Capital Area YMCA — Attraction in Trenton

My 8 yr old daughter attended this camp the Summer of 2024 from June to the end of July. I removed her from the camp for 3 reasons. #1: The first week, I overheard the counselor, Miss Bri, complain to another counselor, that she was tired of talking to + being around children + wanted to speak to + be around adults. She was sitting at the pick-up/ drop off table + said it aloud for everyone to hear. (Message for Miss Bri...you have a choice to work around adults + don't have to work around children. Apply for jobs to work with the adults!) I know kids can be challenging but you have to love and respect children to work with them. It was the first week + her comment made me concerned that she didn't have the patience or temperament to be around children. #2: It was a very hot summer. The temperatures soared to 104 at times. I didn't know that the children spent most of the day outside in the 100 degree weather. My daughter would be lethargic + would need electrolytes when I picked her up. Outside fun is ok but only when the heat index isn't high. #3: They had a class trip to see a Trenton Thunder game. My child had to use the restroom. The bathrooms were too crowded so they asked the children to wait until they returned to camp. My daughter + her friend wandered from the group, used the bathroom in the bushes + returned to their group. 😕 I chastised my daughter for leaving the group + using the restroom outside. She shouldn't have left the counselor's sight. When I spoke to another counselor + the Director about the incident, they couldn't provide a plausible explanation how it happened nor could they explain why the counselor did not know the children had walked away. Their explanation + excuses didn't add up + I knew the counselor wasnt watching the children or paying attention. They focused more on the children walking away from the group than the counselor's accountability. I thought this camp would be different + more upscale since it was at Rider but it wasn't. The activities were great! There were several bullies who weren't reprimanded properly. Overall, I wouldn't send my daughter back. I should have known what the outcome would be because they also run the after school program at Lore. My friend has had trouble with this group re her son. Her son is Mexican + Italian + loves soccer. He drew the 2 soccer teams who were up for the Stanley Cup. 1 was an African team + the other Italian. The counselors called the 7 yr old boy a racist because he drew a black team + a white team. Instead of investigating or Googling the teams, they threatened to suspend him + put him in time out, even after his mother explained his artwork. Their ignorance is amazing!! They can google Tik Tok dances, Cardi B + Sexy Red lyrics, but nothing educational. This camp could do so much better if they hired people who...

Not sure my son will be back next year!!!!

This is the second year my son has attended the YMCA at Camp Rider. Last year I had no problems with the camp. So for the first year I was able to receive a voucher from CCC that paid for my son to attend the camp. Unfortunately this year I was unable to get the voucher due to lack of funding and I was put on a waiting list. Nonetheless I signed my son up for Camp Rider anyway , because I knew they had a financial aid program that I could apply for. Here is where it got messy and unprofessional. I submitted my application on July 3rd and waited to hear the status of it. After numerous conversations with the director of the camp Mr. Bullock, phone calls and emails. I kept getting told that he was going look into it. The entire month of July several times I went into the office on Pennington to speak to someone about my situation. The only person that helped me and was very sympathetic to my need was Ms. Rae Richardson. She is the nicest lady and I thanked her for helping and being so nice. Because I repeatedly got the run around from Mr. Bullock, Ms Rae told me to reach out to Maria Johnson. So Here we go another email and still nothing. Maria NEVER answered any of my phone calls or emails. It wasn't until I emailed Ms. Rae and asked her to contact the CEO of the YMCA. That same day I was getting calls and finally an email from Maria giving me my discount. The way this camp has been ran this summer when it comes to things like this is absolutely ridiculous. On one occasion my account was charged for 3 weeks of camp tuition. That put a strain on me and my household. Because it took them so long to apply my discount. Now that the discount has been applied it seems that I have over paid and they owe me money. Again I emailed Maria to give me some clarification and have gotten no response. She never answers her phone or emails Very unprofessional and poorly ran when it comes to the financial aid. Or was it just me? At this point I want the email and phone number of the CEO because I want my money back that I...

I can't say enough about this Trenton YMCA. My great-nephew is currently attending their 2022 summer camp for the 2nd summer. He was having severe behavioral issues during the school season that could not be resolved. We actually threatened that if he did not improve, he would not be able to attend the YMCA camp for 2022. He immediately improved and is now a "happy camper". The hard work of the counselors, the directors and the CEO are to be commended. Healthy breakfasts and lunches are served. Trips and activities are varied with pool time being the campers favorite. The Covid Protocol is adhered to and the building is cleaned daily. They already have a waiting list for...