Puslinch councillors have approved an agreement with the YMCA-YWCA of Guelph for a summer day camp at the Optimist Recreation Centre and the Puslinch Community Centre.
The YMCA-YWCA of Guelph (“YMCA”) is a not for profit corporation that has continued to operate a variety of programs for the community of Guelph and surrounding areas for a number of years.
In 2013, the YMCA-YWCA of Guelph entered into an agreement with township for use of the Optimist Recreation Centre and Puslinch Community Centre to offer a Sports-based summer camp for youth between the ages of 6-15 named the Puslinch Power Camp for three weeks.
The following year brought growth for the camp and an increase from a three week to a five-week session.
In addition to the popular programming initiated in 2013, such as ball hockey, Kulinary Kids and Girl Power, new programing was offered in 2014, including photo voices which gave youth an opportunity to learn the basics of photography while exploring the beautiful grounds in Puslinch.
The camp also offered an arts program for youngsters to explore different styles of arts such as drama, creative arts and music.
The camp continued their focus on Sports in 2014 offering soccer, ultimate frisbee, volley ball and a program called Y work out to introduce youth to the work of health and fitness through engaging in fitness related activities.
The YMCA have indicated the 2014 season was very successful and have requested the use of the Optimist Recreation Centre and Puslinch Community Centre for five weeks in 2015.
Changes for 2015
The 2015 season will see a move from a “power camp,” to a day camp, with theme-based activities rather than marketing the programs as “Sports specific”.
The 2015 Camp will focus on team building and the personal growth of each camper regardless of their ability.
The agreement includes use of the Archie MacRobbie Room and the Puslinch Community Centre kitchen, Optimist Recreation Centre rink pad, gymnasium, soccer pitch and common areas including the outside amenities located at the Puslinch Community Centre.
In 2013, the YMCA paid rental fees of $750 per week for the three weeks totalling $2,250.
In 2014, the $950 rental fee for the five weeks of facility use amounted to $4,750.
