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YMCA Provides Free Week of Overnight Camp To Children of Unemployed Parents & Deployed Military Personnel

Posted on: Monday, 15 June 2009, 11:30 CDT

Donate Online to Support YMCA Kids to Camp Campaign

DETROIT, June 15 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the state of the economy and the number of Michigan military personnel on active duty, the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit Board of Directors announces a free week of overnight camp at Camp Nissokone in Oscoda,, Michigan, for 150 children of unemployed parents and deployed military personnel. This is a $500 value, per child, being offered at no cost to qualified families on a first come, first-served basis. Parents and guardians are encouraged to follow the guidelines and register on the YMCA Web site at www.ymcadetroit.org.

Camp Nissokone, located just north of Oscoda, Michigan, on the shores of Lake Van Ettan, will offer eight week-long overnight camping sessions throughout the summer beginning the week of June 28 through August 15. Campers range in age from 8 to 15.

For over 95 years, Camp Nissokone has been helping young people develop valuable life skills such as teamwork, patience, and respecting differences while they take their first steps toward independence under the careful watch of YMCA Camp Counselors. During their week at camp, campers are able to make new friends, learn new skills, and enjoy activities such as horseback riding, canoeing, nature study, arts and crafts, rock climbing, paintball and swimming.

As with all day and overnight camp programs offered by the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit, YMCA Camp Nissokone is fully accredited by the American Camp Association because it meets their rigorous standards for safety, program quality, and staffing.

"The YMCA has always made our programs and services available to those in the community regardless of their ability to pay," said Dan Maier, executive vice president of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit. "Offering a free week of camp to area children is just another opportunity for our organization to respond to the pressing needs in our community."

Maier indicated an initial goal of $75,000 will help send the 150 kids for a week of camp. "In the first day, we had a donor come forward with $10,000 to support 20 children of parents serving overseas," said Maier. "Donations of $50 or $100 can really add up to help send a kid to camp!" Donations are welcomed online on the YMCA Web site at www.ymcadetroit.org.

For more information about the free week of camp at YMCA Nissokone, interested parties can visit www.ymcadetroit.org or call 313-267-5300.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit is a volunteer-founded and led not-for-profit organization operating across Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Livingston counties. Founded in 1852, the Detroit YMCA builds strong kids, strong families and strong communities through 14 YMCA branches, two residential camps. Our volunteers raise more than one-million dollars annually for program subsidies that help ensure participation for all that wish to build healthy spirit, mind and body. For more information, visit www.ymcadetroit.org or call 313-267-5300.

SOURCE The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit

Source: PR Newswire

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