[ WEEKEND ]
Noah Wilson, Jerred Soriano, Jordan Tasaka-Maunupau, Travis Miyashiro and Tawny Motoyama goofed around while waiting in line during a tumbling class at the Nuuanu YMCA.
Fun gets boost
at the YThe YMCA adds new weekly camps
and specialty day campsSummer fun at the Y
When parents think of summer fun programs for their kids, The Young Men's Christian Association has always been there for them.
But the august nonprofit organization, represented by its eight branches here on Oahu, needed a new jolt of confidence in coordinating its summer fun programs. The YMCA has partly made its reputation as a haven for youth during the summer months, giving kids the opportunity to experience our tremendous outdoors, acquire some new skills and hopefully make new friends in a safe and fun environment, all based on its practical Christian principles.
The YMCA summer program for kids also offers swim instruction twice a week with one recreation swim day as well. Pictured are Nuuanu YMCA swim instructors Janelle Chang, left, Andrea Wong and Aaron Gon teaching keiki how to swim.This has been the summer of change for the Y, according to Kristi Paul, interim executive director of the Nuuanu branch. "For 10 years, there was no change in the way summer fun was run, and enrollment was down," she said. "So it was important for all of us to put more meat, so to speak, in the program and draw more children. So a committee for the entire island decided early last year to start making the program more comprehensive" by pooling all of its resources and formulating one program for its participating branches, instead of separately as it was in the past.
She said that because of some year-round schools (with some going five weeks into the usual summer vacation months), the Y decided to institute weekly packages, like theme camps with two to three excursions a week, as well as specialty day camps.
Guest magician Glenn Fujimoto put a twist on the rabbit in the hat trick during his show held at the Nuuanu YMCA's summer program, which hosted a Harry Potter theme week.
"It's taken a lot of planning," Paul said, "but the word's been getting out. For example, a lot of kids have been signing up for the ocean sports and video production camps. ... Combining the numbers of all of the branches together, the Y's enrollment is up to about 6,000 kids. ... It's a more uniform approach."
"We're still taking children who want to come in for the weekly programs," said Keola Taniguchi, the program's coordinator for the Nuuanu branch, the largest on the island.
Jordan Tasaka-Maunupau, 7, was surrounded by helping hands as he got into the "tripod" position during a tumbling class at the Nuuanu YMCA.
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Summer Fun at
the Y on OahuTo register, call the following branches or go online at www.YMCAhonolulu.org. A $5 membership fee is required.
>> Central, 401 Atkinson Dr., 941-3344
>> Kaimuki-Waialae, 4835 Kilauea Ave., 737-5544
>> Kalihi, 1335 Kalihi St., 848-2494
>> Leeward, 94-440 Mokuola St., 671-6495
>> Mililani, 95-1190 Hikikaulia St., 625-1040
>> Nuuanu, 1441 Pali Highway, 536-3556
>> Windward, 1200 Kailua Road, 261-0808Remaining weekly themed day camps for kindergartners through 2nd graders, and 3rd through 6th graders, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (lunch and snack program available for an additional fee):
>> Starting Monday: Super Stars, with an "Idol" and talent show contest, learn about constellations and create stars, and a karaoke studio visit ($150).
>> July 19: Tropical Paradise, with Hawaiian games, a mini-luau, boogie boarding, kayaking, fishing or hiking ($150).
>> July 26: Great Explorations, with cooking, dancing and folk stories, all with an international theme ($140).
>> Aug. 2: YMCA Ranch, with barn dancing and "crazy contests" at Kualoa Ranch on the Windward side ($140).
>> Aug. 9: Hands Out, with balloon shape-making, sand castle building, lei making, face painting and planting ($140).
Week-long specialty day camps for 3rd through 7th graders, 7:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.:
>> Skateboarding for beginners through advanced, starting Monday, July 26 and Aug. 8 at the Central and Kaimuki-Waialae branches, July 19 at the Kalihi, Nuuanu and Windward branches, and Aug. 2 and the Nuuanu and Windward branches ($215).
>> Ocean sports, with surf, canoeing and kayaking lessons provided by instructors from the Hans Hedemann Surf School, starting Monday at the Leeward and Mililani branches, July 19 and Aug. 2 at the Central and Kaimuki-Waialae branches, and July 26 and Aug. 9 at the Nuuanu and Windward branches ($215).
>> Video production with instruction and equipment provided by 'Olelo Community Television, starting Monday at the Central and Kaimuki-Waialae branches, and July 19 at the Kalihi, Nuuanu and Windward branches ($185).
>> Building and riding box cars at the American Box Car Racing International's track behind Sam's Club in Pearl City, starting Monday at the Kalihi, Nuuanu and Windward branches ($215).
>> Learn hip-hop dance, starting Monday at the Leeward and Mililani branches, and July 19 at the Central and Kaimuki-Waialae branches ($195).
>> Making culinary creations with the help of guest chefs, starting Monday at the Kalihi, Nuuanu and Windward branches ($195).
Weekly Ultimate Camp Experience at the Y's Camp Erdman (69-385 Farrington Highway, Mokuleia) for 3rd to 6th graders -- 6 days and 5 nights of activities, with a horsemanship and surf instruction upgrade available for those 9 years old and above. Parents must provide transportation to and from camp. Cost: $275 or $399 with upgrade.
Click for online
calendars and events.
