02 Sep 2014

Tuttle Daycare Center reopens for YMCA’s youngest campers

Tuttle Daycare Center reopens for YMCA’s youngest campers

Saint Augustine’s University reopened its Tuttle Daycare Center to expand its relationship with the YMCA. Interim President Everett Ward along with faculty and staff welcomed the campers of Camp K and YMCA representatives.

“Saint Augustine’s University has enjoyed a seven-year partnership with the YMCA of the Triangle and we are proud to expand that partnership by hosting Camp K, a camp for 4 and 5 year olds at our very own Tuttle daycare center,” said Interim President Everett Ward. “The re-opening of Tuttle is especially significant for me because as a preschooler this was my center! Things have truly come full circle.”

Doug McMillan, YMCA of the Triangle CEO, said, “The relationship between Saint Augustine’s University and the YMCA of the Triangle exemplifies the spirit of community collaboration. Thanks to Saint Augustine’s University, the Alexander YMCA’s Camp High Hopes has a permanent home.”

Camp High Hopes is the YMCA of the Triangle’s largest fully- subsidized outreach camp. For seven weeks, nearly 500 students will enjoy games, arts and crafts and two hot meals on Saint Augustine’s University’s campus. Camps are led by YMCA staff.

The program is offered at a reduced fee to participants thanks to public support and donations to the Alexander Family YMCA’s Annual We Build People Campaign.

The newest addition is the YMCA’s Camp K, a pre-Kindergarten readiness program for children ages four and five. This summer, nearly 40 children are registered. PNC supports this program and similar YMCA programs in Cary and Durham.

One of the highlights of the summer is the community collaboration called YMCA Healthy Communities Day. On July 10, the YMCA’s community health partner WakeMed and other area agencies will provide free medical screenings to more than 800 children in the YMCA’s subsidized camps. Saint Augustine’s University has played host to this event for six years.