EASLEY — The YMCA of Easley, Pickens and Powdersville announced recently that it will be able to help 88 children attend summer camp at a weekly rate that each family can afford. A total of 114 applied for a scholarship at one of the three camp sites offered by the YMCA: Easley YMCA, Pickens YMCA and Convenant Presbyterian in Powdersville/Wren. After reviewing the applications and assessing the needs of each one, a reduction in the weekly fee was awarded to each family. The weekly fees ranged from $25 per week to $75 per week per child. The total benefit to the community is estimated to be roughly $39,000 for the summer.

“Providing a safe and fun environment for children in our community is a fundamental piece of the Y’s mission,” said Sid Collins, CEO of the Pickens County YMCA. “Each year we raise money from the community and seek grants to help fund these scholarships. Summer camp alone will receive $39,000 in scholarships for the 10-week summer. In total, the YMCA will provide over $100,000 in scholarships for all programs and services provided in 2014.”

As one the area’s largest non-profit service providers, the YMCA will serve a total of 300-350 children in the summer camp program from ages 4 years old to 15 years old. Although the scholarship applications have ended, more information about the Y’s Summer Camp can be found online at www.pcymca.net or by calling the YMCA at (864) 855-9622.