Easley YMCA Summer Camp Moving

The Pickens County YMCA is gearing up for its summer camp program.

Sid Collins, Pickens County YMCA CEO, said the Y will be moving its Easley camp back to the Easley Y from the J.B. “Red” Owens Recreation Complex, where it has been held for the past 6 years.

There are many reasons behind the move, Collins said, including scheduling.

“It's a very busy rec complex and a complicated YMCA schedule,” Collins said, adding he'd spoken to city officials and rec staff about the program. “We just came to the conclusion it'd be easier for both organizations to keep our sites separate.”

Collins said he wanted to publicly thank the city for the summer camp partnership.

“It's been great,” he said. “I wanted to give you a few quick numbers so you'll understand the impact our camp has had over the last six years.”

The camp has served 800 children from Easley and the surrounding area over the last six years.

“Of which 150-200 are on scholarship, which means they are needs-based families that are at risk,” Collins said. “We are able to serve them.”

Over the last six years, $120,000 in scholarships have been given out for the Easley camp.

“That's just for the Easley camp,” Collins said. “We have a Pickens camp and a Powdersville camp. I want you to know that your site is a big part in making that happen.”

The impact the camp has on kids is “lifelong.”

“That is something that they'll remember forever,” Collins said.

Having the camp at the Easley Y will be give campers more swim time, since they don't have to be bussed back and forth.

“They'll get more swim time, which I think if the kids had a choice, they'd prefer that,” Collins said.

He said he wanted to thank Recreation Department staff for their assistance and patience.

“It can be taxing,” Collins said. “Monday through Friday, all day long in the building. Trust me, it can be taxing.”

Though the summer camp is moving back to the Easley Y, Collins said the YMCA wants to keep its relationship with the city.

“We definitely want to leave open the option of partnering with future programs and facilities in the future,” he said. “Wherever the vision for the city and the vision for the Y can merge and overlap, we'd love to continue working (together).”

Mayor Larry Bagwell said he'd like to see the YMCA consider bringing its summer campers to the Recreation Complex.

“At least give them a feel for what's going on,” he said.

Collins said once schedules “are more set in stone,” he can coordinate with Recreation Department Director Gregg Powell to bring campers to the complex.

“We appreciate what you do out there,” Bagwell said. “You're not leaving mad, are you?”

“No, we are not mad at all,” Collins said. “We are thankful for the opportunity we've had. We were guests in your home and have nothing but praise and thanks to you all for allowing us to be there. It's been a blessing for us. It's allowed us to impact kids.”

Councilman Dave Watson thanked the YMCA for its involvement with the bike ride and run.

“It's been a nice partnership with the YMCA and the city,” he told Collins. “Thank you for working so hard.”

“We'll be here if you need us,” Bagwell said.