News Summary
The YMCA of Brazos Valley has introduced a one-week summer day camp at Fellowship Church in College Station to re-establish its community presence. This pilot program, aimed at laying the groundwork for a longer 10-week summer camp next year, accommodates 15 children and offers activities like a petting zoo and climbing tower. The local YMCA has been working to return to Brazos County since the 1950s and has raised significant funds towards restoring its services in the area.
YMCA of Brazos Valley Launches Summer Day Camp
College Station, Texas – The YMCA of Brazos Valley has opened a one-week summer day camp at Fellowship Church in College Station as part of its efforts to re-establish itself in the community. This pilot program aims to set the foundation for a planned 10-week summer camp during the following year, creating more opportunities for local families and children.
The camp currently accommodates 15 children and features a variety of engaging activities, including a petting zoo, snow cones, gaga ball, and a climbing tower. Such events are designed to evaluate the flow of activities at the church and the nearby Wolf Pen Creek Park, as stated by David Stryjewski, the senior vice president of operations for the YMCA of Central Texas.
Background of YMCA in the Community
The YMCA first established a presence in Brazos County in 1914 but suspended local operations in the 1950s. In recent years, a dedicated Founders group has been working diligently to bring the YMCA back to the area. They have successfully raised funds, recently reaching a milestone of $225,000 towards their goal of $300,000. This fundraising effort is crucial for re-establishing YMCA programs and facilities that serve families in the community.
The pilot camp marks a significant step in providing services for children and families by the YMCA of the Brazos Valley, an initiative that has not been active since the organization’s re-establishment efforts began. Plans for the future include partnering with Fellowship Church and the city of College Station to conduct outdoor activities that promote engagement and healthy lifestyles among youth.
Community Impact and Future Plans
Becky Chumley, a foundation board member with two children enrolled in the camp, observed that the camp has successfully provided a safe, fun, and engaging environment for kids. Such feedback reflects the community’s enthusiasm and support for the YMCA’s return. In addition to a summer camp, the Founders group aims to establish a dedicated storefront facility. This plan includes a matching commitment from the YMCA of Central Texas upon reaching their fundraising goal, ensuring sustainability and continued program development.
Mike Collins has been hired as the first full-time employee to oversee programming for future camps and activities. During the current camp session, children have expressed enjoyment in various activities, including archery, rock climbing, and water slides. With Collins at the helm, the organization aims to focus on meeting community needs and developing partnerships that further enhance its offerings.
Once this pilot camp concludes, additional programming plans will be formulated to align with the interests of the local community. The YMCA of Brazos Valley looks forward to expanding its influence and positive impact on children and families in College Station through its upcoming initiatives.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KBTX
- Wikipedia: YMCA
- KXXV
- Google Search: YMCA programs College Station
- WTAW
- Google Scholar: YMCA Brazos Valley
- Community Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: YMCA
- The Eagle
- Google News: YMCA Bryan College Station
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
