Portage YMCA Kicks Off the No Bummer Summer Day Camp

For about 30 years, the Portage Township YMCA has taken a large interest in providing their community with an exciting summer day camp program. C.C. Cayetano, School Age Child Care Coordinator (SACC) for the Y, heads all activities and developmental operations for campers along with her dedicated staff.

“As a whole, we saw that children also needed care outside regular school time. They still needed care during the summer months so we brought on summer camp. It’s been taking place in the Portage High School for a couple years and we really enjoy the area they give to us,” Cayetano said.

All child care providers from the YMCA serve as role models to those who they watch over and also provide a safe environment for fun. In addition, those who are hired have been certified in First Aid and CPR through the Y.

Many great activities are provided for children enrolled in the No Bummer Summer program. Specialty clinics are made available on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays. Some lively happenings include: sports (baseball, t-ball, soccer, kickball, Ultimate Frisbee etc.), swimming, crafts, and some no bake chef opportunities. Field Trips are thrown into the mix as well. The lineup for the summer, in no particular order, consists of visiting Zao Island, Butterfly Park in Valparaiso, Splash Pad and Valpo Velvet Ice Cream, South Bend Healthy Works Museum, and a water park. IMAX movies such as Monsters University, Despicable Me 2, and Smurfs 2 have also been planned.

“Summer Camp is really fun. I’ve come here for 6 years and always have fun. I learn about different things too,” Rayna, a dedicated Y-camper, said.

“We do crafts here and sport stuff like swimming and soccer. We sometimes play games too. Swimming and games are my favorite,” Karisa, a fellow camper, said.

The only request made to campers and their parents is to bring a full size backpack with a bathing suit, water bottle, towel, sunscreen, and an extra change of clothes just in case they are needed at any point.

The overall reaction from children in the No Bummer Summer Day Camp program is this: Do we have to go home? There is so much going on from when they welcome children in early to when everyone needs to go home that the excitement doesn’t want to stop. From Monday through Friday, about 110 campers walk through Portage High School’s doors wondering what their next adventure will be. CC Cayetano also wants to make a small note to those interested in a child care position at the Portage YMCA: “We are always looking for awesome staff throughout the school year and the summer months. If anyone is looking for a health care or child care position, then you are welcome to come in and fill out an application at anytime.”