More kids attending Sampson Family YMCA summer camp, scholarships available

The Plum-based Sampson Family YMCA's summer camp program is in full swing, with registration and scholarships for families to participate still available.

“We've increased the number of kids this year (and have) a lot of new activities for them, a lot of new staff,” said Nicole Roberts, camp director for 17 years. “We're having a lot of fun.”

Children participate in activities, including fishing, dancing, arts and crafts, field trips, reading, capture the flag and dodgeball. Roughly 325 youths ages 6 to 14 have registered for camp at the Y at 2200 Golden Mile Highway this year, with an average of 200 participating each day. There is no residency requirement.

“I think summer camp really builds confidence in kids because when they're here we are busy from the first second to the last second,” Roberts said. “They are moving from sports to crafts to friendship-building with other kids from other school districts.”

“When we make mistakes we learn from it,” said camper Sara Poore, 8, of Plum. “It's fun because we do all kinds of stuff all day.”

Derek Werner, 10, of Plum, said this is his sixth year at the camp. He enjoys playing soccer there.

“It's fun to play with my friends,” he said. “You can easily make friends here and play all sorts of sports.”

“All my friends are here and I love going in the lower woods and playing anything,” said Hannah Westover, 12, of Plum.

Camp hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. weekdays through Aug. 19.

Todd Brinkman, YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh vice president of youth development, was in Plum for a surprise inspection last Friday.

“This is our largest one, so we have the most kids on one site here,” he said. “We are so blessed to be able to have ... 50 acres here.”

The YMCA also has a summer camp for special-needs children, Camp Treehill, largely funded through Allegheny County.

Judy Taylor, Camp Treehill coordinator, said there is a maximum of 25 children in that camp and all its members, ages 6 to 12, come through Family Services of Western Pennsylvania or Milestone Agency. It is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays through July 29.

“I love these kids,” Taylor said. “These are my kids. They need help and somebody needs to help them. They love to swim.”

A family must have a YMCA membership to be eligible for summer camp. Facility memberships that offer access to Y amenities include one adult plus children at $60 per month, or two adults plus children at $75 per month. There's also a one-time $75 joining fee.

There also is a program membership for $30 a year, but it does not come with facility usage, and admission to programs such as summer camp costs more.

Summer camp with a facility membership is $180 per week, $200 with a program membership.

Scholarships are available for families to help alleviate a portion of the costs.

“Everything's important to us, from the family that gives us $20, that's a meaningful gift to them, to a corporation that gives us $2,000,” Brinkman said. “... We're really proud to be able to do that and be able to make sure we get all these kids in.”

Sampson Family YMCA Membership Director Amy Hansmann said scholarships are based on income and handled on a case-by-case basis.

She said some families use the summer camp as day care because the parents are working.

“I don't know how many camps offer discounts based on income, but we are one of the ones that do,” Hansmann said.

Last year, the Sampson Family YMCA provided $166,099 in scholarships, including $15,474 for Camp Treehill and $19,457 for 183 regular campers; this year, it raised $40,000 for scholarships. Call 724-327-4667 or go to ycamps.org for more information.

Michael DiVittorio is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 412-871-2367 or mdivittorio@tribweb.com.