They clown it up under the YMCA Big Top

Photo by Steve Reynolds

Charlene Garcia, Manatee Summer Camp director, clowned around for Circus Day at the Greater Marco Family YMCA.

Photo by Steve Reynolds

Steve Reynolds/Special to the Eagle (3) Melody Merrymaker, Jackie Nolder, makes animal ballons during Under the Big Top for the Greater Marco Family YMCA Summer Day Camp participants.

Photo by Steve Reynolds

Harmony the Clown, Presley Nolder, age 7, enjoyed her day Under the Big Top at the Greater Marco Family YMCA. She took part with her grandmother, Melody Merrymaker, Jackie Nolder, in face painting and making animal ballons for the Summer Day campers.

"Under the Big Top" was the theme of the Greater Marco Family YMCA Summer Day Camps. Campers were entertained by clowns doing face painting and animal balloon making, all to the sounds of the circus calliope and bands.

Campers also enjoyed the Bounce House and the delicious flavors of the Snow-Cone machine.

This week's theme is "Animal Planet" and campers will learn all about the creatures that inhabit our part of the world. As part of the week, campers enjoyed a day at the Naples Zoo.

The theme for Week 7 of Summer Day Camp is "The Wild, Wild West," where campers will learn about the history and culture of the U.S. western expansion. The field trip will be to Bamboozles Roller Skating Rink.

The Marco YMCA also has two new programs for the summer.

Students, ages 12 to 17, have the opportunity to come to a conditioning camp that will use the five components of fitness which are balance, flexibility, strength, endurance and agility. This one-week conditioning camp is for all students who will be involved in a sport when school starts in August. Field activities include: teamwork, team partner stretches and aerobic workouts.

Conditioning camp is scheduled for July 30 through Aug. 3 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Marco YMCA. The fee is $100 for each student. Instructors are Dustyn McCauley and Michael Gober, former Lely High football players. Maximum participants for this program are 30, Attendees are asked to bring a water bottle, workout towel, athletic shoes or cleats and loose-fitting clothes. Be sure to pack your swimsuit and a lunch.

American Red Cross Learn to Swim lessons Level 3 and 4 will begins Tuesday and goes to Aug. 16. Class time is from 1 to 2 p.m. Instruction will be on the basics of the butterfly stroke, freestyle breathing and water safety skills, such as survival swimming and treading water. Games and lap swimming are a part of every class. Upon completion of the class swimmers will be able to do the butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle, elementary backstroke, sidestroke and survival swimming. Eligibility requirements are swimmers must have passed the Level 2 swim test. The Fee for Marco YMCA members is $75 and $95 for the community. Marco Island residents may receive a $15 discount through funds provided by the City of Marco Island. Program Instructor is Rebecca Gill.

Registration continues for Summer Junior Tennis, Tim Cain Baseball Camp, Scott Stewart Basketball Camp, Sport N Splash Camp, British Challenger Soccer Camp, Seibukan Karate Camp, Summer Day Camp and Five-Day Vacation Bible School.

For more information go to www.marcoislandymca.org, or check out our Facebook page: Greater Marco Family YMCA.