The YWCA of Steubenville at 320 N. Fourth St. is in the midst of one of the many things it does, whether the public is aware of it or not.
As part of its community outreach programs, the girls summer camps are under way with the first two-week session having been held June 12-21.
It's the first of three camps this summer that offer girls fun and fellowship, according to Marlyn Neely, YWCA executive director. There were 16 girls participating in this camp open to those in grades one through seven. Held Monday through Thursday during both of those weeks, the girls made T-shirts, hats, banks, jewelry and wind chimes; danced, played games and went swimming; made new friends; and participated in one activity designed to build self-esteem and recognize good qualities in other people as the camp participants were encouraged to identify one thing they liked about themselves and one thing they liked about their fellow camp peers.
Article Photos
Michelle Thomas, left, and Marlyn Neely, YWCA executive director
The camp costs $25 per person, a bargain for some summer fun it would seem.
Next up is the junior culinary camp set for July 10-13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. It is open to girls in grades five through eight. Again, the cost is $25, and the registration deadline is July 3.
Neely explained the girls will shop for groceries, bake and make healthy snacks; learn about nutrition; make food-related crafts; and learn about food safety and sanitation and how to set a proper table.
A highlight is when they make the desserts for that Friday's Steubenville Rotary Club luncheon meeting, donning their chef hats and serving the club members.
"They get so excited about that," Neely said of the camp that is being revived this year.
Also on the summer camp calendar is one scheduled for July 24-26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will have a "Getting Fit" theme for the participants in grade one through seven as they make healthy snacks and among other things, get energized with exercising and dancercize.
The YWCA exists to help improve the lives of women and girls through programming that promotes economic growth, life enrichment, healthier lifestyles, a safe environment and equal rights.
For information, contact Neely at (740) 282-1261.
