Newton’s West Suburban YMCA (WSYMCA) has lots going on over April vacation week—April 22-25—with two program options—a day program (called OST for Out-of-School Time)— and a sports program.The OST Vacation Program is similar to a traditional camp, which is no surprise since WSYMCA has decades of experience running camps like Camp Frank A. Day. It has a mix of activities including games, arts and crafts projects, and indoor and outdoor play, keeping kids in grades K-8 engaged from 8AM-5PM.

The Sports Vacation Program is either a full or half day packed with different games and activities, played in a supportive environment. Basketball, soccer, dodgeball, tag, relay races, pickleball, and Capture the Flag are all in the mix, along with downtime for reading and arts and crafts. The full day program runs from 8:30-4PM and the half day option goes to 1 PM. The program is co-ed for ages 6-13.

By the way, parents will appreciate the priority WSYMCA gives to child safety—all staff members are CORI, SORI and Out of State CORI background checked, and certified in first aid and CPR. Staff is required to attend 30+ hours of training as well as mandatory annual child abuse training, bullying prevention, and concussion trainings.