In the waning weeks of summer, as the novelty of lazy days and sleeping in has worn off, we start to hear more declarations of “I’m bored” from our kids. They might be taking for granted the freedom and joy that come with longer, sunnier days, or getting antsier without the day-to-day structure the school year provides.
Fortunately, Naperville is rich with community programming for kids, all of which can help give summer boredom the boot. From our libraries to our parks and, of course, our Naperville YMCA programs, opportunities abound for youth enrichment.
For more than a century, YMCA day camp has been a favorite for both Y campers and staff. It’s a place where kids can stretch their imaginations, learn new skills, make friends, and truly play. Plus, it can bring a sense of normalcy to summertime plans.
YMCA camps go far beyond what you imagine camp to be. Naperville Y camps, for example, include everything from Lego Creation Day Camp to Safari Club Day Camp to Counselor in Training Day Camp for our community’s teenaged future leaders. Many of our weekly sessions run well into August, when the “I’m Bored” declarations get extra repetitive. YMCA overnight camps, which are located throughout the Midwest and also host campers into August, provide campers a home away from home, each with its own unique traditions and identities
Maybe spending a few hours poolside is more your family’s speed. Naperville’s Fry Family Y and our sister locations offer open swim hours, swim teams, certifications, group and private swim lessons for all ages, and more. While swimming has always been a fun summertime activity (especially during those heat advisories!), it is also an important life-saving skill. As our lifeguards often remind us, safety should always be everyone’s top priority in the pool!
Understandably, the summertime boredom bug gets the best of us from time to time. But with all the options we have in Naperville, its bite won’t last very long!
For more information about YMCA programming in Naperville, please visit us online at ymcachicago.org/fry and ymcachicago.org/safensound, or call the Fry Family YMCA at (630) 904-9595.