There’s a new summer camp director in place at the Greenville YMCA, and she is enthused about what the program has to offer local youngsters.

“We have an exciting and fun-filled camp planned. And this year’s camp will offer added value for our young campers,” says Bridget Cook, an educator who has run day camps for the Y in Montgomery for a number of years.

“We are incorporating academics into our program, including reading, writing and math daily for 45 minutes with our younger campers and one hour for the older campers.”

The camp serves children ages 4-12, and this year’s overall theme is Exploration Nation. Each week of camp, participants will experience a different theme, including Pirates of the Good Times, We Are Family, Disco Days, Chef Good Times, Camp’s Got Talent, Rock Stars, Rainforest Adventures, Big Top Circus, Go for the Gold with Camp Hoppin’ Hoedown as the finale week.

“We’ll have fun activities, arts and crafts and games each week tied to our theme, including creating a recipe book, a dance, a talent show, Olympic style games, and a lot more,” Cook said.

“We will also be taking field trips every Friday to places like the Montgomery Zoo and Hollywood Connections, a huge entertainment complex in Columbus, Ga.”

Campers will get to go to a movie each week and enjoy time in the pool, including free swimming lessons, Cook said.

“We will have plenty of lifeguards on hand to make sure it is a safe, fun time in the pool.”

The Y Summer Camp will run from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, beginning May 31. Cost is $77 a week for members and $97 a week for non-members. The City of Greenville Summer Feeding Program will provide a mid-day meal and the Y will provide a snack each day.

“We do have financial aid available, but it is on a first-come, first-serve basis,” said YMCA director Amanda Phillips.

“We’re looking forward to a really great summer. We are so fortunate to have someone with Bridget’s experience and enthusiasm working with us here.”

Those who want to learn more about the camp are invited to an open house this Saturday, May 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Y.

“We’ll give those in attendance a mini-version of what our typical camp day will be like, along with a chance to meet me and all our counselors, who will perform some songs and skits,” said Cook.

“I am an educator and my passion is children.  Our camp counselors are prepared and excited and they are ready to go.”

For more information, contact the Greenville Y at 382-0550.