June 23, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 11 Area When camping at the YMCA began 125 years ago, all it took was a few tents lined YMCA celebrates 125 years of camping up near a lake, a flagpole, a campfire, and a small group of campers to pioneer a tradition that still holds strong today. Camping officially began at the YMCA in 1885, when a volunteer named Sumner Dudley helped start the first continuouslyused camp. His goal was to help build character in seven teenagers during a week-long camping trip in Orange Lake, New York. Today, the YMCA has become one of the nation’s largest providers of camping programs, with more than 335 overnight camps and nearly 2,000 day camps that serve more than 8,000,000 kids and adults every summer. As YMCAs across the country commemorate this landmark anniversary, the Ridgewood YMCA reflects on what it means to be part of the camp tradition and the impact that camping has had on the hundreds of youth who come each summer. “We’re proud to be a part of the long standing tradition of camping at our YMCA,” said Day Camps Supervisor John Duke. “Camping is synonymous with personal development. It provides youth the opportunity to acquire new skills in swimming, sports, and the arts, and to practice social and decision-making skills through new experiences. We operate four day camps from our 112 Oak Street facility here in Ridgewood, and an overnight and a day camp program from our Camp Bernie Branch in Port Murray, New Jersey.” The Ridgewood YMCA’s programs will begin this year with a Pre-summer Fun Camp for children ages five through 10 to be held June 21 through 25. Day camps include: Y’s Kids, for ages three through six; Camp Pamacka, for ages six through 13; Teen Trip, for ages 11 through 15; and Baton Twirl & Dance Sampler, for girls ages six through 14. The Y is one of the largest providers of affordable summer camps for youth and teens in the area and offers high-quality overnight and day camp programs to families, regardless of their ability to pay. Camp activities foster healthy, productive children and promote the core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. For more information about the YMCA’s camping programs and financial assistance for families in need, visit www. ridgewoodymca.org or contact John Duke at (201) 444-5600, extension 337. The Girl Scouts from the Ridgewood middle and high schools held their annual cookie sales drive this spring. While conducting their annual drive, the girls collected 125 boxes of cookies to send to the troops in Afghanistan. Pictured is Captain Grant Horsley opening one of the boxes. Welcome treat ����������������� ��������������������� �������� Come See Us in Action June 28th thru August 19th ����������������������������� Door to Door A/C Transportation Catered Lunch Included - Heated Pools 3:1 Camper/Staff, Special Events & Trips Well Rounded Swim, Sports & Arts Program Boys & Girls - Ages 3 to 15 Full Day 9am - 4pm Mini Day 9am - 1:20pm Magnificent 26 Acre Campus Lake for Boating & Fishing Daily Swim Instruction 234 Conklintown Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456 973-831-9000 www.springlakedaycamp.com 6-23-10 SpringLakeDayCampOpenHouse3x3(6-23-10) Joan...from Janine