The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee is partnering with the Milwaukee County Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture to bring its day camps and swim lessons to  County Parks sites this summer. The new partnership will extend the Y’s programming into the communities it serves and give more children the opportunity to experience a safe, fun camp environment and learn life-saving swim and water safety skills.

Of the Milwaukee Y’s seven area day camps, three will be held at new County Parks sites – Lincoln Park, Wilson Park and the Milwaukee County Sports Complex in Franklin. Swim lessons taught by certified Milwaukee Y swim instructors will be held four days per week for nine weeks at Jackson, Washington, and Sheridan pools, as well as Schultz Aquatic Center in Lincoln Park and Pelican Cove in Kosciuszko Park.

“One of the ways the Milwaukee Y is working to achieve our vision of a stronger, healthier Milwaukee is by bringing our programs out into the community rather than requiring community members to come to us. Partnering with the County Parks gives us a unique platform to introduce hundreds of kids to the fun and value of summer camp and life-saving water safety education,” said Julie A. Tolan, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee. “Both the Milwaukee Y and the County Parks are invested in developing healthy kids who grow up to be good citizens, and together we will be able to teach even more young children lifelong skills that will help them grow to be healthy, thriving adults.”

“We are very excited about our Day Camps and swimming lessons  partnership with the Milwaukee YMCA,” said Milwaukee County Parks Director John Dargle. “This is a strong partnership that is mutually beneficial to both parties, but especially to the residents of Southeastern Wisconsin. Together, we’ll provide opportunities for healthy activities and water safety  for kids and parents.”