YMCA Program Is Meant to Raise Children’s Spirits

Getting tossed into a group of strangers is never easy for youngsters. With that in mind, the local YMCA is hosting a Discovery Camp starting Monday aimed at breaking through any reserve children may be feeling.

“Once they see how much fun the other kids are having, it’s all over, they start getting involved,” said Michal Gatson, who runs the South Coast YMCA’s day camp program. “We try to provide activities that the traditional day camp doesn’t offer.”

Camp activities, offered to children ages 6 to 12, include rock-wall climbs, nature walks and a trip to Knott’s Berry Farm.

The nature walk winds through the neighboring regional park and leads to natural botanical gardens where wildlife is sometimes spotted. Group leaders show and explain native vegetation to campers.

“We introduce kids to things they might otherwise not do,” Gatson said.

The camp costs $90 and runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will end at 1 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.

The South Coast YMCA is at 29831 Crown Valley Parkway between La Paz and Niguel roads. Information: (714) 495-9622.