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For many parents, springtime brings contemplation of which programs we will register our children in for the upcoming summer weeks.
Typically we need to keep them supervised, safe, and happy for eight to 10 weeks and there is a plethora of options that may be overwhelming. As you browse your options I challenge you to consider what your child may get from a program not just on a day to day basis, but also from a life skills perspective.
Being in the school-age childcare field for 15-plus years now, I have watched children grow and become young adults who have a world of experience and compassion to give back to our communities. I like to think that time spent in Colonie Youth Center programs has helped develop those strong character traits.
While participating in CYC programs, children learn a number of life skills that will benefit them as they grow in years. They learn to cooperate with others and consider others as they may have to share building materials or decide who will go first in a gym activity. They learn resilience as they participate in activities where you don’t always finish first. When facing disagreements with their peers or child care staff, children are able to practice the crucial life skills of conflict resolution and compromise.
Children learn organization as they play throughout a scheduled day.
One of the biggest benefits they learn is to be leaders and role models. As children get older, they grow closer to staff members and want to shadow them, helping them keep the day moving smoothly.
Some of our greatest staff come from young people who have attended our programs and want to share their experience with a future generation.
CYC programs are more than just fun and games, they are learning environments that enhance children’s lifelong goals. We would welcome the opportunity to be a part of your child’s overall development and growth.
Come see what’s happening at the Colonie Youth Center this summer. We are excited to provide five summer day camps overseen by experienced, friendly staff preparing to make summer a splendid experience.
Serving children who have completed K through grade seven, we’ll offer swimming, field trips, team play, creative engagement, and social connections each week.
Camps are located throughout Colonie with current openings at Shaker Road Elementary and Sand Creek Middle schools. We operate Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please contact us to explore all we have to offer.
You may call our administrative office at (518) 438-9596 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or browse our website at www.colonieyouthcenter.org.
Colonie Youth Center, Inc.
Summer Camp Programs
April Castle,
School-Age Childcare Director
