by: Bethany Vega
Planning is continuing for one of the Southwest Council’s beloved programs- Camp YEY. Camp YEY is a weeklong leadership day camp that runs each August.
Camp YEY is heavily attended by youth who have been provided evidence based programs from the Southwest Council, Inc. during the school year, but it is open to all who would like to attend. Camp is eligible for youth going into grades 4 through 8 and those entering high school may apply to be Counselor Assistants.
Camp YEY has been running since 2006 and is an enjoyed program by staff at Southwest Council. The staff is always hard at work starting in January with planning and preparing for Camp YEY, whether that is creating a lesson on a new life skill or developing new activities for campers. One of the things I love to see, from a Camp Director view, is the excitement staff shows when talking about their memories from last year and learning who their team partners are (and coming up with ways to get the campers excited for the week). Kevin Allen, Interim Director of Prevention Services says his favorite part of Camp YEY is, “Seeing the discussions we have about leadership come to life during the week of camp. So many campers and CAs show leadership qualities throughout the week; CAs lead their teams and step up to help Camp Counselors when needed, and campers can be seen encouraging one another during activities all week long. Seeing staff, CAs, and campers enjoying the summer together just can't be beat.”
I asked Robert Regler, a Prevention Specialist at Southwest Council, how he feels the youths’ lives are impacted during the week. He responded, “These kids get valuable time to improve on their leadership skills, public speaking, and get to have a fun time while doing so. It’s a nice way for them to develop these skills without having a ton of pressure on them” says Regler. When the Prevention Specialists provide evidence-based prevention programming in the classroom the following school year, students that were campers recognize the Southwest Council staff and talk about how much fun they had at camp and ask about the activities for next year.
We get to see a change in the campers during the week. Some are shy or nervous the first day and by the end of the week they are vocal and encouraging to not only their team, but other teams as well. Ashley Mallon, who is a Prevention Specialist with Southwest Council said it best, “I see so many kids show up not knowing anyone and although nervous, they reach out and make friends. Some start off so quiet on Monday, and then by Friday, are being chosen for a leadership award. I see youth who are scared of heights, overcome their fear and climb the rock wall. Kids who see a craft and automatically throw their hands up in defeat; instead- slow down, listen, and create. It may only be a week, but it's a week of opportunities they may never have had. “
Camp YEY offers a variety of activities for youth while they are there. From gaga ball, and swimming in the lake, to archery and the high ropes course. So many campers talk on the buses to each other about how they went down the zip-line and encourage others to go on it. Christa Mazzeo, Prevention and Recovery Services Coordinator, said that one of the things she believes campers love the most is, “The ropes, and camp store, but also the team leaders.”
The fun does not stop there for the youth as we include the family in the fun! On Fridays family members of the campers are able to attend our Family Fun Day. This day is filled with a carnival like experience and lets the youth show off their team cheers, posters, and have an award ceremony. Lunch is provided for all who attend free of cost, all we ask is that we are made aware of how many members will be attending so we have enough for lunch.
Pre-registration opened April 1st, 2020 and is still currently open and taking registration for all age groups. Any campers who are going into grades sixth through eighth will be a part of week 1 and any campers going into fourth through fifth grades will be a part of week 2. When the camper is registered they must send in the consent to treat form, Camp Edge waivers, and current immunization records to be counted as fully registered for Camp YEY. Those who have sent that information in and it has been received by the registration team will receive an email stating their camper is fully registered for Camp YEY.
Camp YEY is a fantastic way for youth who do not have the opportunity to attend a summer camp to participate in the summer camp fun and have that experience. From being an event that not only youth but staff as well look forward to during the year, we work hard in creating memories and skills that will enhance the wellbeing of youth. For more information please visit www.southwestcouncil.org/campyey or www.facebook.com/campyey. Any questions please feel free to reach out to Camp Director, Bethany Vega, at campyey@southwestcouncil.org or (856)-794-1011 x 323.
