Contact Information:
Katie Maloney, Director Youth & Family Services
Kroehler Family YMCA
630.420.6270, ext.1105
HERITAGE YMCA CAMPS HOST "CHRISTMAS IN JULY"
(Loaves & Fishes & U.S. Military Troops will benefit)
(Naperville, IL)…….Each week, the Kroehler Family YMCA's
Pathfinders Day Camp, run by the Kroehler Family YMCA and Naperville
Park District, work very hard to deliver on the statement, "Leave No
Child Inside!" by providing children and teens positive outdoor
nature experiences. A national initiative, "Leave No Child Inside"
helps reconnect children with natural resources in an effort to
battle childhood health concerns like obesity, depression and
ADD/ADHD.
Pathfinders, Teen Trails and Kiddie Camp participants spend time
outdoors most days giving them an overnight camp experience without
having to leave the comforts of home . Activities include hiking,
fishing, scavenger hunts and more. Each day, campers come prepared
to spend the day outdoors, weather permitting. They bring sack
lunches, water bottles, sun screen, bug spray, and swim gear in
anticipation of having a fun-filled day of learning and adventure.
Pathfinders Day Camp will host its 2nd annual "Christmas in July"
event at Knoch Knolls Park on Friday, July 25, 2008. It is a silly
summer celebration of everything Winter in the park and includes all
Heritage YMCA day campers participating in day camps in our
communities of service including Aurora, Naperville and Oswego.
"Over 500 Heritage YMCA day campers attended the event last year
and we expect over 600 to attend this year. The day will be filled
with wacky Winter-themed fun for campers of all ages. More
importantly, we are doing a community service project again this
year. Last year, in the spirit of generosity, campers collected
gently used winter coats that were donated to local nonprofits and
the community dropped off coats at our Kroehler Family YMCA in
downtown Naperville. This year we will be having a food+ drive to
benefit Loaves & Fishes pantry and will also be making holiday cards
for U.S. Military Troops serving in Iraq in partnership with Naper
Nuts and Sweets located in downtown Naperville," said Katie Maloney,
Director of Youth & Family Services, Kroehler Family YMCA.
Loaves & Fishes reports that during the summer months the pantry
is in great need of replenishment. It is even more apparent this
summer due to economic hardships so many individuals and families
are facing today. The community is encouraged to join Heritage YMCA
campers in the spirit of giving by dropping off canned or
non-perishable food items and personal care items such as
toothpaste, tooth brushes, toilet paper, etc. Items can be dropped
off at Knoch Knolls Park on event day or at the Kroehler Family
YMCA, 34 S. Washington St. in downtown Naperville until Monday, July
28th. For a complete list of items needed and that can be accepted,
visit
