Last Friday, the Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA hosted STEAM Day in Myrtle Beach for our Afterschool kids. Kids participated in healthy physical activities and health science with Tidelands Health, science, and art projects. Everyone who attended received a STEM toy donated by the National Lieutenant Governor’s Association thanks to our Ltn. Governor Pamela Evette and BMW.
STEAM Day at the Y
Photo Gallery of STEAM Day
At-Home Summer Learning
Every child is at risk for summer learning loss. Reading and learning through play using STEM toys are ways to engage your kids over the summer so they continue learning and are ready to go back to school! Here are more tips for summer learning.
Every child also received copies of STEAM activities!
Did you know that children who are reading proficiently by 3rd grade are three times more likely to graduate from high school? Sadly, many children do not have access to books during the summer. In middle and upper income communities, there are 13 books per one child, but in lower income communities there is only one book for every 300 children. Because of this, children from low-income households lose 2+ months of reading achievement every summer.
So, what can parents do to help prevent learning loss in their children? Here are a couple of options:
Start early! 80% of brain growth happens by the age of three, so anything a parent can do to introduce words, colors, and numbers to a child, no matter how young, will build the foundation for them to be successful! (United Way of Horry County)
Check your local libraries for STEM workshops and books for your children! In Georgetown and Horry Counties combined there are over 15 public libraries, many of which have children’s sections for those k-12, along with STEM activity sessions. Librarians are happy to help finding the perfect book for your child, no matter their age or interests!
Use online resources! Many websites, such as www.sciencebuddies.org and www.thestemlaboratory.com, offer free STEM activities or worksheets that your children can do from home! YMCA360 is another online resource that can be used; YMCA360 is an app that features over 30 videos of instructors reading books to children of all ages!
Summer STEAM Activities
At the YMCA of Coastal Carolina, we engage the children in our AfterSchool, Jumpstart Preschool, ChildWatch, and Summer Camps in STEM and literacy learning activities that will lead to positive academic outcomes in later years. The success of our children is the success of our future, and we strive to support the wellbeing of all in our community. By participating in summer learning loss prevention tactics, we, and you, can help our children grow and prosper!
YMCA360 Membership
YMCA360 has content for kids, in addition to hundreds of fitness classes!
The Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA hosted the 2nd annual Georgetown Kids Mud Run on April 20, 2024. A fun, muddy time was had by all who participated!
The YMCA of Coastal Carolina hosted Healthy Kids Day at all three center locations in Georgetown, Pawleys Island, and Myrtle Beach. This free, annual event features a variety of family-friendly activities to encourage healthy kids, healthy families and a healthy start to the summer season.
Healthy Kids Day ® is the Y’s national initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids and families. For over 30 years, YMCAs and their communities have hosted free community events aimed to inspire kids and families to keep their minds and bodies active throughout the summer months and beyond.This is a nationally recognized event, and during this day, we will be promoting the healthy spirit, mind, and body of the kids in our community.
The YMCA of Coastal Carolina was the proud recipient of the NLGA STEM Service Project donations at the National Lieutenant Governors Association Spring Meeting.
David Byrd, Chief Executive Officer for the YMCA of Coastal Carolina thanked the NLGA participants and said, “STEM is a big part of our future. Our YMCAs across the United States and particularly here in South Carolina, focus heavily on STEM. I see it everyday with our kids and our families. We are honored today to receive this gift of 100 STEM toys.”
Sponsored by BMW Manufacturing Co, NLGA Members wrapped and donated 100 STEM-related toys to the YMCA of Coastal Carolina to give to kids in our programs. As of April 1, 2024, more than 450 youth in six states or territories have STEM opportunity as a direct result of NLGA Members meeting and working together.
“Getting our kids involved and engaged with STEM is so important to developing the workforce of tomorrow” said Lt. Governor Pamela Evette. “We are thankful to BMW for their support and the YMCA of Coastal Carolina for providing hands-on learning experiences throughout the school year and during the summers — allowing parents to get to work and helping our kids to thrive.”
YMCA Afterschool and Summer Camp programs incorporate STEM, literacy, academic support, and physical activity into the daily schedules. Evidence shows that providing out-of-school time (OST) learning directly impacts what is possible to learn inside classrooms — just as what happens in classrooms impacts OST learning.
Hatton Gravely, Chief Development Officer for the YMCA of Coastal Carolina, adds, “Kids learn through play, and these STEM toys will enhance what the kids are learning in school and at the Y in programs. We are so grateful to be selected by the NLGA for this wonderful gift!”
Second graders in Myrtle Beach will get life-saving lessons in water safety through a free program offered by the YMCA of Coastal Carolina in partnership with Tidelands Health.
More than 350 second graders at Myrtle Beach Primary School will participate in the Safety Around Water program at the Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA in Myrtle Beach. The program focuses on water safety and self-rescue skills while reinforcing that water should be fun, not feared.
As the exclusive health system partner of the YMCA of Coastal Carolina, Tidelands Health is helping support the expansion of the Safety Around Water program to Myrtle Beach. For more than a decade, the program – also known as YSplash! – has been offered to second graders in Georgetown County every fall at the Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA and the Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA.
“In a beautiful coastal region like ours with the ocean and so many waterways, ponds and pools, it’s essential that children learn at an early age how to enjoy and be safe in and around the water,” said Dr. Lucretia Carter, pediatric medical director for Tidelands Health. “The Safety Around Water program builds water skills that will serve these kids for a lifetime. Tidelands Health is proud to support the expansion of this program to Myrtle Beach for the health and well-being of children now and for years to come.”
During the four-week program, students will learn essential skills including swimming and floating and techniques that help prevent drowning. Students will also learn about potentially dangerous rip currents and boat safety, as well as what to do and who to contact if there is an aquatic emergency. Safety Around Water starts April 15 at the Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA.
“The YMCA of Coastal Carolina embodies the YMCA’s reputation as ‘America’s Swim Instructor’ by annually teaching hundreds of local children valuable water safety and swimming skills. We are proud to expand our Safety Around Water program to all second graders at Myrtle Beach Primary School while continuing our tradition of providing the program in Georgetown County,” said David Byrd, CEO of the YMCA of Coastal Carolina. “Now more than ever, it’s important to remind parents and caregivers that water safety needs to be top of mind as families start to return to their favorite summertime activities – many of them at the beach, pool or waterways.”
Thank you to our donors who made this program possible
The YMCA of Coastal Carolina is hosting the Y’s annual Healthy Kids Day® on August 20th at all three center locations in Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, and Georgetown. This free, annual event features a variety of family-friendly activities to encourage healthy kids, healthy families and a healthy start to the summer season.
Date: April 20th, 2024
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
What is Healthy Kids Day? Healthy Kids Day ® is the Y’s national initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids and families. For over 30 years, YMCAs and their communities have hosted free community events aimed to inspire kids and families to keep their minds and bodies active throughout the summer months and beyond.This is a nationally recognized event, and during this day, we will be promoting the healthy spirit, mind, and body of the kids in our community.
When is Healthy Kids Day? This year, the event will take place on April 20th at all three of our locations! Most events will occur between 10am-12pm unless noted otherwise, such as the Georgetown Mud Run (begins at 1pm).
Where are the events occurring?
Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA: 5000 Claire Chapin Epps Dr., Myrtle Beach, SC, 29577
Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA: 12965 Ocean Hwy, Pawleys Island, SC, 29585
Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA: 529 Browns Ferry Rd., Georgetown, SC, 29440
What kind of events will be happening? Each center will have local vendors and activities for all ages! Some examples include:
Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA: YMCA Kids Beast Mode Class Demo / Obstacle Course, Face Painting, Food Trucks (food available to purchase), Myrtle Beach Fire Department, and more!
Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA:Obstacle Course, Kids Fitness Classes, Gaga Ball, Creation Station, Jumpy Castle, and more!
Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA: Georgetown Mud Run, Bounce Barn, Family Photo Booth, Face Painting, All 4 Paws, and more!
Your child gets so much more out of our Youth Sports Program than just playing a sport?
Capturing these moments creates those special memories that last a lifetime. We want to see those moments! Follow our Instagram @ymcaofcoastalcarolina to participate in our photo-sharing campaign to see your child featured on our page.
Action Shots
Whether it is scoring the game-winning goal or making a strategic assist, your kid has some serious skills!
Teamwork
Capture the importance of collaboration and camaraderie. It’s not just about winning or losing!
Fun With Friends
Teammates can turn into lifelong friends. Kids just want to have fun!
That’s My Coach
Our volunteer coaches are here to see your child prosper and grow both on and off the field. Show them your appreciation!
Proud Parent
Cheering on your child and their teammates encourages positivity on the field and the sidelines. Support your child as they embark on this action-packed journey that is our Youth Sports Program!
Share your Moments!
Capturing these moments creates those special memories that last a lifetime. We want to see those moments! Follow our Instagram @ymcaofcoastalcarolina to participate in our photo-sharing campaign to see your child featured on our page.
Teens and tweens can learn healthy habits and how to stick with them through an innovative, fun new program offered by the YMCA of Coastal Carolina in partnership with Tidelands Health.
The Teens and Tweens Be Well program was developed in collaboration with Dr. Jill Aiken, pediatrics specialist with Tidelands Health.
The Teens and Tweens Be Well program, funded by a grant from the Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, is designed to improve overall health by instilling healthy eating and exercise habits through a custom course tailored to each participant’s unique needs.
After an initial assessment, participants attend classes selected for them, as well as nutrition classes. Progress during the 12-week program is tracked through mid-term and final assessments. Participants also are given the tools to help sustain the progress they make during the program.
The program is open to children ages 9 to 17 and is offered at Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA.
“Obesity is a growing problem in Georgetown and Horry counties,” Dr. Aiken said. “One third of school-aged children in South Carolina are overweight or have obesity. Some of the patients I encounter at Tidelands Health Pediatrics either don’t know they have the condition or need direction on how to improve their health. As the exclusive health system of the YMCA of Coastal Carolina, we teamed with the YMCA to launch the Teens and Tweens Be Well program to help make a difference. Collaboratively, we are aiming to address the gaps in our community and help children develop healthy habits by offering this innovative program.”
The Teens and Tweens Be Well program is $250 and includes a three-month family membership to the YMCA of Coastal Carolina. Scholarships through the YMCA’s financial assistance program are available to cover the costs of the membership and program. The first cohort started last month, with the next one scheduled to begin in January.
“We are focusing on building sustainable healthy habits in the participants,” said Angie Hill, senior health and wellness director for the YMCA of Coastal Carolina. “Each class will be a mix of education and fun designed to teach kids about nutrition and physical activity. Kids will play games teaching them how to identify healthy foods and participate in physical activities such as obstacle courses teaching fitness in a fun way. The activities will help them build lifelong healthy habits.”
For more information about the program, contact Tyler Wiggins, clinical exercise coordinator, at 843-979-0263 or [email protected].
Tidelands Health is the exclusive health system partner of the YMCA of Coastal Carolina. The two organizations work collaboratively on programs to improve the health and wellness of our region.
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About the YMCA of Coastal Carolina
The YMCA of Coastal Carolina is a local nonprofit with three branches in the Grand Strand area: Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA, Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA, and Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA. Tidelands Health is the exclusive health system partner of YMCA of Coastal Carolina. The YMCA mission is “To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.” The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. www.coastalcarolinaymca.org
About Tidelands Health
Tidelands Health is the region’s largest health care provider and MUSC Health affiliate, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 60 outpatient locations. More than 2,500 employee, physician and volunteer partners work side by side with our communities to transform the health of our region – promoting wellness, preventing illness, encouraging recovery and restoring health.
This summer, the YMCA of Coastal Carolina and Bank of America partnered again to create a marketing internship program to provide leadership experience to high school students and make an impact on our community.
The Student Leaders handled all aspects of marketing and community engagement this summer, from creating content for the YMCA of Coastal Carolina social media channels to attending networking events to share the mission work of the Y.
“Gavin and Shaw are making a tremendous impact on sharing the YMCA of Coastal Carolina story through social media this summer! We are thrilled to partner with Bank of America again this summer to bring student leaders to the Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA for a summer marketing internship,” shares Hatton Gravely, Director of Mission Advancement.
About the Bank of America Student Leaders program
Since 2004, Student Leaders® has been part of our ongoing commitment to youth employment and economic mobility. We’re helping prepare a diverse pipeline of community-minded young students to be successful in the workforce through leadership training and work experience. The students hail from many diverse backgrounds, but are united by their drive and commitment. Through paid internships with local nonprofits and participation in a national leadership summit, they gain practical work and life experience.
Part of the program is a leadership summit held in Washington, DC. Student Leaders from across the country gather in our nation’s capitol for speakers, seminars, projects, and exploring.
Meet Shaw Ashley
Shaw is a rising senior at North Myrtle Beach High School. He shares, “I love working at the YMCA for a variety of reasons. I am a huge believe in Christ and throughly believe in the mission that the Y puts forth. Between my experience in owning my own business, Marketing & current work at the NMB Aquatic & Fitness Center, I am happy to be an asset to the YMCA of Coastal Carolinas!”
At North Myrtle Beach High School, Shaw is extremely involved in all aspects of the school, including:
Student Assistant to the Athletic Director
President of the Social Studies National Honor Society
Student Council Member
Member of the National Honor Society & Beta Club
Former Editor-In-Chief of the NMBHS Yearbook
As if that is not enough, Shaw is dedicated to our community and involved in many programs – including founding a summer camp for kids!
Founder & Director of the NMB Survivor Challenges
Ambassador at the Little River Chamber of Commerce
Committee Chair & Fundraiser for the Myrtle Beach Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Active Church Member & Volunteer at Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church
Active Volunteer at Ocean Drive Elementary School
Numerous Volunteer Activites throughout the school year
Employeed as an Activities Specialist at the North Myrtle Beach Aquatic & Fitness Center during the school year.
The NMB Jr. Survivor camp is a summer camp in North Myrtle Beach, with a Christian emphasis. The camp is based off of the hit CBS show, Survivor.
The adventure camp is open to kids in the Horry County area between the ages of 7-11.
As a fundraiser for the kid’s camp, he holds the “NMB Celebrity Survivor Challenge” annually.
It combines local celebrities as well as former contestants from the actual show, in a weekend-long survivor competition that raises money for the kids camp.
The competition is filmed and edited into mini-episodes for the community to enjoy.
Season 1 episodes & more can be found on the YouTube channel. Season 2 was recently filmed and the episodes will begin being uploaded weekly, starting in August. You can see more on YouTube!
Gavin Ockert graduated from the Scholars Academy and will be attending Duke University in the fall. He served as the school’s senior class president and participated in FTC Robotics.
During high school, he interned at Coastal Carolina University and performed scientific research on bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect strains of bacteria, with the biochemistry department. He plans to pursue a career in astrobiology, or the study of the development and persistence of life on Earth and in space.
In addition to his academics, Gavin has raised hundreds of dollars in my area for Luv Michael, a nonprofit organization that employs autistic adults and raises awareness for autism nationwide. In his free time, Gavin likes to fish, read, and use his telescope.
Gavin shares, “I love how kind and helpful everyone at the YMCA is. The staff, from the lifeguards to the camp counselors to the front desk workers to the custodians, are all genuinely invested in maintaining our community and building its future. It lifts me up when I get to work with people who strive for the betterment of others.
I’ve learned a lot by seeing the “behind the scenes” of a marketing department. To create posts for social media, I have filmed, edited videos, and learned to deliver messages in a brief and effective manner. I’ve worked with kids and adults to promote the YMCA’s cause and raise awareness for various events and activities. The YMCA has also helped me stay in touch with my community. From a Bojangles ribbon-cutting ceremony to a Chamber of Commerce Senatorial meeting, I’ve gotten to see the many happenings that support and define Myrtle Beach.”
Gavin’s Summer Student Leaders Photo Gallery
Updated Hours for January 23 - 25, 2025
Due to the winter snow and potential weather conditions overnight, in order to keep our members and staff safe, all YMCA of Coastal Carolina center locations will close remained closed on Thursday and open limited hours on Friday. Saturday will resume normal operating hours.
Thursday, January 23, 2025: All YMCA of Coastal Carolina centers will remain closed. (This includes 24 hour access at the Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA.)
Friday, January 24, 2025: Centers will be open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Please note services may be limited during this time.
Saturday, January 25, 2025: All YMCA of Coastal Carolina centers will resume normal operating hours.
Please stay safe and check our website for updates.Thank you for understanding as we weather the winter storm. We hope you and your family stay safe and warm!
Updated Hours Today
We hope you and your family stayed safe during the storm. We will resume normal operations at all three YMCA of Coastal Carolina center locations at 11 a.m. today.
Thursday, August 31: All three center locations will reopen at 11 a.m.
Friday, September 1: All three center locations will be open during normal hours.
24-hour access will be unavailable to Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA during the times the center is closed but will resume as normal tonight.
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