Camp Director Remembers Past in New Role

The following was submitted by the Somerset Valley YMCA.

Growing up, Matt Gray’s favorite memories are of camp. Now he’s running his own camp program at the , and he brings with him an abundance of enthusiasm and experience.

“Some of my fondest childhood memories revolve around the various camps I attended, both at as a camper and later as a counselor,” said Gray, who grew up in Long Hill and recently joined the Hillsborough Y as director of summer camp and after-school care. “I hope to create those same memories for the kids in our camp programs.

The first two weeks of camp this summer already have given campers many memorable moments. A dog, ferret and an owl made an appearance in a session for Future Veterinarians, while reptiles were the guests in the Snakes and Scales session. In other sessions, campers did a mock trial, painted and created jewelry.

In Hillsborough, the Y day campers can enjoy outdoor activities under a shady grove of trees, as well as have fun indoors in a gymnasium and a six-lane pool. Gray thanked the volunteer from Altria Group Inc., which cleared and mulched the outdoor site in the spring in preparation for camp. 

 “I’m excited to be on board here in Hillsborough. I couldn’t ask for a better facility in which to hold a camp in,” he said.

Upcoming sessions include a new water fun camp, acting camp, and young Einstein’s science camp. Kids in Y day camp have the opportunity to explore their creativity, play games, do sports and make new friends in a nurturing environment.

“I am excited to take a leadership role in creating programs that help kids discover their potential,” Gray said. “And I’m inspired to bring fresh ideas to an already awesome program.”

One of the changes he made was to rename the 2012 camp program “Camp Star” for the stars handed out to children who go out of their way to do something nice for others. At the end of the week, the “stars” are entered into a drawing for prizes.

“The staff loves being able to reinforce positive behavior through our stars program,” he said. “And the kids love being the ‘stars.' ”

As a youngster, Gray was very active. He played basketball and whiffle ball on a local court, while also participating in organized youth sports including baseball and soccer.

That passion fueled his interest in majoring in physical education at Syracuse University. After graduating in 2010, he worked as sports coordinator at the West Suburban Y in Newton, Mass., before joining the Hillsborough branch of the Somerset Valley YMCA. He is also a certified physical education teacher.