The Botetourt YMCA is offering after school care services at Eagle Rock Elementary School. Due to this year being the first year the Botetourt Y providing after school care to Eagle Rock, the non-profit organization is waiving the registration fee to all applicants during the 2024-2025 school year.
Currently, the YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge offers Y After School experiences in select Botetourt, Roanoke City, Salem, Roanoke County, and Rockbridge areas.
The Botetourt YMCA believes the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for life. Its enrichment curriculum provides children with the opportunity to explore their unique talents and interests, helping them realize their potential.
“When people think about the YMCA, they think about ‘the swim and the gym,’” Botetourt YMCA Executive Director Rob Lough said in a recent interview. “The Y is also a large provider of childcare in Botetourt County. That comes through summer camp and our ‘Y After School’ program at our Early Learning Center.”
Y After School is gap care for families providing child care after school until parents can pick up their kids. The three major components of the program are: homework help, recreational activities, and providing a snack for its after school students.
“Out of the seven (Botetourt) elementary schools, we have been operating after school care in six schools,” Lough continued. “We had not been in Eagle Rock, and then this year, we have opened a program at Eagle Rock Elementary.”
Y After School care for the 2024-25 school year operates Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. now until May 21 in respective county elementary schools. The program will remain open on planned two-hour release days, teacher workshop days, holiday breaks, and snow days at a designated location.
Additionally, the Botetourt YMCA is launching its second childcare classroom in Daleville. The first opened in July 2022. The second classroom is planned to open this January.
For more information, visit ymcavbr.org/y-after-school/botetourt-county-schools-2023-2024. Inquiring parents or guardians may also call 540-966-9622 or email Youth & Family Director Kambria Petro at kpetro@ymcavbr.org.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
