It is hard to believe that school is almost out. With prom this past weekend and end of school testing just around the corner, summer vacation will follow soon after.

Are you ready? Many of you are, but some folks are not. No worries, because there are many great things happening in Salisbury this summer.

Of course, we have our awesome summer day camps at all YMCA branches. The great part is that if you are on a tight budget, we have an “open door policy” where no one will be turned away due to the inability to pay. Our Rowan County United Way donates a large amount of money each year to the Rowan County YMCAs to help offset the cost for parents and guardians with memberships, summer camp and before and after school care. The money raised from the Buck Hurley Triathlon and other fundraisers also help with that and we have awesome families and individuals who love to help this community by donating funds to individuals and families in need.

All you need to do is stop by any of our branches, pick up the open door policy form and follow the directions. The front desk will be able to answer most questions you may have. The rules stay the same in the summer as they do throughout the year: Ages 10 and under have to be with a responsible adult. Ages 11 and up can be in the YMCA by themselves, but they have to be respectful, responsible, honest and caring towards others and themselves. Parents, please provide them with food and drinks for the time they are here. If they are entered in summer camp, they will be provided with breakfast and lunch. And we do have a dress code: if they wear what they can wear at school or sport, they will be fine. Swimwear is needed in the pool and splash pad area.

Besides full day camps, we have half-day sports camps. Call the YMCA for more information as each branch has different camps and dates. This year, the Hurley branch will be offering more half-day sports camps, one of which is track and field camp on July 6-10. Starting June 10 at the JF Hurley branch, the climbing wall and Xrkade will be open from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. (7.45 p.m. on Fridays). Your 10 and under child can be signed in for two hours of free care per day with a Y membership while you go work out or take a class.

Besides the YMCA, Parks and Recreation, Piedmont Players, Waterworks, churches and many other great organizations here in Rowan County will be hosting camps and opportunities for your child to have an amazing and safe active summer experience.

As I have mentioned before, my mom always told me that even a good child when bored will find something to do, and that something is not always the right choice…

Ester H Marsh, Associate Executive Director JF Hurley Family YMCA