RYE, NY [February 11] After a successful launch last year, the Rye Y is once again seeking host families for its International Camp Counselor Program. The YMCA program, in existence since 1959, provides a window into another world and culture for all the participants.
Last summer, two Rye families hosted Inés Martinez Arteta, a 19 year old student from Madrid, for 5 weeks each. “The experience was extremely positive for all the participants,” said Lou Caratelli, Rye YMCA Teen Outreach Director. “Campers and counselors had the chance to learn about Spain firsthand from Inés. During the World Cup we were all swept up in her excitement about the games. The day after Spain won, she arrived at camp with a big Spanish flag wrapped around her.”
The MacCarthy family of Rye is enthusiastic about the rewards of the program and plans to host a counselor again this summer, “Inés was delightful. She blended into our family seamlessly and couldn’t have been more pleasant. Our children truly gained by having a foreign ‘sister’ for the summer,” said Pat MacCarthy.
Host families provide room, board, and transportation to the camp (located at Osborn school and/or the Rye Y) during a ten week period. Host families can choose to host 5 weeks or 10 weeks and are invited to participate alongside Y staff in choosing the counselor’s region of the world, native language, gender and age range. The counselors are young adults with a functional knowledge of English and experience working with youth. The U.S. State Department authorizes the International YMCA to sponsor this initiative and regulates the program.
For more information, please contact Lou Caratelli at 967-6363, ext. 301
