TRI-CITIES, Wash. –
While the holidays can be a fun time for families it can also be very stressful for many parents who still have to work while their kids are on break from school or too young to go to school.
The YMCA of Greater Tri-Cities is having a winter break camp that starts on Dec. 21st and goes until Jan. 2nd.
“Its mostly for the working parents that need that care for their kids when school is out and they don’t have any babysitters or family nearby” says Lacey Cole, YMCA Marketing Director.
For those 7 days, kids ages 5-12 will be doing hands on learning, DIY activities and even get to go on field trips around the area. Cole tells NonStop Local that parents must pack their children a cold lunch but that snacks throughout the day will be provided by the YMCA.
Cole says that the YMCA has a license to serve 80 kids at each of their camp locations. One of the camps will be held at Amon Creek Elementary in Richland and the other will be at Lincoln Elementary in Kennewick.
“It gives me a sense of security as a mother that I’m taking my son to a place where they have already taken the training on how to keep him safe and that this program is available for them on their off time” says Cecy Moreno, Local Parent.
According to the National Library of Medicine, its important for students of all ages and genders to get regular physical and mental enrichment outside of their structured school schedule because it significantly increases their physical and psychological development.
Cole says that the winter camp costs $40 a day for YMCA members and $45 a day for community members. She says that you can register for the full 7 days or select which days you want your child to attend individually and that the YMCA will accept registrations until all of their spots are filled.
Amon Creek Elementary is located at 18 Center Pkwy, Richland, WA 99352 and Lincoln Elementary is located at 4901 W 20th Ave, Kennewick, WA 99338.
