News

YMCA Summer Camp Games

Aug 14, 2008

Summer isn’t over until the day campers of the YMCA of the East Bay take part in the Y-Games. And many day campers wouldn’t get to take part without the generous support of our donors.

As summer drew to a close, the day camp season culminated in the 2008 Y-Games. This event is a celebration for the youth who have participated in the summer day camp programs at seven YMCA of the East Bay locations. The event consisted of sports, exercise and fitness games for school-aged campers. More than 600 day campers ran, jumped, tossed a football and Frisbees at this much anticipated Olympics-style event held on the campus of Merritt College in the Oakland Hills.

While the day was filled with fun and excitement for the young campers, it was equally exciting for a group of YMCA of the East Bay donors. They had the opportunity to see firsthand the positive effect their philanthropic giving has on the East Bay community. Nine people who generously donated to the Send-a-Kid Campaign, attended as special guests. They toured the Y-Games, chatted with the kids and enjoyed a thank-you lunch in honor of their support.

Everyone—donors and campers alike—had a fun and exciting time. Donors shared personal stories about their YMCA experience and day campers made memories that will someday be retold as their Y-story.

Youth & Government Excellence

May 21, 2008

Members of the YMCA’s Youth & Government Oakland Delegation filled several statewide leadership positions, including Governor’s Lobbyist, Jury Trial Chair, Special Investigations Panel, and Media Editor.

This model legislature program for high school students teaches civics and government in semester-long sessions where participants develop new legislation that is debated on the floor of the state legislature. More than 25 student delegates from six Alameda, Oakland and Piedmont high schools bring a diversity of backgrounds and ideas to the program, which includes youth delegations from throughout the state.

First WAVE in Oakland Schools

May 21, 2008

YMCA of the East Bay’s First WAVE (Water Adventures and Values Education) is part of the school day for hundreds of Oakland Unified School District third-grade students.

This innovative partnership with the school district gives students from 32 third-grade classes at 11 schools the opportunity to learn water safety training and literacy support. The 10-week program is integrated into the students’ normal school day.

Students take the course at three local swim sites to become certified in water safety. Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death (after auto accidents) in children younger than 14. Projections are that some 1,000 students will complete the First WAVE curriculum by June 2008.