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Local students help improve Camp Mataucha

WATERTOWN - The Greater Waterbury YMCA's Camp Mataucha in Watertown hosted a tour and discussion on Tuesday, August 10, promoting the Earth Service Corps - a program aligned with the Obama administration's Let's Read Let's Move initiative.

The students, ages 11 to 15 entering grades six through nine, have been participating in projects that help improve the site in Watertown. Some of the projects include clearing out trees and weeds and putting down wood chips adjacent to the basketball courts for a future picnic area.

"Usually, by this time, there aren't any balls left to play with," said Counselor Damian Parker. "We were tired of balls getting lost in the woods."

The group also laid rocks on the edges of a path running from the butterfly garden to the beaver dam. The beaver dam was cleared out - the students "got on their butts and slid down" to the sticks to bring them out. The final project for the campers will be to build a bridge across the dam.

"They don't mind doing anything that I don't mind doing," said Mr. Parker. "What they are saying is, 'I'm here to give back!'"

Other, smaller projects include picking up trash around the camp and recycling plastic bottles.

The campers' day, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., consists of team building activities, projects and games. The group demonstrated 'The Human Knot' which requires teamwork for a group of eight students to untangle themselves. Upon detangling all of their intertwined arms, the group is left in two combined circles, making the shape of an eight.

"Everything I learned, I learned when I was eight," said Mr. Parker. "If they can remember anything from the day before, I think I'm successful."

The Earth Service Corps, operating at Camp Mataucha and Willimantic Public Schools 21st Century Community Learning Center, engages 100 middle school students in 100 hours of community service. Students who complete the Summer of Service program are eligible for a $500 educational award provided by the National Service Trust.

The Earth Service Corps was established by the Northwestern Connecticut Area Health Education Center with funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service. Northwestern Connecticut AHEC partnered with the Greater Waterbury YMCA in receiving the Summer of Service grant - a three year grant providing $50,000 each year. Northwestern Connecticut AHEC and Camp Mataucha work on community needs with 25 students from Waterbury in hopes that students will exhibit leadership skills and civic engagement while also inspiring students to obtain higher education.

Give to the 2010 YMCA Strong Kids Campaign

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ACHIEVE Program a huge success for YMCA youth participants

The Waterbury YMCA was the third in the country to adopt ACHIEVE, a free program designed to implement a youth-based triathlon training and fitness program focused on teaching kids how to swim, bike and run.

ACHIEVE started in Washington D.C. and has since spread to Houston, Texas and now Waterbury. The program's mission is to combat childhood obesity and help children and families make healthy lifestyle choices. The ACHIEVE program was completely free of charge to the participants involved.

After completing a 6-week daily training program 25 young athletes from greater Waterbury competed in a final competition atYMCA Camp Mataucha on August 7th.
All of the participating kids did a 100 meter swim, a one mile run on the camp property and a 5k bike ride on Smith Pond Road looping on LInkfield Rd. back to Camp Mataucha.

The program's head coach and triathlete, Susanne Navas, organized guest speakers, training programs and mock competitions during the 6-week training period. Camaraderie and friendships grew strong, as those who finished all three races did not forget about those still in the race. One athlete, Cameron Taylor, 10, of Waterbury, took a spill from his bike on the hilly course, but he wanted to finish. Cameron crossed the finish line with his fellow runners by his side cheering him on.

The race ended with a cookout and ceremony,where each athlete received a certificate. Navas and the four assistant coaches, Trevor Heller, Rob Szegedy, Maisie Sanchez and Rebecca Clarke were all on hand to congratulate the athletes as well as bands of spectators, parents and volunteers. The first ACHIEVE youth triathlon in the greater Waterbury area was a huge success that changed the lives of 25 children forever, as well as formed lasting friendships.

ACHIEVE video

Top Finishers:

3 young ACHIEVE participants pose proudly

Female
Hannah Broderick, first place, 26:02
Alyscia Talbot, second place, 26:12
Madeline Carleton, third place, 26:35

Male
Rylan Carleton, first place, 31:37
Patrick Henderson, second place, 36:31
Santos Lopez, third place, 36:41

YMCA and Carol White Grant

Youth and Teen Wellness Center coming soon
Through funding provided to several Waterbury area locations by the Carol White grant, the Greater Waterbury YMCA will soon house a Youth and Teen Wellness Center. As part of an initiative to end childhood obesity, the YMCA will transform a racquetball court into a haven for youth wellness complete with age-appropriate equipment and staff guidance. Stay tuned for more information about this and other projects at the Greater Waterbury YMCA!

Parking Lot breaking ground this summer!

All final approvals have been issued and the Greater Waterbury YMCA is pleased to announce that by fall 2010 the new parking lot will be ready for use. Expect to see us breaking ground this summer at the property located just behind the Immaculate Conception Church on the other side of the apartment building. Exciting news for the YMCA and the members!