YMCA summer camp programs offer fun, build character

The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA branches are offering camp programs to give children and teens an adventurous, active and healthy summer.

YMCA camp programs offer youth fun and unique experiences with an opportunity to explore the outdoors, meet new friends, discover new interests and create memories that last a lifetime.

Nearly 50 percent of U.S. parents say technological distractions, such as television, cell phones or video games make it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle for their children, according to the latest findings of the YMCA’s Family Health Snapshot, a survey that gauges children’s activity levels during the school year. 
With more free time in summer, ensuring that kids practice healthy habits could be a greater challenge. 

The Y encourages parents to help their kids unplug from technology and explore all the Y’s camp has to offer.  

There are five reasons why children and teens should attend summer camp:   

1.    ADVENTURE: Summer camp is all about a wide variety of fun adventures and new experiences, and especially exploring the outdoors. YMCA camps have a new adventure for every child and teen. Visit www.cccymca.org for details.

2.    HEALTHY FUN: Day and resident camps offer fun, stimulating activities that engage the body and mind, and also help children and teens learn the importance of nutrition to help improve their eating habits. 

3.    PERSONAL GROWTH: While being away from the routine back home, youth have a chance to learn new skills, and develop confidence and independence by taking on new responsibilities and challenges.

4.    NEW FRIENDSHIPS: Amidst the fun of camp games, songs, swimming, canoeing and talent shows, campers meet new friends and strengthen existing friendships. 

5.    MEMORIES: Summer camp is an unforgettable experience that will give each camper memories (and campfire stories) that will last a lifetime. Youth return to school with plenty of camp stories to share!

The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA offers both day and resident camp experiences and to ensure that all youth have the chance to experience camp, the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA offers financial assistance to those in need through it’s Strong Kids Campaign.

A leading nonprofit committed to nurturing the potential of youth, the Y has been a leader in providing summer camp for nearly 130 years. 

The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA continues to give youth an enriching, safe experience with caring staff and volunteers who model positive values that help build their kids’ character.

For information, visit www.cccymca.org or call 203-777-9622.

This post is taken from a press release from Central Connecticut Coast YMCA.

Valley YMCA in Ansonia to mark Healthy Kids Day

Nationwide initiative aims to improve families' health 

On April 27, the 11 Central Connecticut Coast YMCA branches are celebrating YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day^® with free community events that encourage kids to get moving and learning, and families living healthier. 

The Valley YMCA is at 12 State St., Ansonia.

Healthy Kids Day, the YMCA's national initiative to improve families’ health and well-being, takes place at 1,900 Ys and kick-starts healthier behaviors now and throughout the summer, a critical out-of-school time for children’s health.

Many U.S. children do not get the daily recommended hours of physical activity and reading, and daily amounts of healthy foods.

According to the latest findings of the YMCA’s Family Health Snapshot – a survey of parents that gauges their children’s activity levels during the school year – only 19 percent of children get 60 minutes of physical activity, only 17 percent read books for fun, and only 12 percent eat at least eight fruits and vegetables daily.

“At the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA, we know parents struggle to keep their kids physically and intellectually active every day. We want to help ensure fewer kids are at risk of childhood obesity and more kids excel in school,” said Christian Engle, Senior Vice President & COO, Central Connecticut Coast Y. 

“YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day will get kids moving and learning while also helping families get a jump on creating a healthier summer, and ultimately a healthier future.”

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.

On April 27, YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day will help parents begin thinking early about what their kids need to grow and achieve all summer long.

The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day events feature fun, active play and educational activities.

YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day is supported by national media partners Sprout and Lazy Town, who are committed to encouraging kids to lead a healthy lifestyle. 

For information, contact the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA, 203-777-9622 or visit cccymca.org.

The Central Connecticut Coast Y is based in downtown New Haven with 11 Y branches in Greater New Haven and Greater Bridgeport. It also operates YMCA Camp Hi-Rock, a 1,000-acre residential and day camp in Mt. Washington, Mass. 

This information is taken from a press release from Central Connecticut Coast YMCA.

YMCA waives joining fee through Sunday

When dealing with life’s daily demands, people need a place to go where they can feel supported and receive help in trying times. They need a place where adults can find life balance; children can reach their full potential; seniors can be active and find camaraderie; and families can connect and strengthen relationships. 

By becoming involved with the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA, individuals have the opportunity to improve their health and well-being and connect with the community, all while participating in their favorite program or activity at the Y.  

“The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA is a community that is dedicated to helping individuals achieve a balance of spirit, mind and body,” said Barbara Moore, Membership Director, Central Connecticut Coast YMCA. “We encourage everyone to get involved by joining the Y where they can take advantage of the resources and support to be healthy and connected.”

As a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y seeks to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has an opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. 

To help more people benefit from the Y, the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA is waiving the Joining Fee - up to a $100 value - through Sunday (Jan.  6). 

The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA offers a variety of programs to help achieve greater health and well-being, nurture youth and inspire individuals to give back to better their community. For information about the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA call 203-777-9622 or visit cccymca.org.

The above is taken from a press release from the YMCA.

YMCA offers tips to improve family's health in New Year

The New Year is a time for new beginnings and to set goals that strengthen one's spirit, mind and body. When making New Year's Resolutions, the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA reminds families that building and maintaining family connectedness is one of the most important resolutions. 

At the Y, we are committed to strengthening individuals and families to build stronger communities.  When making resolutions, we encourage people to begin with small changes that are easy to sustain and that lead to big benefits over time. Also, set goals as a family to learn and thrive together.

The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA offers a variety of programs that support family time.
There are simple things families can do at home to improve their family’s health and well-being. Following are five New Year’s Resolutions the Y recommends for 2013:        

1.    Eat Together: Sitting down together for a meal is a great way for parents and children to share stories, or talk about the school day or their favorite part of the day. Set aside time for the family to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner at least once a week or every day if scheduling permits.

2.    Volunteer Together: Giving back and supporting neighbors benefits everyone involved. It teaches children and teens the value of helping others and is also a way to meet new people or discover a new interest. Find an opportunity in your community that the entire family may enjoy, such as cleaning your neighborhood park or distributing food at a local food bank.

3.    Unplug from Technology: Limit screen time (television, video games, computer, etc.) and instead set aside an hour or two for activities that allow interaction and camaraderie. If weather permits, go for a walk, bike ride, trip to the park, or have a game night at home. If you do want to watch television, maybe have a movie night with the family.  

4.   Be Physically Active: It’s important for children to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day (30 minutes for adults). Incorporate physical activity into your daily routines and spend more time walking to places instead of driving to improve your health and well-being.

5.  Put Extras to Good Use: Do you have extra canned goods or clothes that could benefit others in need? Clean out your pantry, closet or attic and donate extra items to homeless shelters or community outreach programs. You can also get the entire family involved and demonstrate to the children the value of giving.

For additional tips or to learn about the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA family time programs, call 203-777-9622 or visit cccymca.org.

YMCA recognizes, supports military families

Military Family Month provides all Americans the opportunity to recognize the dedication, sacrifice and service of military personnel and their families.
The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA branches recognize military families this November and all year round by bringing families together to have fun, grow, strengthen their relationships and build connections with other families waiting at home.

“The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA is a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community, and this begins with ensuring all people are welcome and can find a place to connect – as in the case of families who are separated from loved ones who are serving our great nation,” said Christian Engle, Central Connecticut Coast YMCA Senior Vice President & COO. 
“Having a loved one in harm’s way puts a lot of stress on family members at home and the Y offers a supportive environment to make the situation more manageable.”

First established by the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) and recognized by First Lady Nancy Reagan in 1993, Military Family Month recognizes the dedication and service of military personnel and their families.
On Oct. 30, 2009, President Barack Obama continued this important initiative by proclaiming November as Military Family Month, calling on “all Americans to honor military families through private actions and public service for the tremendous contributions they make in the support of our service members and our Nation.”

For information about the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA and its programming that supports family time, call 203-777-9622, or visit www.cccymca.org.

The Central Connecticut Coast Y is based in downtown New Haven with 11 Y branches in Greater New Haven and Greater Bridgeport. 
It also operates YMCA Camp Hi-Rock, a 1,000-acre residential and day camp in Mt. Washington, Mass.

 

The non-profit Armed Services YMCA is a proud partner organization of the YMCA. 
The top-rated Armed Services YMCA of the USA makes military life easier by providing social services for young enlisted military and their families, helping nearly 500,000 with the help of 18,000 volunteers nationwide each year.

This information is from a release from Donna Lisitano, Marketing and Communications Director, Central Connecticut Coast YMCA in New Haven.

 

Diabetes prevention is in spotlight

YMCA urges residents to learn risks for disease

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA is encouraging residents to learn their risks for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, and to take preventive steps to potentially reduce developing the disease.

Currently, one in three Americans (79 million people) has prediabetes, a condition where a person’s blood glucose is elevated, but not high enough for them to be diagnosed with diabetes. 

With awareness and simple actions, people with prediabetes may prevent the onset of diabetes. 

Individuals can assess their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes by taking a simple test at CCC YMCA Diabetes Prevention and learn how lifestyle choices help determine the ultimate risk developing the disease. 

Several factors that could put a person at risk for type 2 diabetes include family history, age, weight and activity level, among others. If a person is at risk, a diabetes screening conducted by a physician can confirm if a person has diabetes or prediabetes. 

 “The Y is dedicated to improving the nation’s health and well-being, and helping residents understand their risk of developing chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes is just one way we are improving the health of our community,” said Kelly Vaughan, CCC YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program Coordinator.  “Choosing to make healthy changes is the first step.” 

While the nation’s obesity epidemic and the rise in type 2 diabetes is well chronicled, the number of people with prediabetes remains a growing and often under-reported condition. 

Currently only 7 percent of those with prediabetes know they have it, and people with prediabetes are at serious risk for not only developing type 2 diabetes, but also heart disease, stroke and other conditions.

To help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, the Y offers some basic lifestyle changes that contribute to weight loss and healthy living that can decrease the risk for type 2 diabetes. 

Among these are:

 · Eat fruits and vegetables every day.

 · Choose fish, lean meats, and poultry without skin. 

 · Aim for whole grains with every meal. 

 · Be moderately active at least 30 minutes per day five days a week. 

 · Choose water to drink instead of beverages with added sugar.

 · Speak to your doctor about your diabetes risk factors, especially if you have a family history or are overweight. 

  To learn more about the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA’s Healthy Living and the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, go to cccymca.org or call 203-777-9622 x 2116. 

Central Connecticut Coast YMCA offers tips on healthy eating, physical activity

Childhood obesity rates are on the rise

   September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA — a leader in youth development and healthy living—wants to help families understand the risks of childhood obesity and how to incorporate regular physical activity and healthy eating into their lives.

Childhood obesity rates have soared over the last few decades. Nationally, one in three children is obese or overweight. 

More alarming, obesity puts children at risk for chronic diseases often seen in adults, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

“At the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA, we want families to understand the risks of childhood obesity and the lifetime benefits of eating healthy foods and enjoying physical activity,” said David Stevenson, President & CEO of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA.  “Small changes can make a big difference when it comes to healthy living and the Y is a great place for families to get started.”

This health crisis sheds light on the need to provide children and parents with the resources and the support they need, emphasizing that small steps can lead to sustained changes to reverse the childhood obesity trend. The following tips can help families live healthier:

1. Eat Healthy: Make water the drink of choice (supplemented by 100 percent fruit juices and low-fat milk) and have fruits and vegetables available at every meal. Snack time should include foods that contain whole grains and lean protein instead of saturated and trans fats.
2. Play Every Day/Go Outside: Kids and adults should have at least an hour a day of unstructured play outside (when possible) and break a sweat at least three times a week by getting 20 minutes or more of physical activity.
3. Get Together: At least once a day families should dine together, with kids involved in meal preparation and clean up. In addition, adults should spend one-on-one time each day with their kids.
4. Reduce Screen Time: Time spent in front of a television, computer, cell phone and video game should be limited to two hours per day.
5. Sleep Well: Kids and adults need to keep a regular sleep schedule—10-12 hours per night for kids and seven to eight hours for adults.

The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA offers many programs to help children and families remain physically active and eat healthy.  To learn more visit cccymca.org, call 203-777-9622 or stop by any branch. 

  The Central Connecticut Coast Y is based in downtown New Haven with 11 Y branches in Greater New Haven and Greater Bridgeport. It also operates YMCA Camp Hi-Rock, a 1,000 acre residential and day camp in Mt. Washington, Mass.

The above was taken from a release from Donna Gill Lisitano, marketing and communications director, Central Connecticut Coast YMCA.

YMCA offers after-school programs

Providing youth with opportunities to continue to learn and engage in meaningful activities at the end of the school day can boost their academic success.
To help motivate and inspire kids to learn, the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA branches are offering after-school programs to school-aged children throughout the area.
The Y’s after-school program combines academics with play and offers a caring and safe environment for youth who would otherwise be left unsupervised.

During the school year, 15.1 million U.S. children are left unsupervised after 3 p.m., according to the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness advocacy organization.
With the start of the new school year, the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA encourages parents to make sure children are involved in safe, educational experiences after school.

“At the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA, we believe all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve,” said Terry McCarthy, Executive Director of the New Haven YMCA Youth Center, a branch of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA.
“In the Y’s after-school programs, youth are cultivating values, skills and relationships and have an extra support system that encourages them to achieve success.”
Studies show participation in after-school programs helps boost school attendance and academic performance and reduces gaps in academic achievement among children from disadvantaged households.
YMCA after-school programs promote a love for learning, social and emotional development, and character and creativity.

In the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA’s after-school programs youth receive help with homework, a healthy snack, play time and additional activities that may explore arts and crafts, music, swimming, science, nature, and community service.
Financial assistance is available to those in need, to ensure every child and teen has the opportunity to learn and grow at the Y.
For information about the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA’s after-school programs, visit www.cccymca.org or call 203-777-9622.

The above is taken from a release from Central Connecticut Coast YMCA.

YMCA: Father's Day highlights importance of family

More than a century ago, Sonora Louis Smart Dodd aspired to create a holiday to honor fathers.

The daughter of a single father and Civil War veteran was inspired by a Mother’s Day sermon and wondered why there was no holiday for fathers. After securing support from ministers in Spokane, Wash., her idea came to fruition with the first Father's Day celebration at the Spokane YMCA on June 19, 1910. 
 

This Sunday, June 17, the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA joins the nation in celebrating Father’s Day and recognizing the impact fathers and adult male role models make in children’s lives.

Nationally, one out of three children lives in a home without their biological father, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. And, societal factors such as unemployment, work-life balance or a lack of resources can affect fathers’ ability to seek support in strengthening their parenting skills and more fully engaging in the lives of their children. 
The Y remains dedicated to providing resources and opportunities for fathers to further involve themselves in the well-being and development of their children.   

“As a nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y believes that strong family bonds are a foundation of strong communities, and we work to help all families to learn, grow and thrive,” said Christian Engle, Sr. Vice President Operations/COO, Central Connecticut Coast YMCA. 
“Today, Father’s Day reminds us why it’s important to recognize fathers and provide them with the support they need to be the best parents and caregivers they can be.” 

Studies show that children with close relationships with their fathers and other adult male role models have more self-confidence and exhibit less depression, perform better academically and engage in significantly less drug and alcohol use.  

There is a variety of programs at the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA branches that foster understanding and companionship between children and their fathers – and moms – such as parent/child swim lessons, family swim, movie nights, family adventure courses and sports challenges. 

To learn more about programs and activities available at the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA Branches, contact us at 203-777-9622, or visit www.cccymca.org. 


The above information was provided by Donna Gill Lisitano, Marketing and Communications Director, Central Connecticut Coast YMCA.

Derby man receives service award from YMCA

The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA recently awarded its H. Richard Brew Volunteer Service Award to James A. Hodge, Jr. of Derby for long-time service and commitment to the YMCA. 

The H. Richard Brew Volunteer Service Award was instituted in 2005 as a way to honor the 35 years of volunteer service to the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA association provided by H. Richard Brew.   While given upon his retirement from the Association Board of Directors, it is intended that his legacy be honored in subsequent years by presenting this award to volunteers who have demonstrated character, commitment and long-term dedication to the YMCA. 

Hodge began his YMCA involvement when he was recruited by Rae Sharp, former Executive Director of the Ralphola Taylor Community Center YMCA in Bridgeport, to serve on the board in 2005.  Through the years he has supported the work of the Center, led it through transitions and served not only as the chairman of the Board for six years but also as its representative on the Association’s Board of Directors. He has been a strong advocate for youth and for encouraging other adults to invest their time, talent and treasures into strengthening the foundations of the community, especially the East End of Bridgeport.

This post is taken from a release provided by Donna Lisitano, Marketing and Communications Director, Central Connecticut Coast YMCA.