- Meet Valley View Childcare Director Kassandra Lepe and Childcare Manager Jenna Nelson
YMCA camp offers many of the same benefits of a traditional camp, such as new experiences, skill building, a sense of community, and lasting friendships. However, the Y’s passionate summer day camp team makes Y camp second to none. Every day, our energetic summer camp crew works hard to give camp participants an unforgettable summer. And, behind every great team, are great leaders.Fearlessly leading the C.W. Avery Family YMCA’s Valley View summer day camp program, you will find Childcare Director Kassandra Lepe (pictured right) and Childcare Manager Jenna Nelson (pictured left.)
With the start of camp just a few days away, Kassandra and Jenna’s amazing team of camp counselors are eager to welcome kids to camp at Oak View Elementary School in Bolingbrook and Hermansen Elementary School in Romeoville. Get to know more about them in the Q&A below.
Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Kassandra: I grew up in Plainfield most of my life and attended Plainfield Central High School. I began my Y journey as a Kid Zone counselor before eventually moving on to the role of site supervisor, while I obtained certification as a Registered Behavior Technician. In 2023, I transitioned into the role of Childcare Director and I can’t be more excited to be working with Jenna and this amazing group of counselors this summer!
Jenna: I grew up as a typical 90’s kid in Darien, Illinois with my brother, playing baseball in the backyard and doing flips at gymnastics class at my local YMCA. I have been with the C.W. Avery Family YMCA going on 5 years now. I started as a Kid Zone counselor in 2019, transitioning into camp during the summer. When our partnership with Valley View School District 365U was initiated, I got involved as a site supervisor, stepping into the role of Childcare Manager shortly thereafter, and have been loving every minute since!
Q: Why do you have a passion for youth development work?
Kassandra: By creating a sense of purpose, we can empower our youth to unlock their full potential and become individuals ready to tackle life’s challenges, thus creating the future leaders of America. Working alongside the Valley View School District has shown me that together everything is achievable.
Jenna: I grew up as the third oldest of 20 cousins and was always the go-to babysitter for all of the neighborhood kids, so I have been surrounded by kids my entire life. I always get such joy out of seeing them grow, learn, and develop their own personalities and hobbies. There is something special about each age group that makes my heart happy.
Q: What do you think makes YMCA summer day camp a special experience for kids?
Kassandra: Our camps focus on helping kids create new friendships, make memories, and develop skills all within a structured environment. This allows the children to develop at their own pace while experiencing the joy of being a kid.
Jenna: YMCA Day Camp is truly the highlight of the year! Between character development lessons, crafts, science experiments, and all the fun we have on our field trips, our campers create memories and build core values that they will carry with them forever.
Q: With summer camp right around the corner, what are some of the most exciting activities you have planned?
Kassandra: I am so excited to have the campers visit Medieval Times, create beautiful art, and expand their knowledge with STEM activities!
Jenna: I have so many favorites! If I had to pick just a few, I’d say I love our yearly camp tradition of tie-dying shirts, our much anticipated campers vs. counselors challenge days, and my favorite field trips of the summer – swimming at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA!
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do outside of the Y?
Kassandra: I enjoy coaching the Plainfield High School rugby team, playing rugby for the Will County Morrigans, and enjoying a cup of Dunkin’ coffee!
Jenna: You can usually find me looking for my lost ball on the golf course, losing myself reading a new book, or losing track of time making new art.
To learn more about Valley View Summer Day Camp, click here.
- Healthy Happens Here: Celebrating Our Amazing Partners During National Hospital Week
This week is National Hospital Week, which celebrates hospitals and all the amazing workers who support the health and well-being of their communities through dedication and compassionate care from the heart. It also recognizes the miracles they help to make happen on a day to day basis, both large and small. During National Hospital Week, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA encourages you and your family to thank all of these dedicated individuals, including physicians, nurses, therapists, volunteers, administrators, and so many more.At the Greater Joliet Area YMCA, we have the privilege of working with so many amazing health care professionals in our local communities. In celebration of National Hospital Week, we’d like to thank our partners at Morris Hospital and Healthcare Centers and Endeavor Health for their continued support and commitment to enhancing the health and wellness of our members and their families.
- 2026 Valley View Summer Day Camp Field Trip Opportunities
Each and every summer, hundreds of kids come to the Y for our safe, affordable and fun summer camp. What keeps local families coming back? The fact that the Y provides a one-of-a-kind summer camp experience! This year, the Y’s Valley View Summer Day Camp program will be offered at two convenient camp locations:Hermansen Elementary School
101 Wesglen Parkway
Romeoville, IL 60446Oak View Elementary School
150 Schmidt Road
Bolingbrook, IL 60440Camp Dates:
June 1 – July 24Campers who attend Valley View Summer Day Camp will go on field trips that include:
June 2 (Oak View Elementary Camp Location) – Inflatable Fun (In-House Field Trip)
June 4 (Hermansen Elementary Camp Location) – Inflatable Fun (In-House Field Trip)
June 9 – Big Time Ninja Gymnastics Park
June 17 – C.W. Avery Family YMCA Indoor Waterpark and Camp Picnic
June 23 (Hermansen Elementary Camp Location) – Waterslides (In-House Field Trip)
June 25 (Oak View Elementary Camp Location) – Waterslides (In-House Field Trip)
July 1 – Hollywood Palms Movie Theater
July 7 – Medieval Times
July 15 – Cypress Cove Waterpark
July 21 – Scene 75 Entertainment Center
Don’t miss your chance to help your child make memories that last a life time. Register for Valley View Summer Day Camp by clicking below!
- Try the YMCA’s Swim Selector Tool
As we continue to celebrate National Water Safety Month, and with our Summer 1 programming session just around the corner, the Y is excited to remind members of our Swim Lesson Selector tool. Available online, this tool is a must-try for parents who are interested in enrolling their children in YMCA swim lessons.
By answering short “yes-or-no” questions—and in some cases, by watching a short video—the Swim Lesson Selector can help you quickly identify which swim stage is right for your child.
- Everyone Belongs at the Y: Summer Membership Opportunities Available
At the Y, we exist to strengthen community. With a mission centered on balance, the Y brings families closer together, encourages good health and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. As a result, millions of people, just like you, are receiving the support they need to engage in healthy and active lifestyles.BEAT THE HEAT AND SPEND A FANTASTIC SUMMER AT THE Y!
PURCHASE A SUMMER MEMBERSHIP AND ENJOY:
Access to Three Branches
Your membership gives you unlimited use of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s three YMCA locations, including:- Three indoor pools and our family aquatic center
- Three wellness centers, all equipped with state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment.
Quality Programming
In addition to our free group exercise classes, the Y offers year-round swimming lessons and personal training, among a slew of other options. View our summer program guides by clicking here.Summer memberships expire after 90 days or on August 31, 2026, whichever comes first.
Summer Membership Rates
Type Description C.W. Avery Family YMCA Village of Shorewood YMCA Morris Hospital YMCA Family Plus 3 Adults & Their Dependents $440 $405 $375 Family 2 Adults & Their Dependents $350 $325 $300 One Adult Family 1 Adult & Their Dependents $315 $290 $270 Two Adult 2 Adults in Same Household $305 $280 $260 Adult Age 26 and older $225 $205 $185 Young Adult Ages 19-25 $160 $145 $135 Youth Ages 0-18 $135 $120 $110
C.W. Avery, Central City, Galowich, Morris
