The Cherokee Outdoor Y

Water Sports, Hiking, Horseback Riding It's Fun to Camp at the Cherokee Outdoor Y!

By Cyndi Braun

Summer is right around the corner, which means its time to register for camp. The Cherokee Outdoor Family YMCA has offered youth camp programs since 1992.

Located on Bells Ferry Road, by Lake Allatoona, the facility features more than 200 acres of woods, hiking trails, sports fields, a climbing wall, a swimming pool and waterfront access to the lake.

Camps run from 9:00am-4:00pm, with extended hours, free of charge, so parents can drop-off children as early as 7:00am, and pick them up as late as 6:30pm. Financial assistance is available based on need.

Our goal is to share a positive summer camp experience for children starting at age five, said Dave Andrews, executive director of the Cherokee Outdoor Family Y. We believe in nurturing our youth and helping teens develop the tools they need to be productive leaders in our community.

The Y offers several types of camps. Traditional camp,  for children ages 5-15, includes activities like swimming, rock climbing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, survival skills, organic gardening, arts/crafts, fishing, Ga-Ga ball and learning the Y values (caring, honesty, respect and responsibility).

In addition, families may register for specialty camps that focus on specific skills. These camps include:

• Little Ninjas Camp Martial arts for grades k-3
• Swim Camp Two-week program includes swim lessons for grades k-3
• Science Camp Science fun for grades k-3
• Jr. Outdoor Adventure Outdoor living skills for grades 2-3
• Soccer/Basketball/Volleyball Camps Lessons and drills for grades 2-7
• Fishing Camp Grades 2-7 (spend two hours a day fishing)
• Outdoor Adventure Grades 4-5 (learn outdoor camping skills)
• Water Sports Camp Canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding for grades 4-10
• Survivor Camp Advanced outdoor living skills for grades 6-7
• Mountain Bike Camp Trail riding, bicycle care and trail safety for grades 6-10
• Teen Leaders Build leadership skills for grades 8-10

Children who attend Y camps grow and learn, build friendships and develop into responsible young adults, said Ryder Leary, associate executive director of the Cherokee Outdoor Family Y. While the children are learning and having fun, parents have peace of mind knowing that their children are well taken care of.

YMCA camp counselors and staff motivate children to learn new things and experience the outdoors in a values-based environment.

Everything that we do at the Y is values-based. We emphasize core values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. When we practice those values, from the staff to the campers to anyone at the Y, we take on the responsibility to be caring and supportive and to foster respect, said Bob Bentley, Cherokee Outdoor Y camp director. We encourage kids to connect with nature, make friends and learn new skills, all in a positive environment.

In addition to camps at the Cherokee Outdoor Y, children ages 5-12 may attend a camp at the G. Cecil Pruett Family YMCA in Canton.

Reflecting its Judeo-Christian heritage, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta is an association of volunteers, members and staff, open to and serving all, with programs and services which build spirit, mind and body. The Y recognizes that healthy lifestyles are achieved through nurturing mind, body and spirit.

For a complete list of camps and program features, visit CherokeeYMCARegistration.com, or call 770-345-9622.

One Family Looks Back on Decades at the Y

Swimming, sports teams, summer camps, fitness programs Tina Williams and family have done it all at the Y, beginning approximately twenty years ago, when her oldest son played soccer.

One of the unique things about the YMCA is we are truly a family community center, said Williams, who teaches group fitness classes at the Canton YMCA. The Y is a place where change happens in an encouraging environment.

All six of Williams children (who range in age from 13-29) have participated in summer camp and youth programs, and five of them have worked at the Y. Her grandchildren are now enjoying the Y, with one in youth soccer and the other in a Mommy-and-Me class.

If we dont get kids thinking in terms of living an active lifestyle, many times, they will not pursue fitness in adulthood, said Williams. We want to encourage kids who are athletic to pursue their dreams, and we want to encourage kids who just want to hike trails and have fun outdoors. The Y does both of these things for our youth.

Williams family remains committed to fitness, serving the community and living out the core values they learned at the Y.

I cant imagine what my familys life would have been like, had it not been for our experience at the Y, said Williams.

The G. Cecil Pruett Family YMCA
151 Waleska Street, Canton

The Cherokee Outdoor Family Y
201 E. Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock