Camarillo YMCA offers summer programs
By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com

Searching for a lowcost alternative to the skyrocketing cost of a road trip this summer?

Look no further than your own backyard, says the Camarillo Family YMCA.

"We try to give people an alternative to travel," Y spokesperson Rachel McKnett said.

The Camarillo Y offers members several new nocost or lowcost programs throughout the summer. Members can:

•lounge around the pool every Sunday Swim Day

•splash or lie poolside while watching a family-friendly movie one Friday evening a month for Flick 'N Floats

•socialize after a workout, enjoying music and healthy snacks at the Happy (Healthy) Hour

•win prizes playing the daily bingo game

For the first time, the Camarillo Family YMCA will host a summer youth flag football coed league. The season of five games runs Aug. 1 through 30 for beginner level teams composed of girls and boys from kindergarten through sixth grade. The cost is $40 for members, $55 for nonmembers. Registration is open through July 31.

The Y is also offering a residential camp Aug. 3 through 10 for youth entering fourth through sixth grades at Youth Camp and seventh to 12th grades at Teen Camp. Both camps are near the Sequoia National Park, and the Camarillo Family YMCA will provide transportation. The camps are accredited by the American Camping Association.

Activities include archery, challenge courses, swimming, canoeing, nature lore and crafts. Sign-ups are accepted on a first come, first served basis, and financial assistance is available.

Want to stick closer to home? The Y also offers day camps designed to appeal to a wide range of interests and ages, such as aquatics, science, sports, arts and crafts, robotics and more.

Members also have access to exercise equipment at the Y and a variety of specialty classes, such as Pilates, studio cycling and yoga, in addition to one-on-one fitness training sessions with a coach.

YMCA membership rates change on July 1 as follows:

•Teens 12 to 18 pay $30 a month with a one-time joining fee of $50.

•Adults ages 19 to 65 pay $47 a month and a joining fee of $100.

•Families- as many as two adults and two dependents under 24 who live in the same residence- pay $82 a month and a $100 joining fee.

•Seniors ages 66 and older pay $42 a month and a $100 joining fee.

For more information about Camarillo Family YMCA programs, dates and costs, visit www.ciymca.org or call (805) 484-0423.