A child from Club Ed 2020 uses YMCA colors to show what the YMCA means to them. Camp Pathfinder for children aged Pre-K to 12 years starts June 8. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — Camp Pathfinder at the YMCA of Parkersburg, the travel-themed summer day camp for 2021 for children aged Pre-K through 12-years, will begin June 8 and will be held weekdays through Aug. 13.

Transportation is available for summer school students. A bus will pick them up from their school site and bring them to the Y for camp.

“The Youth Development team is making a relentless effort to cultivate an environment where children are encouraged to expand their worldviews, and have several opportunities to ‘find their path’ at the Y this summer,” Veronica Rivers, youth development coordinator, said.

Campers will be given opportunities to connect with YMCAs nationwide.

“Preparations are currently underway for campers to be able to video conference with children from other YMCAs across the country to gain insight into other cultures,” Rivers said.

Membership Director Sarah Lemley reads a book to a group during Club Ed 2020. Camp Pathfinder for children aged Pre-K to 12 years starts June 8. (Photo Provided)

In addition, the YMCA is collaborating with several community organizations to offer life skills programming, including the Humane Society of Parkersburg, Parkersburg and Wood County Public Library, WVU Extension and United Bank.

“With (the Humane Society,) campers may gain more interest in reading, as they will be permitted to read to the animals at the shelter,” Rivers said. “Not only will this help encourage the children to read, but it may positively influence the emotional well-being of the animals waiting to be adopted.”

The Bookmobile at the public library will visit the YMCA 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. every Friday during camp.

“The Bookmobile will be aiding in the effort to encourage campers to read,” Rivers said. “Campers enjoyed these visits last year, and we are thankful to continue this partnership into this year’s camp.”

WVU Extension will be facilitating lessons on nutrition, Rivers said.

A Pre-K student reads a book she got from the Bookmobile at Club Ed 2020. Camp Pathfinder for children aged Pre-K to 12 years starts June 8. (Photo Provided)

“Through this partnership, the YMCA will also be able to work as a convener for a Farmer’s Market that will be open to the campers and their parents,” she said.

United Bank will inspire the youth to begin considering the age-old question about what they want to be when they grow up, Rivers said. United Bank will also be providing age appropriate financial curriculum, she said.

Pricing includes a registration fee of $25 per child. Daily rates are $30 per day for members with Family Memberships and $37.50 per day for non-members.

Weekly rates are $120 per week for members with Family Memberships and $150 per week for non-members. Buy four days and get the fifth day free.

Go to the Welcome Desk in the YMCA Fitness Center to register.

The YMCA also is hiring counselors for Camp Pathfinder. Those interested should email a resume to Rivers at vrivers@parkersburgymca.org.

For more information about youth programs, call 304-485-5585, or go to parkersburgymca.org.