MANCHESTER, NH – The Granite YMCA, in partnership with Manchester Community Schools project, teamed up once again to offer the YMCA Gossler Park Gators Summer Program.
This four-week summer program is designed to assist with a child’s academic, social and developmental well-being, in a camp-style learning atmosphere.
“We are excited to be able to provide this program to local children who may not get the opportunity to experience camp otherwise,” said Cindy Lafond, Association Director of Healthy Living Initiatives at The Granite YMCA. “They are provided with a safe and welcoming place where they can belong, build relationships, develop character and discover their full potential.”
The program includes daily math and literature enrichment; combining small group instruction in an interactive setting. Students also get to choose from a wide variety of hands-on activities such as art education, science, technology and engineering. Children are given free healthy meals each day to help keep them active and engaged. Some highlights from this summer included visits from the Manchester Police Mounted Unit where students learned about the horses, New Hampshire Food Bank who provided healthy snacks and the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire. In addition, children from grades 3 through 5 participated in the STEM program at UNH Manchester for one week of camp.
The YMCA Gossler Park Gators Summer Program is held at Parker-Varney School in Manchester for four weeks from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. daily. Each year, 40-50 students entering grades K through 5 are selected to participate in the program thanks to scholarships provided by the City of Manchester.
For more information, please contact Cindy Lafond at 603.232.8650 or email clafond@graniteymca.org
About The Granite YMCA
As one of the state’s longest-standing and most enduring non-profits, The Granite YMCA focuses on youth development, healthy living, social responsibility, and family strengthening. Across the state, its six branches engage 30,000 men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to improve their health and well-being and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. In 2018, The Granite YMCA provided financial assistance and free services valued at over $1.77 million to 22,890 individuals. To learn more, please visit www.graniteymca.org.
