Make a Summer Plan Did you know that children lose on average two months of reading skills over the summer?

Summer should be a time for youth development through travel, camp, adventures, and fun but - for too many - the end of full, planned, school days also halts learning, physical activity, and social engagement.

The progress gap between kids from higher- and lower-income families often grows and, in some cases, kids from less-wealthy families can actually regress - returning to school even less likely to succeed.

Our mission - especially in the summer when the need grows - is to nurture positive youth development with a variety of educational, engaging, and fun activities in a positive, safe, trust-worthy environment parents can feel good about.

Want some first hand experience with our summer cams, programs, and offerings or to talk with our staff about making a summer plan for your kids? Join us for Healthy Kids Day at Camp Hyde on Saturday, April 27. This public event is FREE, so invite your friends.

I love that the Y - thanks to the generosity of our donors, partners, and sponsors - can support health and wellness for everyone in our community, regardless of their ability to pay. If you, or someone you know, needs help keeping camp and other summer programs affordable - let us know. You can learn about income-based financial on our website or by talking with our staff.

We look forward to seeing you at Healthy Kids Day and helping your kids develop as part of your family's summer plan.

Ronn McMahon
President and CEO
Greater Wichita YMCA