active older adults…for ALL.

As a non-profit organization, the Middlesex Y relies on the generous contributions from you, members, friends, participants and community members, ensuring that all of our programs remain accessible to all.  To learn more about how you can contribute to the Middlesex Y’s 2012 Community Support Campaign, please visit: www.midymca.org/giving.html or call me at 860-343-6232, via email at jcarso@midymca.org. 

Middlesex YMCA to Offer Youth Triathlon Training Program

A new YMCA youth fitness program will introduce 7^th and 8^th grade students living in Middletown to the challenging sport of triathlon racing. Through a grant funded by the Middletown Health Department, the YMCA will offer a free program that will begin the week of March 19^th and run through the first week in August. The training program includes swimming, biking and running instruction that will conclude with participation in the annual YMCA Camp Ingersoll Triathlon that will be held on August 5, 2012. Swimming instruction led by Caitlin Urciuoli will be held at Woodrow Wilson Middle School on Monday afternoons beginning March 19^th. Fitness, running and biking training led by Kristin Champagne will take place Thursday afternoons at the YMCA.

Transportation will be provided through the WWMS SWAGG afterschool program. Registration is required and can be done through the WWMS SWAGG program or at the YMCA. For more information check out the YMCA website at www.midymca.org.

The YMCA hopes to inspire youth to engage in a fitness routine that is fun, challenging and rewarding. Triathlon training offers young people a venue for health and wellness, self esteem, goal setting and a sense of achievement. The YMCA wants to engage a diverse group of young people who may have never considered training for a triathlon but are enthusiastic about the challenge. Beginners are welcome! Please contact Michele Rulnick at 860-343-6217 with any questions.

Strengthening the Community: The Middlesex Y’s 2012 Community Support Campaign

When you stop and think about the YMCA, what comes to mind? 

Did you know that the most frequent answer is: a gym and a pool?  While it’s true that the Y, and in particular the Middlesex Y, boasts two swimming pools and impressive gym facilities, there is so much more to our story.

Since 1886, the Middlesex Y has been instrumental in providing positive, healthy, life-changing opportunities and accessibility for all who seek to reach their full potential. The Middlesex Y has and continues to serve the community through its programs and services, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. 

Each year, more than 11,250 youth, families and residents participate in programs such as Kids Korner, Camp Ingersoll, Barracuda Swim Team, Youth Fitness and Exercise, special Family Nights and Events, Therapeutic Mentoring, Personal Fitness and Housing for Men. 

For many individuals and families, these life changing programs would not be accessible without financial assistance. Fortunately, the Middlesex Y has never turned anyone away due to lack of funds.  This has always been, and remains true today, thanks to our generous donors.  Each year, more than $300,000 is given to our community members to ensure that each and every person who wants to participate is able to.  

  

March 1^st marks the official kickoff of our 2012 Community Support Campaign. During the month, members of the Y community (Board members, staff and community volunteers) will be sharing their Y stories, and the tremendous impact our Y has on kids, families and individuals every day, with others. We want to share the good work of the Middlesex Y.

During this time, we also ask you, our members, donors, friends and participants to join us.  As a non-profit organization, the Middlesex Y relies on generous contributions from you, ensuring that all of our programs remain accessible to all. 

To learn more about how you can contribute to the Middlesex Y’s 2012 Community Support Campaign, please visit: www.midymca.org/giving.html or contact Jessica Carso, Director of Development at 860-343-6254 or via email at jcarso@midymca.org. 

We also invite you to share your Y story with us!  Send along your story to Jessica via email. Stories submitted may be used in our communications and outreach materials.

There’s more to tell…stay tuned for another Community Support post soon!

YMCA Camp Ingersoll Registrations and Pavilions!

It's been quite a busy start to the year here at camp. Camp Registration is underway and it is off to a very strong start. So far we have received just about 300 more registrations than we did at this time last year! Our specialty camps are quickly filling up, so register now if you haven't done so already. For a complete list of our closed programs, visit our website: www.campingersoll.org.

Steve, working with Pearce Remodeling LLC, has completed the construction of our new Herb Mayo Wee Hut! All that is left is a couple coats of paint and stain.

This new addition to camp will allow the Wee Wonders and Kiddy Kampers to each have their own activity space exclusively for their own programs. This means a larger area for crafts, special projects, liquid sunshine shelter and overall program improvement. I can't wait to see it full of Wees!

We got another surprise last week when Durham Fitness donated a Walk-In Cooler to Camp! The plan is to assemble this 10' x 12' feature near the Kiddy Kamp and Wee Huts so that these Units will be able store their lunches and cooking projects, thus eliminating the walk up to the Long House! The Kiddy Kamp and Wee Wonder Staff especially want to Thank Durham Fitness for that!

There are more site improvements and updates on the way so stay tuned!

50/50 Fitness Competition - Camp Director Challenge #4

Another fine Monday Morning!

Since this is the Final Week and the Final Challenge, let's put all the pieces together! For this week's challenge we're gonna complete a full body workout and throw in some running. Take a look:

Tony's Challenge

Complete a 30 min Upper Body Workout
Complete a 30 min Lower Body Workout
Complete a 15 min Ab/Core Workout
Run at least 10 miles

You can do your own exercises, I will be doing mostly body weight resistance, push ups, pull ups, lunges/swats, etc... Contestants must complete all the workouts to receive the bonus points, partial points will not be awarded for individual workouts.

Good luck and stay fit!

50/50 Fitness Competition - Camp Director Challenge #3

Happy Monday Morning!

Not only is today Monday, but it is also the first day of Open Registration for YMCA Camp Ingersoll! Another sign that summer will be here before you know it.

If you are like me, you spent the day yesterday eating foods that you maybe should have turned down at a Superbowl gathering. For me, let's just say that my body is regretting all the home made nachos, wings, pizza and other appetizers I ingested during the game. I need to burn it all off this week!

Camper Director's Weekly Challenge:

Workout at the Y 5 times.

You can run, swim, lift, use the elliptical or whatever you want, but get into the Y. We're halfway through and this is the week to put the time in.

See you at the Y and stay fit.

Kids' Korner Gives Back: A Look at Community Service

Caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are the four character values embraced by the YMCA. Our Kids’ Korner before and after school programs are committed to teaching children the importance of helping others. Our sites have been completing community service projects throughout the school year that have made a difference. Check out what we have done so far!

Bielefield: Children and staff coordinated a coat drive this winter. Families were asked to bring in gently used coats that were donated to the Goodwill.

ECS: The kids at ECS recognized that the cleanliness of their school grounds and play scape was becoming an issue. They decided to take matters into their own hands and dedicated a day to cleaning up garbage up on the playground and school yard.

Farm Hill: Staff and children created crafts around the holidays that were donated to local senior centers to brighten the decor!

Lawrence: Children are writing and designing their own books based off of the February theme of caring. Once these books are completed they will hopefully be able to read them in classrooms of younger kids at Lawrence.

Macdonough: The children and staff recently held a Dental Drive to benefit Amazing Grace Food Pantry. They visited the pantry, advertised their drive and collected new toothbrushes, dental floss, mouthwash and toothpaste. They recently delivered over 85 pounds supplies to Amazing Grace!

Snow: Snow School Kids' Korner had their Annual Sandwich Day. Parents, staff, and children participated in a service learning project where they assembled over 250 sandwiches that were donated to St. Vincent De Paul Place. Donations for sandwiches are contributed from Kids' Korner families and staff.

Spencer: The children at Spencer are collecting baby care supplies for the ABC Women’s Shelter in Middletown. They are collecting items such as baby wipes, food, formula and diapers. If you would like to help them, please let us know!

Valley View: Children and staff coordinated two different food drives, one for the Amazing Grace Food Pantry and one for a local animal shelter. They collected non-perishable food items for humans and pet food and supplies for our 4 legged friends.

Wesley: The staff and children held a bake sale during parent/teacher conferences. This bake sale was truly a group effort; families and staff donated baked goods, the youngers advertised and the olders perfected their sales pitch and sold the baked goods. They raised $295.00! The kids decided to donate the money to the Meriden Humane Society and a local church to help provide Christmas presents to local families.

Woodside: The kids and staff created a Mitten Tree at the program. They asked people to bring in new mittens, hats and gloves to donate to a shelter in Middletown. Thank you to the teachers, families and Kids’ Korner staff at WIS for helping collect 60 items to donate!

We are proud of the children, families and staff who have completed these projects! Please stay tuned for more upcoming projects.

50/50 Fitness Competition - Camp Director Challenge #2

Good Morning Campers!!

I hope many of you completed last week's challenge of running a total of 12 miles! After some reflection on my challenged based event ahead, I imagine myself of crawling through miles of mud under barbed wire fence and through tunnels, it occurs to me that I'll need some upper body strength. So here is my Upper Body Strength Challenge:

Complete a total of 275 push ups!

My training team and I (Maegan), will do a variety of push up exercises over a course of two separate workouts. But again you can complete the challenge anyway you like, as long as you get to 275 by next Monday.

Good Luck and Stay Fit!

50/50 Fitness Competition - Camp Director Challenge #1

Alright 50/50 contestants as this fitness challenge is about to officially kick-off I first want to thank you for participating. Half of the money raised will help give some children an opportunity they would not otherwise have to experience YMCA Camp Ingersoll this summer. A truly great thing, thank you.

A little about my challenges (I promise the remainder challenges won't be this long winded):

I've been trying to increase my level of fitness for a few years now and in my quest for health, I recently registered for a Tough Mudder event to be held this May. A 10 mile extreme obstacle course that involves running up a mountain, climbing and crawling through mud along with other crazy obstacles. I hear that it requires a mix of stamina, strength and mental toughness to complete. So as I prepare for my adventure, I am challenging you to complete a portion of my training regiment. Important note: I, along with my training partner Maegan, will be completing all my challenges issued each week. Some may be harder than others, but they all are challenging to me! Each challenge must be completed prior to the following Monday and remember our core character value of Honesty!

Tony's Challenge Week 1
I need to get some mileage under my belt, so I figure that a running challenge is a nice way to start. I know it's cold outside, but that's part of the challenge, plus there are plenty of treadmills available.

Run a total of 12 miles

Good luck and stay fit!