Category: Youth Development

YMCA camp programs offer a fun and unique experience that give children and teens the opportunity to have their Best Summer Ever™, by meeting new friends, exploring nature, discovering new interests, being physically active and creating memories that last a lifetime. 

Attending summer camp is beneficial to every child’s personal development. The experience teaches essential leadership and social skills and helps youth develop confidence and independence. 

Summer camp fosters peer friendships and adult mentoring relationships that have positive youth development effects, build resiliency and encourage healthy decision making.

Participation in summer camp is a great way for parents and caregivers to keep kids’ minds and   bodies active. 

• Research shows that without access to out-of-school physical and learning activities, kids fall behind academically and gain weight twice as fast during summer than the school year. 

• YMCA summer camp supports the social-emotional growth, cognitive development, and physical well-being of kids, and provides an environment where kids can belong, build relationships and realize their potential.  

• More than 73% of families reported that their child made new friends during camp. (Data collected by Seer Analytics using BaseMetrics surveys)

• More than 75% of families reported that their child felt a sense of belonging during camp. (Data collected by Seer Analytics using BaseMetrics surveys)

The Y encourages parents to give their kids the unique experience of camp to help keep them healthy and engaged during the summer. 

Financial Assistance Available

To ensure that all kids have this opportunity, YMCA of Coastal Carolina has an opportunity for financial assistance to help parents in need send their child to camp.

Five Reasons Why Kids Should Attend Summer Camp

1. ADVENTURE: Summer camp is all about a wide variety of new experiences, and especially exploring the outdoors. YMCA camps have a new adventure for every child and teen. Visit www.coastalcarolinaymca.org for details.
2. HEALTHY FUN: Our camps offer fun, stimulating activities that engage the body and mind, and helps children and teens learn the importance of nutrition to help improve their eating habits.  
3. PERSONAL GROWTH: While in the welcoming environment of camp, youth are encouraged 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. 
4. FRIENDSHIPS: Amidst the fun of camp games, songs, swimming, and talent shows, campers meet new friends and strengthen existing friendships.  The bonds formed at camp are important and lasting for many youths.
5. MEMORIES: Summer camp is an unforgettable experience that will give each camper memories and instill camp traditions that will last a lifetime. Youth return to school with plenty of camp stories to share!

YMCA Camp Facts

• The Y is one of the largest providers of camp programs. There are over 1,850-day camps at local Ys across the country, 315 overnight camps for youth and teens and many specialty camp programs that meet the diverse needs of children and teens, such as youth with disabilities and illnesses.

• Ys nationwide serve 950,400 kids and adults through summer day and overnight camp programs.  Additionally, more than 420,000 youth, teens, families, school and retreat groups are served each year with group camping overnight programs.

• The Y gives youth early work experience, employing over 61,000 college-aged young adults as summer overnight camp leaders each year, guiding their career interests in youth development.  

• Tens of thousands of teens are annually enrolled in “Leader in Training” and “Counselor in Training” program every summer at YMCA day and overnight camps that provide valuable responsibilities in leadership.

Why the Y?

Nationally, the Y has been a leader in providing summer camp for over 130 years. The YMCA of Coastal Carolina Camps continue to give youth an enriching, safe experience with caring staff and volunteers who model positive values that help build kids’ character.  

At the Y, there is a camp program for everyone! From day camp and Preschool camp and specialty camps for differently abled or special needs kids, there is a suitable experience available to meet the diverse needs of campers. Camp staff are intentionally focused on helping youth develop by experiencing accomplishment, building friendships, and creating a unique sense of belonging at camp. 

YMCA Camp Programs

• Day Camp: Day camp can offer almost all the benefits of traditional camp — new experiences, skill building, a sense of community and lasting friendships — in rural and urban settings while returning home each afternoon. Ys across the nation offer day camps for elementary age boys and girls and many may have offerings for preschoolers or teens.  

• Specialty Camps: Specialty camps are offered at many Ys that focus on programming specialties, such as teen adventure, music, sports, science, arts, and STEM. Specialty camps may also be offered for campers with special needs that are ideal for youth with developmental disabilities, physical and mental health challenges or other issues that may require special attention. 

• Preschool Camp: Join us for a summer of exploring, fun, and sunshine! Preschool Camp provides campers an opportunity to enjoy all the   exciting experiences and opportunities that summer has to offer. Children explore and grow best through planned, age-appropriate activities.

For more information, please visit https://www.coastalcarolinaymca.org/summer-camp/ and sign up today!

Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA hosts an inaugural Holly Jolly Christmas Festival featuring crafts, games, face painting, pictures with Santa, Magic Bubble Show, and a cake walk. This event is free to the public. Donations to support youth programs including JumpStart Preschool are appreciated but not required.

Bring your family out and join in on the fun on Saturday, December 17th from 9am until 11:30am at the First Baptist Compton Life Center, located at 304 North Oak Street, MB, SC, 29577.

Read more about the new YMCA Jumpstart Preschool

YSPLASH! also known as “Safety Around Water” is the YMCA’s premier water safety program. In Georgetown County, all 2nd graders in the district participate in the program at the Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA and Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA. 

Since 2010, the Frances P. Bunnelle Foundation, Georgetown Parks and Recreation, Georgetown County School District, and the Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA have collaborated to bring the YSPLASH Safety Around Water Program to hundreds of second graders each year.  In the past 12 years, YSplash Safety Around Water participants have learned essential skills preparing them for a lifetime of safely enjoying water. 

With their support, the lives of children in Georgetown County are safer. 

Why is the Safety Around Water Program Important? 

Here in the Grand Strand, we are surrounded by rivers, ponds, the ocean and other potentially dangerous aquatic environments. According to the CDC, “For children ages 1–14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death after motor vehicle crashes.” Data from the CDC shows drowning deaths of 1.56 people per 100,000 in South Carolina. 

What do students learn in the program? 

Jamie Harris, Aquatics Coordinator for Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA teaches this program. He explains, “One of the things I do in my position is teach swimming lessons, train lifeguards, and instruct people around Georgetown County about the hazards of aquatic environments and water safety techniques to teach children how to be safe in and out of different aquatic environments. I see the important impact water safety education has on the community.” 

Students go through two in class sessions and 4 pool sessions and learn things like “Reach or Throw Don’t Go”, “Swim, Float, Swim” and “Jump, Push, Turn and Grab”. Students also go through rip current training, boat safety, and what to do and who to contact in an aquatic emergency.  

Last year, we had 580 2nd graders in Georgetown County School District go through Ysplash. This year, we have 549 2nd graders going through YSplash Safety Around Water program. 

Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA will be working with: 

• Browns Ferry Elementary  
• Plantersville Elementary  
• Carvers Bay Elementary  
• Andrews Elementary  
• Kensington Elementary  
• Maryville Elementary  
• McDonald Elementary 
• Sampit Elementary 
• Pleasant Hill Elementary  

Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA will be participating this year and will be working with:  

• Waccamaw Elementary  
• Coastal Montessori Schools  

The program provides a foundation for a lifetime of safety around water for youth in our community. 

How can you help? 

This year, we are seeking community support to provide swimsuits and towels for children who do not have their own. If you would like to participate, please drop off swimsuits in sizes 6 – 9 and beach towels at the following locations: 

• Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA 
• Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA 

The Hurricanes Swim Team has an exciting new season ahead of us with the addition of an additional practice location at the new Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA and a brand-new, state-of-the-art scoreboard at the Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA.

Hurricanes Swim Team adds new practice location in Pawleys

The YMCA of Coastal Carolina Hurricanes Swim Team is thrilled to announce the addition of a NEW practice site, located at the Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA. This addition will allow our team to continue meeting the growing needs of our area and its youth, along with providing a safe, fun, and healthy outlet for young athletes to learn and hone their competitive swimming skills. 

Our New Scoreboard at Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA, provided by HTC

As an added incentive, our team has been the grateful recipient of a grant from HTC to purchase the soon-to-come NEW scoreboard and timing system. These upgrades will allow our team to train at a higher level and truly sets the precedent for the vision of the growth of this team. Swimming as a sport very often comes down to a hundredth of a second and prior to this upgrade, we were reliant on timers and stopwatches. We are sincerely thankful for the generous gifts of all our donors and look forward to officially announcing the scoreboard and timing system’s installation. 

Join the Hurricanes Swim Team!

If you are new to the team or looking to join, please view our Q&A below to learn more about our Hurricanes.  

What are the age ranges? 

4 to 18 years 

How many groups are there? 

6. We break our groups into 6 categories: Tropical Storms, Category 1, Category 2, Category 3, Category 4, and Category 5 

How do I know what category to register for? 
You can come to a walk-in evaluation at any of our branches. Registration cannot be completed without an evaluation. 

• Myrtle Beach: M-R @ 4:30-6:30 
• Georgetown: M-W @ 5:00-6:30 
• Pawleys: T/R @ 5:00-6:30 

What days/times are practices? 
Varied, based upon branch. All days/times by branch can be viewed here

What branches are available? 

All three of our association’s branches will be hosting our team, effective October 4^th. Locations can be viewed here

 
What if my child cannot attend a certain day? Can I attend at another branch, within the same age group? 
You can attend any same-category practices at another branch, with the confirmation from your site coach and team head coach, Jillian Westerfield 

 
What does my child need to wear/bring? 
Swimsuit, towel, goggles, caps (for longer hair) – full supply list for each category will be sent upon registration 

 
What are program fees? 
Fees vary by category and can be viewed here

Why is there a registration fee along with the program fee? 

This is a one-time per season fee that covers the cost of team shirt, cap, and awards throughout the season. 

Do I have to be a Y member to join swim team? 

Yes. This is a requirement by Y-USA for all Y swim team members to be members of their Y. With that, for the Pawleys branch only until January 1, 2023, no swimmer will be required to join as a Y member for the remainder of the year (exceptions being if a swimmer wishes to compete in 2022, they must join the Y prior to the meet). 

What are YMCA membership fees? 

A: All membership rates can be viewed here

What if I cannot afford to join the Y? 
We offer financial assistance for this reason – we believe the Y is for ALL and we want to help limit financial barriers. Please visit one of our locations and request a financial assistance application form for more information. 

What if my child wants to take a month off for another sport? 
We charge monthly, so if you need a month off, just communicate with the head coach and we can out your swim team account on hold. 

Does my child have to go to swim meets? 

No, but it is encouraged. We participate in two swim leagues the Grand Strand Swim League (GSSL) and the Carolina YMCA Swim League (CYSL). We host  one-meet for each league during the season. By competing in a minimum of 2 CYSL Swim Meets your child qualifies for the Y Championship meet where we plan to defend our title as State Champs.

What does my child wear to swim meets? 
Black swimsuit preferred, and our team cap. Swimsuit can be purchased anywhere, but you can also purchase from our team store here: 

How much do swim meets cost? 
Typically, $30.  

We hope this Q&A proves to be helpful and that you will come give our quickly growing team a try. If you have any further questions, concerns, or would like to schedule an evaluation, please contact head coach, Jillian Westerfield at: [email protected] 

The YMCA of Coastal Carolina launched a new preschool in Myrtle Beach at 306 North Oak Street in September.

Ryan Finney, CEO of the YMCA of Coastal Carolina, explains,  “The YMCA of Coastal Carolina is committed to advancing youth development opportunities in the Myrtle Beach community. We understand the great need for affordable childcare options, and in particular, preschool options. We run strong After School and Summer Programs, and now are expanding to preschool to fill a great need in our area. Families in the Myrtle Beach area need access to quality preschool education, and there are not enough options in the community.”   

The Y chose this specific location because it is one of the areas known as a ‘childcare desert,’ meaning there are no affordable pre-school options for families living in this area. 43.1% of Horry County is considered a child care desert for children under five.

In addition, this program is preparing children for Kindergarten.

In the 2020/2021 school year, 75.2% of students in Horry County enrolled in Kindergarten were not demonstrating readiness. 

The preschool is currently a half-day program, but plans for a full-day preschool program are underway to begin in Fall 2023.

The preschool’s safe environment gives kids the perfect place to learn foundational skills, develop healthy, trusting relationships plus cultivate fine and gross motor skills. Classes develop each child’s self-esteem and strong image of self-worth. In every class, educators encourage children to explore, ask questions and solve problems. 

Early childhood educators provide a warm and secure atmosphere with five areas of focus to help kids meet and exceed developmental milestones: learning, life skills, healthy habits, socialization and fine and gross motor skills. By the end of the program, children will be well-prepared to enter Kindergarten. 

Daily Activities include:

• Play 
• Arts & Creativity 
• Science & Discovery
• Mathematics 
• Fine & Motor Gross Activities 
• Language & Literacy 
• Social Studies 
• Emotional Health 
• Indoor & Outdoor Physical Fitness 

Enrollment for ages 2 – 5 is currently open for this program. YMCA offers financial assistance for all programs, including preschool.