A Lake Stockwell Day Camp experience is about so much more than swimming, boating and archery, according to Lynn Passarella, the camp’s director. Lake Stockwell Day Camp, is part of YMCA Camp Ockanickon, and it has been since 1990.
“We also specialize in afternoon ‘after camp’ programs that encourage children to become their very best selves,” Lynn explained.
One such program is martial arts, which will be run at day camp this summer by Brian Preston of Martial Arts Fitness Center in Marlton.
“We’re excited to partner with Lake Stockwell and the YMCA Camp Ockanickon organization,” said Preston. “Our youth martial arts program is designed to give campers the basic skills needed to progress not only through the various martial arts stages, but will help them develop skills to serve them throughout their lives. It’s a fun and nurturing environment, where they’ll grow more confident and learn respect.”
Preston added that self-defense training builds discipline, coordination and increases socialization skills. The program will also focus on stranger awareness, bully prevention and leadership.
Preston is a Third Degree Black Belt in Tae-Kwon-Do, a Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has been teaching and training for over 20 years combined. He actively takes part in tournaments and competes in various races including Mud Runs, Tough Mudders and Beach Runs. He received his Personal Training Certification and Nutrition and Wellness Consultant from the AFPA in 2007 and in 2010 became a Mixed Martial Arts Conditioning Coach (NESTA) and Fitness Nutrition Coach (NESTA).
Lake Stockwell Day Camp runs for 10 one-week sessions during the summer, Monday through Friday from June 25 through August 31. Typical camp programming – archery, arts & crafts, boating, swimming, earth education, etc. – runs from 8:30 am until 4 pm. After many of the day campers leave the property, there are additional programs offered, such as martial arts, swim lessons, drama, robotics, outdoor living, between 4:30 pm and 6 pm.
The late afternoon programs are not only educational and fun for the campers, Lynn said, but they benefit busy working parents by providing enriching programming after the camp day ends.
“This will be a terrific opportunity for our campers to learn more real life skills here at camp,” Lynn said. To register for Lake Stockwell Day Camp or any of the afternoon specialty programs, go to https://ycamp.org/dc-redirect/. Lynn can be reached at 609-678-1502 or lynn@ycamp.org.