Summer is often described as a season of freedom and joy for children — a time to explore the outdoors, build new friendships, and grow in confidence. But for many families in Greenwich and the surrounding area, the cost of summer camp is a barrier that makes these experiences feel out of reach.
To help bridge that gap, the YMCA of Greenwich is launching its annual Summer Camp Scholarship Campaign, aimed at providing financial assistance to families who would otherwise be unable to afford camp. The goal: to make sure every child has access to a safe, engaging, and enriching summer, regardless of their financial circumstances.
The need is clear. Last summer, nearly 40% of campers and 50% of children enrolled in the Y’s after-school enrichment program received some form of financial assistance. Support from the community helped ensure those children had a place to learn, play, and grow during the summer months — while also providing critical child care coverage for working parents.
But the impact of summer camp goes far beyond child care.
More Than Just a Week of Camp
Experts warn that children often lose one to two months of academic skills over the summer — a phenomenon known as the “summer slide.” Programs like camp at the YMCA of Greenwich help combat this through built-in enrichment activities such as reading, STEM projects, and creative arts.
Water safety is another critical component of the Y’s summer camp experience. In a waterfront community like Greenwich, access to swim lessons and free swim time is more than just fun — it’s life-saving. Campers learn essential skills that boost their confidence and help prevent drowning, a leading cause of accidental death among children.
There’s also the simple joy of childhood. Campers explore nature, try new sports, visit places like the beach and aquarium, and make memories that can last a lifetime. It’s this kind of summer — one filled with laughter, learning, and new experiences — that the campaign is working to make accessible for every family.
How the Community Can Help
The campaign accepts donations of any amount, with every gift going directly toward summer camp scholarships to support local families. Examples of how contributions make a difference include:
• $100 provides a week of afternoon camp for a child attending summer school
• $250 helps cover extended care for nearly two weeks, giving working parents peace of mind
• $500 sponsors a full week of traditional camp for one child
• $1,000 funds two weeks of Discovery Camp for a preschool-aged child
• $2,500 covers five full weeks of camp and extended care for a child in a family with two working parents
For those looking to make a local impact this summer, the YMCA’s Summer Camp Scholarship Campaign offers a direct and meaningful way to support children in the community. Donations help ensure that summer is a season of possibility for every child — not just those who can afford it.
To learn more or to make a donation, visit: https://greenwichymca.org/Summer-appeal