YMCA Camp Chingachgook

Disability Pride Month is celebrated in July to commemorate the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. At the Capital District YMCA and YMCA Camp Chingachgook, we’re committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. The Y-Knot Program strives to make all aspects of sailing accessible to individuals with disabilities by creating opportunities, providing education, and promoting adaptive sailing within the greater sailing community. ⛵ 🔗Learn more https://lnkd.in/grZWrZza #DisabilityPrideMonth #YMCA #LakeGeorge

I was honored to have an opportunity to participate in Staff Training at YMCA Camp Chingachgook last evening, not only as a camper & staffer alumna, Advisory Council & Alumni Committee member - as a present parent. It was exciting to interact with 140 incoming staff, 75 of which are international! Chingachgook works with industry leading international staffing agencies to hire staff from around the world to educate young people about other cultures, build friendships around the globe & have a better understanding of the world. Camp Staff are a huge reason my son gets so excited to go back to camp summer, after summer. As Session 1 kicks off June 30th for another summer of magic on Lake George, I am confident this group of young role models will offer campers an incredible experience! Thank you to Chingachgook leadership for having me, Jiné Andreozzi, Ean Addison & Erin O'Connell! I had a great time with fellow alumna, Mary McAfee! ☀️🔺🌲 Learn more about summers at Camp Chingachgook: https://lnkd.in/erBr-3pU #MoreThanAPlace #StaffWeek #SummerCamp #StaffTraining #YMCACampChingachgook #ChingachgookKid

At our Annual Meeting, we celebrated Jiné Andreozzi as our Employee of the Year. Jiné is the first female Executive Director at Camp Chingachgook and this will be her 21st summer at camp. We are also grateful for the hard work and commitment of our board members who are rolling off, including Lori Matt-Murphy, Chris Edwards, Sharon Fisher, Chris Mesick, Joe Vitale, Paul Bonacquisti, Dr. Mandeep Sidhu. Thank you for helping us make a positive impact on our communities.

Navigating the Transition: From School Year to Summer Adventure The transition from the structured pace of the school year to the vibrant, exploratory time of summer is a pivotal moment in a child's development. This period offers a unique opportunity for growth, discovery, and the joy of unstructured play. As we move towards these warmer months, it's crucial to consider how we can best support our children in making the most of their summer break. Embracing the Magic of Summer Camp Summer camps play an invaluable role in this transitional phase. They provide a structured yet flexible environment where children can explore new interests, develop skills, and form lasting friendships. The magic of summer camp lies in its ability to blend learning with fun, offering activities that cater to every interest, from sports and arts to science and technology. The Importance of Balance Supporting our kids as they move into the summer involves finding the right balance between structure and freedom. While it's important for children to enjoy a break from the academic pressures of the school year, maintaining a sense of routine can help them feel secure and make the most of their summer. Camps offer a structured environment where children can explore their passions in a focused way, while also enjoying the freedom to just be kids. Encouraging Exploration and Connection Summer is an ideal time for children to step out of their comfort zones and try new things. Whether it's picking up a new sport, learning an instrument, or participating in group activities, the experiences gained during summer camp can be transformative. Moreover, the diverse community at camp encourages children to connect with peers from different backgrounds, fostering a sense of inclusivity and global awareness. As we approach summer, let's consider how we can help our children transition smoothly from the school year, making the most of the opportunities that summer camp offers. How can we ensure that every child returns to school feeling refreshed, inspired, and ready for the challenges ahead? Engage with Us How do you plan to support your child's transition from the school year to summer? What activities or camps have made a difference for your family? Share your stories and tips with us! #SummerCamp #ChildDevelopment #SummerLearning #ParentingTips #EducationalActivities #SummerFun #YouthEmpowerment #HappyCamperLive

"Every year, around 26 million American children attend summer camps, and about 1.5 million young adults and adults work at these camps. This study, published in in The Journal of Youth Development, found key insights that revealed actionable takeaways for camp leadership, offering a blueprint for creating positive and successful camp experiences. It also found investing in the well-being of staff leads to better outcomes for all." Great article on "Study Shows Summer Camp Improves Mental Health" https://lnkd.in/e4bbR6GW

Why Hiring Former Camp Counselors Can Boost Your Organization's Success In today’s fast-paced corporate world, organizations are constantly on the lookout for employees with a unique blend of skills and experiences. One often-overlooked goldmine for such talent is former camp counselors. These individuals, who have honed their abilities in the dynamic and demanding environment of summer camps, bring a set of invaluable skills to any workplace. Firstly, camp counselors excel in leadership and teamwork. Managing groups of energetic campers requires the ability to lead effectively, foster teamwork, and resolve conflicts. These skills are directly transferable to corporate settings where team-based projects and leadership roles are prevalent. Secondly, camp counselors are adept at communication and adaptability. In a camp setting, they must communicate clearly with campers of various ages, backgrounds, and abilities. This experience equips them with exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt their communication style to different audiences – an essential trait in any client-facing or team-oriented role. Furthermore, creativity and problem-solving are at the heart of a camp counselor’s job. Whether it's coming up with engaging activities or resolving unexpected issues, counselors are masters of thinking on their feet and devising innovative solutions. This creativity is invaluable in roles that require out-of-the-box thinking and a proactive approach to challenges. Finally, the sense of responsibility and work ethic instilled in camp counselors is unparalleled. They are entrusted with the safety and well-being of campers, which cultivates a high level of responsibility and attention to detail – qualities that are highly sought after in any professional setting. The multifaceted experience gained by camp counselors makes them ideal candidates for a wide range of roles in various organizations. Their unique skill set not only enhances team dynamics but also contributes significantly to the overall success of a business. Have you ever considered the unique skills gained from being a camp counselor when hiring for your organization? #LeadershipDevelopment #Teamwork #Creativity #ProblemSolving #HiringTips #CampCounselorSkills #happycamperlive