The Covington Y is kicking off new programs for children and adults of all ages as the dog days of summer set in.

The Y’s children's day camp is still in full swing, with offerings between 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. every weekday, including plenty of exercise, other activities and snacks at a cost of $95 per week. As always, the Y offers financial assistance to those in need for all programs.

"I’ve had so many parents thank me for how tired their child is at the end of day camp. Sometimes the kids fall asleep in the car on the way home," said Y Director Louly Hay Kapp. "Exercise has become a thing of the past in some cases, because we spend so much time behind computers or other devices, only using our thumbs."

After school care
Registration began Friday for the Y's nationally recognized after school care, which will start up the first day of school, Aug. 4. If enrolled, elementary school students will be bused to the Y following school and be immersed in an afternoon of fitness, arts and crafts, homework and a healthy snack. The care costs $65 a week.

"We believe that component of recreation is so important, and something that sets us apart from other after school programs," Kapp said. "We're the experts at it."
Even if kids aren't comfortable in organized sports, the Y's staff finds ways to get kids working out and having fun.

The Y also devotes time to homework to make sure students get a good portion of their work done.

Youth soccer
Registration is also underway for youth soccer programs for all ages. New this year will be a "Rockin Tots" program for children 3-5 years old and their parents. The parents will have a chance to learn drills and skills right along with their children so they'll know how to teach in the future. It's also a great place to recruit more soccer coaches, Hay said.

For children 5 and up, the Y will offer its standard soccer leagues and partner with the Covington Galaxy league to offer a higher level of competition. Go to covingtongalaxy.com for more details.

Swim lessons
Here's one for both kids and adults, as swim lessons will continue on through Labor Day. The Y offers a full range of lessons for children as young as three to adults who just don't feel all that comfortable in the water.

BODYPUMP
This weight-based workout system was created in the early 1990s, but continues to grow in popularity, and the Y will have a new set of group membership classes in the fall.

The running club will also start back in August, at 5:30 p.m. on Mondays, in plenty of time for any runners who want to train for the Fuzz Run.

The Y offers around 35 group classes per week under the belief the group environment is ideal for working out and staying dedicated.

"Once you get in a class with fellow sufferers, it's more fun and you're more likely to succeed. You won't quit. You might only be motivated to do five squats on your own, but if everybody else does 20, then you'll do 20," Kapp said.

The Y also has programs for older adults, the Being Active Living Longer (BALL) group. Kapp said the group is really thriving and keeps the Y building active in the mornings.

For more information on any of the Y's programs visit cvy.ymcaatlanta.org, call (770) 787-3908 or visit in person at 2140 Newton Drive, Covington.