Phoenixville Y Hosts Summer Day Camp Olympics

On Wednesday, July 9, the Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA hosted more than 1,000 campers, ages 8 to 11, at the Phoenixville YMCA, located at 400 East Pothouse Road, Phoenixville, PA. The Summer Day Camp Olympics brought together campers from all 17 YMCAs located throughout Berks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, for a day of friendly competition, learning and bonding with fellow Y campers.

The Y’s Summer Day Camp Olympics was as competitive and exciting as the 2014 Summer Olympics. Since the first few weeks of camp season, Y campers have embraced different cultures, learning about foods and languages of countries such as Jamaica, Spain, Switzerland, China and the United States. Dressed in different colors, participants from each Y branch represented a different country and participated in Olympic-style games and events.

“Watching campers come together is one of my favorite things about this entire event,” said John Flynn, President and CEO, Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA. “This is rare given the distance between camps which stretch more than 50 miles from Northeast Philadelphia to Pennsburg. What better way to celebrate our diverse organization than a day devoted to games and just having fun.”

After the opening ceremonies, the campers began the day with an array of different activities. The campers rotated between ten unique and traditional games, such as 100-yard dash, water relay, potato sack race, basketball competition and many other engaging activities. Each year, this unique event provides an opportunity for children to learn new skills, develop character, practice good sportsmanship and make new friends that last a lifetime!