Franklin Township YMCA’s Camp Soar Receives 2023 Healthier Somerset Embracing Innovation Award
Franklin Township, New Jersey, January 4, 2023 — Franklin Township YMCA’s Camp Soar proudly received the 2023 Healthier Somerset Embracing Innovation Award. This award is presented to individuals or teams within the coalition who demonstrate exceptional creativity in devising and implementing groundbreaking ideas to enhance processes, programs, or services.
The Healthier Somerset coalition, a collective committed to community well-being, joined for its annual meeting and awards breakfast on December
19th, 2023, at the Bridgewater Manor. Attendees gather for the opportunity to network, applaud achievements, and commemorate the year’s successes. Among the honored recipients was Franklin Township YMCA’s Camp Soar, acknowledged for its outstanding commitment to innovation.
Camp Soar, with grant funding support from Somerset County, provides an immersive camp experience for children, leveraging the rich outdoor resources of Colonial Park. The program integrates a diverse range of activities, including STEM education, literacy, arts and crafts, sports, physical fitness, team-building exercises, and character development.
In 2022, its inaugural year, Camp Soar hosted a five-week day camp that catered to 125 children from four municipalities, incorporating 10 Counselors in Training. Notably, over two-thirds of participants were first-time summer camp attendees, with an overwhelmingly positive response—97 percent of families expressed a keen interest in reenrolling.
In early 2023, the Somerset County Board of Commissioners allocated American Rescue Plan funds to support a second year of Camp Soar at Colonial Park. This funding facilitated an expansion of the program from five to eight weeks, offering essential before-and aftercare hours to assist working parents throughout the summer. This extension particularly benefited under-resourced children from the Bound Brook, Manville, Franklin, and South Bound Brook communities.
In 2023 Camp Soar,
- Campers participated in the Junior USA Triathlon and received a free bike as a result of their involvement.
- Collaborated with public libraries in Franklin, Manville, and Bound Brook to offer literary activities for campers.
- Counselors in Training obtained their Babysitting Certification during the summer.
- Campers enjoyed swim lessons twice a week.
- Provided breakfast and lunch for all campers.
“Camp Soar is a camp that allows access to nature and camp activities for campers from Manville, Bound Brook, South Bound Brook, and Franklin. We pride ourselves on creating a memorable camp experience for our campers and staff,” says Alesha Clayton, Senior Program Director at Franklin Township YMCA.
For more information on Camp Soar and to discover what awaits campers in 2024 visit, https://www.gscymca.org/child-care-camps/camp-soar/.
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About Greater Somerset County YMCA
Greater Somerset County YMCA is a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. The Y empowers everyone—no matter who they are or where they’re from—by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. For information about Greater Somerset County YMCA and financial assistance, visit us at www.gscymca.org/.
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