By Katie Myers, Child Enrichment Program Director
We are quite proud of our daycare program at the YWCA. Like so many businesses of every shape and size, we’ve had challenges in recent years due to COVID-19 and directly and indirectly related changes. We’re proud of our history, sure. But as I write this, we’re gratified to say we’re perhaps more vital than ever.
It’s already summer at the YWCA Gettysburg & Adams County Child Enrichment Program, and many changes are happening at our center at the Main YWCA location, 909 Fairfield Road. The infant room closed in January of 2023, and we are excited to announce that, as of June 5th, we welcomed back the infants (ages six months to one year) into our care. This is such a good thing for us, but terrific news for parents of children in this age range. If part of our mission is to empower women (and families), providing this crucial childcare piece is essential.
I’ve got good news about our summer camp program—first, the good stuff. Our program took off on May 30th with 25 students in attendance. The bad, if you will? This program is full at this time, which will not deter me from telling you how great it is! We make field trips to places like Zoo America and Hershey Park. We’re also thrilled to be bringing the mystique of the universe to our campers through a program that brings the night sky to us, personally, through a program called Night Wonders of Astronomy. We’re always looking for something new and engaging, and this one seems like it could become a tradition.
So, for future reference, summer camp is provided from 6:30 am-5:30 pm. Breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack are included in tuition. Camp typically begins the Monday following the last day of school in the Gettysburg Area School District and ends the Friday prior to school beginning.
Other exciting news, the 909 location has hired eight new staff in the last four months. Childcare is hard work, and nobody is getting rich doing it. Just like teaching (and many other jobs), it takes a particular passion and dedication. We’ve got that kind of staff right now and aim to keep it that way.
A few more things:
The 909 and ACC locations will attend the Library Fun Fest on June 9th from 3-7 pm at the Gettysburg Rec Park. This is a large event to inform parents and community members about our Pre-K Counts Program, held at both locations during the school year.
Lastly, we will hold our yearly “Donuts with Dads” event on Friday, June 16th, from 7:30-9:30 am in the community room.
If you’d like to know more about any of our childcare programs, look under the Child Care tab here on our website.