GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

YMCA Summer Day Camp is not only a great way for kids to stay active and have fun with friends, it’s also an opportunity for them to learn important life skills. This summer, the Y had the privilege of working with our healthcare partners at Endeavor Health and Morris Hospital and Healthcare Centers to provide unique experiences and host health and wellness activities for campers at our Morris and C.W. Avery Family YMCA camp locations.

At the C.W. Avery Family YMCA, Endeavor Health created 10 weekly themes that encompassed a wide range of health and wellness topics. Activities included craft projects that campers completed to help their families maintain healthy eating habits, as well as posting health tips inside the Y to inspire our members. Campers also identified the best ways to support their emotional health through group discussions, received instruction on cardio, strength and yoga exercises, and had the chance to meet EMT professionals to learn about life-saving 911 equipment and procedures during an interactive ambulance visit. 

“This is the second year we have partnered with Endeavor to offer weekly activities and it’s something that we are very proud to have in our camp curriculum,” C.W. Avery Family YMCA Youth and Family Director Shannon Stawikowski said. “The campers have done an amazing job with their projects and we hope they continue to build on the healthy habits they have developed as they move into the upcoming school year.”

For Morris Community YMCA campers, the summer was highlighted by several educational visits from Morris Hospital employees. Lessons helped demonstrate the importance of washing your hands to prevent the spread of germs, identify stroke symptoms in the event a loved one is suffering a medical emergency, and learn basic first-aid treatments. Campers in grades 3-5 also participated in Camp 911, which brought together an array of local healthcare and law enforcement agencies for interactive demonstrations at Saratoga Elementary School.

“We were so excited to have Camp 911 back for the first time since 2019,” Morris Community YMCA Youth and Family Director Jordan Overton said. “I know the kids had a lot of fun meeting the police dog and they also got a real thrill seeing the hospital helicopter. It really was a perfect way to help connect kids with the incredible professionals and volunteers who serve our community.”

We are so thankful for the support of our healthcare partners and their role in making this summer the #BestSummerEver. We can’t wait to see these partnerships flourish throughout our branches and program sites into the school year and beyond.