The Polk County YMCA concluded its nine-week summer Day Camp program after serving 128 unique campers and generating 670 total camper experiences throughout the season.
The organization provided $13,090 in financial assistance to ensure access for families who might not otherwise afford the program. Community donations funded the scholarships that allowed every interested child to participate.
The camp employed staff members including three Polk County school teachers and two teacher assistants, who created structured programming in a supervised environment. Weekly activities ranged from outdoor pursuits like horseback riding, hiking and fishing to educational excursions to the Hands On Museum.
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Additional programming included gem mining, guided painting classes, theater productions and weekly academic enrichment activities focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts.
The YMCA is now preparing for its 2025-2026 Afterschool Program, which will serve elementary and middle school students from Polk County Elementary School, Tryon Elementary School, Saluda Elementary School, Stearns Valley Elementary School and Polk County Middle School.
The afterschool program will transport students by bus to Stearns Gym, where they will receive snacks, homework assistance and participate in structured activities until 6 p.m. Financial assistance will be available for qualifying families.
The organization continues to accept donations for its scholarship fund through its website at spartanburgymca.org/donate.
