Caption: Noah Velardo, age 5 of Madison, proudly sports a green wristband that he earned after passing his deep-water test at the Madison Area YMCA. 

(Madison, NJ) – March 29, 2023 – Summer is on the horizon, and the start of the 2023 Madison Area YMCA’s Quest Camps are right around the corner! We are so excited to welcome new and returning campers to another fun-filled season of camp full of excitement, discovery, and growth. Madison Area YMCA's summer day camps begin Monday, June 19, and run all summer long for preschoolers through entering grade 10, with 4 to 5 two-week sessions, and drop-in available across all camps.  

“At camp, children develop lifelong skills and independence, learn teamwork, and build self-esteem. Camp is a place to build and make new friendships, a time and freedom for spontaneous play, filled with screen-free activities, structure that supports healthy living and a connection to nature, and is a safe environment to promote growth,” said Camp, School-Age Child Care, Teen & Family Director Finola Colon. “Summer camp also creates an environment that encourages respect and consideration for others. The benefits of summer day camp are endless and can last a lifetime. Not only will your child return from camp with greater independence and a stronger sense of identity, but they will also have developed new skills, made new friends, and created memories that last a lifetime.” 

Part of our campers’ summer experience includes learning life-saving swimming lessons.  
Learning how to swim builds confidence and provides great physical exercise. “When a beginner masters swimming skills, they feel more confident around water and the knowledge of knowing what to do provides peace of mind. Knowing how to swim is an important, life-long skill,” said Aquatics Program Director Yean Jimenez. 

After having participated in swim lessons at various locations since he was six months old, Quest Camper Noah Velardo (now age 5) was finally able to pass his deep-water test last week at the Madison Area YMCA’s Walker D. Kirby Aquatics Center! Noah began swimming lessons last year at Quest Camps and continued swimming lessons during the regular program session at the Y. His hard work enabled him to earn the green wristband, allowing him to swim anywhere in the pool. 

Noah’s mother, Robyn Velardo, noted that Noah was both fueled by his own motivation and the support of his Quest Camps swim instructors, which showed him that he could enjoy the pool and grow into an amazing swimmer with consistent practice. 

“The entire YMCA team and the constant encouragement from the friends Noah made at the Y made this all happen, and he has loved every second. We could not be happier that Noah attends the Madison Area YMCA daily and year-round, and we are so impressed with all he has learned!” said Velardo. 

Discover a new skill and unlock your potential this summer at the Madison Area YMCA’s Quest Camps. Register today and learn more about Quest Camps at https://www.madisonareaymca.org/camp! 

As a mission-driven charitable organization and community wellness center, the Madison Area YMCA is dedicated to nurturing the potential of our youth, providing a safe space for teens, improving the community’s health and well-being, and giving back by providing support to our neighbors. For more information about financial assistance or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit our website at www.madisonareaymca.org.  

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