Manatee YMCA aids parents while school is out

When McNeal Elementary School fifth-grader Nate Bentze learned he had one day off from school Sept. 9, he was stoked. Then, Hurricane Irma hit and he got the following week off too.

The Manatee YMCA offered its services in the aftermath of the hurricane by offering a three-day camp Sept. 13 through Sept. 15 at its Lakewood Ranch branch for working families in need of childcare.

Nate was one of more than 50 campers who attended Sept. 15.

“It’s better than having homework,” Nate said while eating a snack with friends at a picnic table outside.

Jackson Dalglish, a fifth-grader at Wakeland Elementary, added: “It’s like having recess every day.”

The boys enjoyed playing sports, swimming, arts and crafts and other activities.

All Manatee YMCA branches are free and open through Sept. 24 to anyone in the community needing a shower, air conditioning, to charge their phones or who want to workout.

Branches are located at 3805 59th Street W., Bradenton; 5100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch; and 12214 U.S. 301 N., Parrish.