What could be better than a summer spent at home playing video games? A summer spent learning and growing, as many local educators are apt to say.

The Niles-Buchanan YMCA is partnering with Brandywine and Niles community schools once again this year for the Summer My Way program. This is an opportunity for local students to continue their learning during the summer through hands on and physical activities.

The Niles day camp begins Tuesday, July 5, and runs until Friday, Aug. 12. Students who attend Niles schools are eligible to participate.

The Brandywine camp begins Monday, July 18, and runs until Friday, Aug. 12. Students going into first through fourth grades who are attending summer school are eligible to participate.

Some highlights of the program include a water safety program provided by the state, a bike safety and repair program, a partnership with Lakeland in talking about health and fitness, Kids in the Kitchen, museum and library activities, Berrien County 4-H science programs and many more.

“It’s an opportunity to be safe and learn,” said Denise Peters, director of the Summer My Way program. “It promotes social responsibility.”

The team is currently preparing for the program by doing curriculum planning and getting donations for the supplies needed. There is a list of supplies in the lobby of the YMCA. Any monetary or list item donation is accepted.

Peters said the program is seeking help from a variety of volunteers including adults, young adults and high school students. There is also a program where Niles school sixth- through eighth-graders can be trained to be mentors. The program is open to anyone as long as they fill out a volunteer form and pass the screening.

Students can expect to be exposed to a lot of new knowledge, Peters said, as well as understanding the importance of the lcoal water supply and how the way people treat the water makes a difference. Participants will get a better understanding of science, social studies, travel and what it is like to live in different countries.

“They [the students] have the option to choose any sport or activity they like based on their interest level and what they want to learn about,” Peters said. “They can go into a learning environment and they can also be physically active, safe and they can eat!”