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A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y

SANTA CLARITA VALLEY FAMILY YMCA

26147 McBean Pkwy, Valencia CA 91355

MAY 2012

(661) 253-3593 www.ymcala.org/scv

MAKE SUMMER MEMORIESSUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMSMORE on P. 2

OURVOICE

FOOD FORTHOUGHTThe Pyramids: Food & ActivityThe Pyramid is still a great visual to help kids (and parents) choose food and physical activities wisely.

FOOD GUIDE PYRAMID Using the Pyramid enables you to eat a variety of foods daily so that you can get the nutri-ents you need.

To make the most of the Pyramid, you need to know what counts as a serving.

Food Group: VegetableServing Size: 1 cup raw, leafy vegetables, 1/2 cup cooked or chopped raw vegetables or 3/4 cup vegetable juice

Food Group: BreadServing Size: 1 slice bread, 1/2 bagel or English muffin, 1 ounce ready-to-eat cereal, 1/2 cup cooked cereal, rice or pasta, or 5-6 small crackers

Food Group: FruitServing Size: 1 medium piece of fruit, 1/2 cup mixed fruit or 3/4 cup fruit juice

Food Group: MilkServing Size: 1 cup milk or yogurt, 1-1/2 ounces natural cheese or 2 ounces process cheese

Food Group: MeatServing Size: 2-3 ounces cooked lean meat, poul-try or fish (about the size of a deck of cards.) Oth-er foods which count as 1 ounce meat; 1/2 cup cooked dry beans, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons peanut butter or 1/2 cup nuts

MORE on P. 3

OUR VOICE | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y

It’s almost summer time, but it’s not too late to plan your summer of adventure! From resident camps, day camps, licensed summer camps and more, the Santa Clarita Valley Family YMCA has many opportunities to try something new, go somewhere different, meet great people and bask in the sun!

With a wide range of activities to stimulate your child’s creativity, self-esteem and independence, our YMCA Summer programs will help your child build physical, social and interpersonal skills. Art projects, games, group activities and hands-on experiences will spark your child’s imagination and encourage positive values. The curriculum is based on the YMCA value of Youth Development. We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. Whether your child drops in for one week or is engaged in fun activities until the end of summer, our programs will provide the flexibility to fit your needs.

Besides all the exciting activities and friendships made, the biggest value in camp is the development of key lifetime skills and characteristics, like confidence, cooperation, communication, new talents and decision-making. Camp goes beyond a summer session by changing lives forever. In that respect, it is priceless.

With the non-competitive activities and diverse opportunities to succeed, our camps offer a real boost for young people. We invite you to come to the facility, give us a call (661) 253-3593 or go on-line at www.ymcala.org/scv and check out all of our programs offered for the summer. There are endless possibilities for us to help you make this summer unforgettable for your child.

RESIDENT CAMPHas your child been dreaming about sleeping under the stars? Well, then be especially sure to check out our multiple array of resident camps this summer. With games, campfires, food and fun your child will not only have an experience of a lifetime but will also befriend new types of people. “When my child goes to Camp Whittle in Big Bear, she often gets a much needed break from set school friends by reuniting with summertime camp friends.” Says one campers Mother. “She comes back refreshed and rejuvenated”. Resident Camp also allows your child to unplug from technology. When kids take a break from TV, cell phones, and the Internet, they rediscover their creative powers and engage the real world— real people, real activities, and real emotions. They realize, there’s always plenty to do. Call (661) 253-3593 or go on-line at www.ymcala.org/scv for details.

MAKESUMMER

MEMORIESSUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMS

HELLOTHERE!By Gwen Bagley

My name is Gwen Bagley and it is my pleasure to serve as your new Branch Executive Director for the Santa Clarita Valley Family YMCA. I have been with the Y movement for over 20 years and have been involved in a variety of programs including youth and family programs, healthy lifestyles, and camp. Prior to joining this YMCA, I was with the Alleghany Highlands YMCA in Virginia where I served as the CEO for the independent YMCA. I am also a national trainer with the YMCA of the USA in the areas of board development and leadership development.

On the personal side, I am married and we have no children but we do have an adorable dog named Mandy. My husband and I returned to California last year to be closer to family. We currently live in Upland and will be relocating to Santa Clarita later this year. I also enjoy exploring new areas, reading, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. I am originally from Hawaii and attended college at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. I earned a degree in Family Resources. I am also currently enrolled with Gonzaga University’s online master’s program in Organizational Leadership.

I am looking forward to getting to know you and working with you to provide programs and services that assist you with your personal goals, strengthen our families, and our community. Please feel free to contact me at gwenbagley@ymcala.org.

“Our aspirations are our possibilities.” -Robert Browning

Sincerely,Gwen Bagley

OUR MISSION | The Santa Clarita Valley Family YMCA puts Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

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CAMP CALENDAR• LICENSED SUMMER CAMP: June 4th - August 10th (Castaic locations only) June 18th - August 10th (all other locations) Monday - Friday | 6:30am - 6:30pm *closed Wednesday July 4th

RALLY NIGHT: WednesdayMay23rd 6:30pm-8:00pmWiley Canyon Elementary SchoolGet information, meet the staff, and pick-up your camp shirt.

LICENSED SUMMER CAMPCall Cindy Schweiger (661) 253-3593 for details.

Discovery Camp:For Kids entering Kindergarten - 2nd GradeFor our young campers, a summer at the Y will be unforgettable. Kids will be active and engaged throughout the summer with our full-day, theme-based curriculum to capture their attention and build a love for learning. Add the fun of field trips, enrichment classes and water days, and parents will be thrilled with the stories their children will share each day. Having peace of mind, knowing that your little ones are cared for in one of our

licensed facilities makes it even better.

Adventure Camp: For Kids entering 2nd Grade - 5th GradeAdventure campers and their parents have a lot to look forward to this summer. Keeping them active, busy and always wanting more, while teach-ing the Six Pillars of Character and helping them develop the skills and relationships they need to be healthy, confident and connected to others are our goals. Parents can rest easy knowing their kids are happy and safe each day as they participate in enrichment classes, field trips and water days. Watch them thrive as they head down the path to their future.

SPECIALTY CAMPSAre you ready to explore the world of sports, arts, sciences, cooking, dance, music and more? Try our Specialty Camp that will help your children build healthy sprits, minds and bodies as well as make friends and memories that will last a lifetime. The Y staff are excited and ready for this 10 week summer program in which each day will be filled with new adventures and friendships.

• SUMMER RESIDENT CAMPSCamp Whittle Grades 3 - 10: June 23 –30White’s Landing, Catalina Grades 7 – 10: July 28 - August1

• SPECIALTY CAMP: June 18 - August 10Kindergarten - 6th grade at Old Orchard Elementary School

THE KIDS ACTIVITY PYRAMID

Each week you can have fun and be activeby trying the following things...

With Friends:-Dance to music-Play games like tag and hopscotch-Join a sports team at school or the park

With Family:-Go on a walk together-Play at the park-Turn off the TV for a day

By Yourself:-Fly a kite-Do cartwheels, somersaults, or jumping jacks-Practice sports skills

Read More: http://www.fitness.gov/10tips.htm

FOOD FORTHOUGHT- from P.1