Henry Coe Gathering Place Construction Underway

The Henry Coe Gathering Place construction is in full swing here at YMCA Camp Ingersoll.  When completed, it will have the capacity to seat the entire camp all at once to share in the magical spirit of summer camp and deepen a sense of unity and togetherness.

Morning and afternoon flag ceremonies as well as Family Nights have been integral parts of YMCA Camp Ingersoll’s camping program.  Currently, all of our campers, families and staff sit on the ground on a steep hill.  Construction of the amphitheater will allow YMCA Camp Ingersoll to continue to provide the high quality program that our families come to expect in our program.  The structure will provide camp with an appropriate space to gather as one complete unit off the ground, out of the sun, while providing a stage sing songs, perform skits, and participate in traditional ceremonies.
 

The Finished Product

First day of work

Moving some dirt

Done for the day

Maegan's new look

That's a big dirt pile

Steve and the Big Foot - the footings for the stage

2012 Camp Gala Honoring Henry Coe's 40 Years of Service

On September 8^th a hundred YMCA Camp Ingersoll alumni, friends, and family gathered under the Grand Pavilion for the second annual Camp Ingersoll Gala to honor Henry Coe’s 40 years of outstanding service.  Henry worked with seven Outdoor Center Directors during his tenure and they shared their great admiration and respect for his contributions to YMCA Camp Ingersoll with a written tribute published in the Gala Program.  Excerpts of their written remarks tell the story of Henry’s amazing 40 years!

Vinnie Marturano, Camp Director 1970’s - “Henry was values based and lived his life in a manner consistent with the Y’s character values.”  

Carl Rodenhizer, Camp Director 1980’s - “Henry made sure camp was a special place for counselors who came to make a difference and campers who came for the adventure.”    
Dave Jacob, Camp Director 1980’s - “Henry was the one person who continued and fostered the history and magic of the Camp Ingersoll experience.”  

Michele Rulnick, Camp Director 1990’s -  “What I learned from Henry transcends how to run a great day camp, he taught me the value of traditions that instill a sense of community, inclusion, and pride.” 

Patrick Connelly, Camp Director 2000’s - “Henry was able to teach me; about running a day camp, for sure, but also about being open-minded, compassionate, thoughtful and generous.” 

 

Patrick Connelly served as the evenings host and facilitated a tribute to Henry’s many years of service that included a moving speech from his daughter and camp alumni Krista Cerrano, a slideshow, a Patrick Connelly solo and the sharing of funny and inspirational Henry Coe camp stories.   Henry was also presented with a retired jersey (old camp staff shirt) and plaque that will hang on the wall of fame.  To conclude the celebration a group of camp alumni sang and acted out a version of Green Grow the Rushes Ho inviting Henry to join them for the grand finale! 

The Gala helped raised over $10,000 in support of the Henry Coe Gathering Place thanks to the generosity of our lead sponsors Aetna, Middle Oak and the Durham Fair Association and additional sponsorship from BlumShapiro, Durham Manufacturing, and CT Lighting.   Special thanks and appreciation are also due to the countless local restaurants and businesses that donated to our silent auction and balloon game.  The Gathering Place will seat close to 750 campers and staff during our traditional opening and closing flag ceremonies as well as during special events.   Those interested in supporting this project can purchase bricks and benches and be part of camp history.  Additional information on how to purchase bricks and benches can be found at http://midymca.org/images/50th%20recognition%20levels.pdf

Swimming Lessons Save Lives

Summer Time!  We all love the thought of those lazy days of summer and the time that will be spent swimming at our local parks, beaches, and in back yard pools.   This conjures up such a romantic, timeless vision of summer fun.    Swimming is a staple of the summer experience yet for many children it ends in tragedy.  

A study conducted by the University of Memphis in 2010 reports that 70% of African American Children and 58% of Hispanic Children are at risk of drowning due to low or no swimming ability.  Unintentional drowning is the second leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 14.  This alarming statistic can be reversed by teaching children the basic skills they need to save their life when in and around water.

Children need to know how to save their lives around water.   This summer the YMCA will teach hundreds of children how to swim at our summer camps and through our swim lesson programs.  Thanks to generous donations received through our Community Support Campaign many of these children will be eligible for our open doors financial assistance program.  Teaching children to swim is life saving work and it is important that we reach as many children as we can.  

This winter the YMCA worked with the Wesleyan After School Program at Traverse Square to provide swim lessons to 20 children.   Funding for this initiative came from a Middletown Health Department grant.   The Y also provided swim instruction to our preschool students enrolled in the YMCA Phelps Ingersoll Center for Children.  In an effort to reach additional young people the Y worked with the WWMS SWAGG after school program, providing lifeguards so that students could participate in a weekly recreational swim.  These three initiatives helped the Y reach more African American and Hispanic children and youth and provide them with the skills needed to safely enjoy the fun filled days of summer.   

There are many online resources and safety tips for families to use this summer.  Here is a link to one such resource and a few tips to assure that everyone enjoys an accident free summer. 

http://nationalwatersafetymonth.com/water-safety-tips

Water Safety Tips from the Pool Safely "Simple Steps Save Lives" Program 

1. Staying close, being alert and watching children in and around the pool

• Never leave a child unattended in a pool or spa and always watch your child when he or she is in or near water
• Teach children basic water safety tips
• Keep children away from pool drains, pipes and other openings to avoid entrapments
• Have a telephone close by when you or your family is using a pool or spa
• If a child is missing, look for him or her in the pool or spa first
• Share safety instructions with family, friends and neighbors

2.  Learning and practicing water safety skills

• Learn how to swim and teach your child how to swim
• Learn to perform CPR on children and adults, and update those skills regularly
• Understand the basics of life-saving so that you can assist in a pool emergency

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!