YMCA Addressing the Need for Social-Emotional Support for Youth
Offering Strive High Summer Camp for Preteens and Teens Entering Grades 6-9
The YMCA of Frederick County, in partnership with the Asian American Center of Frederick, will be offering Strive High, a 4-week summer camp for those entering grades 6-9.
“The past 18 months have brought on a lot of anxiety and uneasiness to young people. Not knowing when they can see friends again, not knowing when they would meet their teacher, and worrying about their health or the health of loved ones,” said Evan Bates, Teen Program Coordinator at the YMCA of Frederick County. “ The YMCA wanted to help address the need for more social-emotional support for that important middle school age as they transition back to ‘normalcy.’”
The YMCA will be offering Strive High in partnership with the Asian American Center of Frederick (AACF) for those entering grades 6-9. This four-week social-emotional enriched summer camp will enhance youth competencies in Empathy, Responsibility, Personal Development, Emotion Management, and Building Relationships. Activities will include yoga, gardening, hiking, art therapy, service learning, volunteer opportunities, personal strengths development, peer mentorship, and swimming. Our goal, with the support of AACF, is to provide youth the resources and relationships they need to Strive as High as they can!
“The YMCA of Frederick County has long been an anchor in our community, and partnering with them to help bring the Strive High program to life was an easy decision for the Asian American Center of Frederick (AACF),” said Elizabeth Chung, Executive Director, Asian American Center of Frederick. “Our mission has always been to “Enhance, Empower and Enrich” the lives of lower-income, minority, or immigrant community members. The Strive High program gives teenagers an opportunity to strengthen and enhance their emotional wellbeing in ways that are otherwise unavailable. Strive High aligns with the AACF’s vision and mission of facilitating health and equity among today’s youth.”
Offered Jun 21, 2021 – Jul 16, 2021, or Jul 19, 2021 – Aug 13, 2021, the 4-week camp will be held at the Downtown Y. The cost is $450 for YMCA members and $500 for potential YMCA members. Financial assistance is available.
