Families in Nottingham have welcomed news that Nottinghamshire YMCA is introducing their COVID-safe school holiday camp this Easter at Becket School, in West Bridgford.
YMCA Camp Williams is back this Easter!
After pausing the charity’s non-profit camp services during lockdown, YMCA’s Camp Williams programme is relaunching in its brand new location over the Easter school holidays with additional safety measures to ensure children can have fun and learn together in a secure environment.
Designed for young people aged 4-15, this action-packed adventure programme encompasses a variety of interactive sports, group games, artistic projects and traditional camp activities such as rallies and campfire songs. Easter camp runs from 6-9th and 12-16th April at Becket School, on Wilford Lane.
This Easter, campers can also enjoy ‘skill clinics’ that empower young people aged 8-15 to learn new skills ranging from soft archery and athletics to drama and football. Socially positive behaviour is encouraged, with campers receiving awards and certificates for demonstrating the charity’s four core values – caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
‘Noah is so excited to attend camp’
Parents Debby and Patrick Walsh’s 9-year-old son Noah has been attending YMCA Camp Williams since he was 4 years old and eagerly awaits the relaunch.
Noah’s dad Patrick, from Long Eaton, said: “I think it’s fantastic – Noah is so excited to attend Camp Williams this Easter and he counts down; when it was based at Emmanuel School he would go on about archery, his whole new circle of friends and how he helps to teach the new children how to play the interactive game ‘Gaga Ball’. The core value Noah talks about most is ‘responsibility’ – being given a task and being told he did it well means a lot to him. It’s a huge day when he gets a certificate which we proudly display on the wall, but the biggest takeaway is helping others because it means so much to him.
“Staff are really lovely and supportive, the variety of environment is in credible and the chance for Noah to experience new things are key reasons why we send Noah to the YMCA.”
‘I feel secure as a parent’
Telecommunications keyworker Debby said: “Noah turned eight the day after the first lockdown took hold, and he needs that social interaction so as soon as I discovered YMCA Camp Williams was up-and-running I booked him in immediately. He adores the staff and interactive activities, and the YMCA camp leaders make me feel so secure as a parent.
“I know from past experience that YMCA takes safety seriously and we hear Noah’s feedback on how great it has been with staff being 110% on the ball. I’ve never felt this confident with a childcare provider, which is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic because as a parent you need to know your child is safe.”
Life-shaping opportunities
Additional safety measures onsite include group size limitations, assigned materials and projects spaces for each child, social distancing sporting activities and regular cleaning of the facilities throughout each day.
Scholarship places are also available to ensure families who would otherwise not be able to access childcare provisions can still send their children to camp.
Martyn Gibbons, Camps Services Manager at Nottinghamshire YMCA, said: “We believe every child deserves the chance to access life-shaping developmental opportunities, and it is always a privilege to see our young campers develop friendships over the week, learn new skills and grow together in confidence to try new activities that may spark a lifelong passion.
“We are deeply committed to championing the health and wellbeing of children so we are excited to relaunch this ever-popular offering to help young people belong, contribute and thrive together in their communities.”
Book now!
Book YMCA Camp Williams for Easter now at nottsymca.com/camp-williams, call 0115 711 7006 or email ymcadaycamps@nottsymca.org.