While most children can’t wait until the start of summer, many parents aren’t so enthusiastic. For working parents, summer means searching for affordable childcare, and – more often than not – coming up empty. The Hamilton Area YMCA is working to change that.
This year, the Y is working to raise over $60,000 to support Summer Camp Scholarships for children from low- to moderate-income families. That translates to over 100 children ages 6 to 14 who will have the opportunity to spend the summer at the Hamilton Y’s Sawmill Branch Day Camp playing, swimming, and making new friends instead of home alone.
“Working families in our area need our help,” said Hamilton Area YMCA President & CEO David Kisselback. “A parent shouldn’t have to choose between quality care for their child during the summer months and essentials like rent or the mortgage. Our Summer Camp Scholarship program keeps parents working and keeps our kids healthy, active and safe.”
Affordable childcare is critical to the workforce in the State of New Jersey. One in five workers in New Jersey has a child younger than 13 years old. With a median household income in the state of just over $50,000, childcare can be one of the largest expenses a family in our area can face. By providing assistance with summer camp expenses, the Hamilton Area YMCA offers parents the ability to continue to work during the summer secure in the knowledge that their children are engaged in positive activities during the day.
To help raise funds for the Summer Camp Scholarship program, the YMCA will host its “Summer Celebration” on June 23 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Stone Terrace in Hamilton. Tickets for the event are on sale now and include food, cocktails and live music. The Y will also hold a 50/50 raffle as part of the festivities. Raffle tickets can be purchased in advance at the Y’s JKR Branch or the night of the event.
Individuals interested in supporting the Summer Camp Scholarship Program or attending the event should contact Gretchen DiMarco at gdimarco@hamiltonymca.org or (609) 581-9622, Ext. 112 or visit the organization’s website at www.hamiltonymca.org.
