Looking for something fun for the kids over the school holiday? Camp Hazen YMCA’s Vacation Days and Winter Camp Weekend might be the answer.

“Holiday Vacation Days have been offered for many years, I remember going to them myself as a camper,” said Alex Learned, senior program director at Hazen. “Mainly it’s something we do as a service to parents.”

The Vacation Days camp programming is offered throughout the year in accordance with the holiday schedules of local schools. The upcoming dates include Tuesday, Dec. 27 through Friday, Dec. 30, and Monday, Jan. 16.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., attendees will follow a schedule similar to that of a normal camp day, including sports, crafts, and adventure activities.

“We like to add a cooking element during the winter programming,” said Learned. “This time, kids will have the chance to make individual apple pies, and do individual pizzas on a couple of these days. The crafts we have planned include making baskets, candles, and clay ornaments.”

The outdoor and adventure activities will also provide some unique experiences. Depending on what the weather allows, outdoor options can include the climbing tower, the giant swing, and sledding. According to Learned, a summer camp-craze called gaga is also sure to return.

“It’s kind of like the new-aged dodgeball or four-square, but the ball stays on the ground. During the summer campers are playing that at every opportunity we give them,” said Learned.

There will also be a day where attendees will be able to make their own films and share them with the rest of the camp before the end of the day. Friday, Dec. 30 will mark Camp Hazen’s New Year’s “ball drop”—staff members will drop a bunch of balls off the top of the climbing tower.

“It’s just how we celebrate New Year’s here,” said Learned, “though we’ll be a couple days early this time based on the programming days.”

For those whose kids are interested in a Camp Hazen YMCA winter experience, but whose schedules make the Vacation Days programming impossible, or those who want an overnight experience, there is another option available in January.

Winter Camp Weekend runs from 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 13 to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 15, and is open to current second through ninth graders. Attendees will have the chance to stay in Hazen’s two fully heated and winterized lodges, and take advantage of winter experiences. Many who sign up for this weekend are returning campers looking to spend a weekend with their summer friends, though many families also use this as a trial or first time experience for the upcoming summer camp. If the weather hinders outdoor activities, campers usually participate in a “leave your mark” activity, such as making a quilt that commemorates the weekend and becomes part of the fabric of the camp community.

“It’s a fun way to come back to summer camp,” said Learned of both the Vacation Days program and Winter Camp Weekend. “A huge part of camp is the relationships campers build, even more than the activities. They get to come back, experience unique programming they don’t get to take part in during the summer, and see their friends, and see our staff, many of whom are on break from school themselves. We have some of our international staff return for Winter Camp Weekend, too.”

There will also be a general open house for the summer camp right after Winter Camp Weekend concludes, running from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 15.

“Visitors have a chance to meet the staff and tour the facilities—many end up registering for the summer before they leave,” said Learned. He also cautions those interested in sending their kids to Hazen this summer that many sessions are already full.

The day rate for Vacation Days programming is $55 per day, through the month of February. As of March 2017, the day rate will increase to $60 per day. Lunch is provided as part of the program; there is a registration cap of about 60 attendees per day. For those who need it there is complimentary before and after care with drop off starting at 7:30 a.m., and pick up until 6 p.m. The rate for the Winter Camp Weekend program is $195 for the weekend, and there is a firm registration cap of 60 attendees. For more information on both programs, as well as Camp Hazen YMCA’s summer camp, call 860-526-9529, or visit www.camphazenymca.org.