Registration Open for Hillsborough, Somerset County YMCA Camps

Whether children enjoy the outdoors, love to dance, or prefer a focused arts, sports or science program, they’ll find something that suits their interests among more than 60 engaging day camps offered this summer at the Hillsborough, Bridgewater, and Somerville YMCAs.

Registration is now open for camp at the Bridgewater, Hillsborough and Somerville YMCAs. A complete listing of Y camps can be viewed online in the camp guide at ymcasomersetvally.org, and registration can be completed in-person at any branch. Camps are for children in grades 1 through 10, and run from June 22 to August 28.

“Attending summer camp at the Y is a wonderful opportunity for kids to keep their minds and bodies active,” said Matt Gray, camp director in Bridgewater and Hillsborough. “This year, our camp theme is ‘At Camp, I Can!’. At Y camp, there is so much a child can do…they can discover nature, take on new responsibilities, build self-confidence, develop essential social skills, and create lasting friendships and memories.”

As a cause-driven organization, the Y supports youth development and seeks to nurture the potential of all children. All camp options reinforce the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

The Hillsborough YMCA has added new camps that include Future Teachers, LEGO Amusement Park and Eco-Expeditions. More outdoor game time is being added for kids in enrichment camps, while the traditional and sports campers will get to try science, cooking and more. Returning favorite camps include Future Vets, Myth Testers, Photography, Culinary Creations, Video Production and dance camps. Lunch will also be available three days a week.

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At the Bridgewater YMCA, new camp director Mr. Gray has added enrichment camps such as LEGO Space Adventures and water camps to the traditional camps that have long been offered. Also new to the program - campers will be able to buy lunch on designated days.

Children who attend camps at the Somerville YMCA will discover new camps such as Hip Hop and Cheer/Tumbling, Sculpture and LEGO Amusement Park, as well as LEGO Mining. Always popular in Somerville are gymnastics, sports, science, and performing arts camps. New field trips have been added this summer, including rock climbing, zip-lining and a visit to a trampoline park.

“At Y camp, we ensure children have fun discovering their potential as they try new things,” said Jessica Brock, Somerville YMCA camp director.

Campers at all three YMCAs will have an opportunity to swim, as each camp has an indoor pool.

To learn more about each camp, please visit our Y camp open house on Feb. 22 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Hillsborough and Somerville YMCAs and from 2:00 to 4:00 pm in Bridgewater.

To ensure that all kids have the opportunity to go to camp, the Y offers financial assistance to families in need.

Nationally, the Y has been a leader in summer camps for 129 years. At the Bridgewater, Hillsborough and Somerville YMCAs, parents can expect their children to enjoy enriching, safe experiences with caring staff and volunteers who model positive values that help build character.

All three camps are voluntarily accredited by the American Camp Association, which means they meet the highest set of standards for camps in the nation. It means the Y complies with up to 300 health, safety and program quality standards set by the ACA.

The Bridgewater, Hillsborough and Somerville YMCAs are branches of Somerset County YMCA. For more information for the Bridgewater YMCA or Hillsborough YMCA camps, please call 908 369 0490. For Somerville YMCA camps, please call 908 722 4567.

About the Somerset County YMCA

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. YMCA staff work to nurture the potential of every youth and teen, improve the community’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The Y believes that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, should have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. For more information about financial assistance or to make a donation, please call 908-766-7898 or click here.

Photos courtesy of by Terry Boudreau for the Somerset County YMCA

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