EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Families in Northeast El Paso will have expanded access to summer camp and youth sports this year through a new partnership between the YMCA of El Paso and Harmony School of Innovation El Paso Elementary.
As part of the collaboration, the YMCA will offer its Summer Camp program and relocate its Northeast youth sports programming to Harmony School of Innovation, located at 5210 Fairbanks.
The Bowling Family YMCA is set to close this spring.
The YMCA of El Paso announced that the Bowling Family YMCA, which has operated in the Northeast since 1959, will close effective May 15 and the City of El Paso will regain control of the facility.
The programs are aimed at providing safe, accessible and enriching opportunities for children and families throughout the summer.
The YMCA’s Summer Camp will run from June 1 through July 31, operating Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Activities will include arts and crafts, STEM learning, outdoor adventures, field trips and group games. Breakfast, lunch and a light afternoon snack will be provided daily.
Weekly camp rates are $95 for YMCA members and $185 for non-members.
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Financial assistance is available. Families seeking assistance are encouraged to contact Senior Childcare Director Giuliana Gutierrez at giuliana.gutierrez@elpasoymca.org.
The YMCA will also launch its Northeast Summer sports season at Harmony School of Innovation from June 29 through Aug. 22, with registration open May 11 through June 20. Sports offerings will include basketball and volleyball for youth ages 5-16.
Teams will practice at Harmony School of Innovation and travel to YMCA branches for games held on Saturdays or Sundays.
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Season fees are $65 for YMCA members and $120 for non-members, with financial assistance available. Questions can be directed to Senior Sports Director Anthony Noga at sports@elpasoymca.org.
“This partnership is about more than programs; it is about keeping our promise to the Northeast community. We understand that change can be difficult, and we want families to know they are not being left behind. The YMCA is committed to showing up, staying present, and continuing to serve children, families, and seniors right here in Northeast El Paso. This partnership with Harmony School of Innovation is an important first step, and we are actively building additional partnerships to expand programs and ensure long-term access to services in this community,” said Gilda Gil, CEO of the YMCA of El Paso.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to expanding opportunities for students and families beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Kamil Yilmaz, West Texas area superintendent for Harmony Public Schools. “By welcoming YMCA programs to our campus, we are helping provide a safe, supportive environment where children can continue learning, stay active, and build meaningful connections throughout the summer.”
The partnership is part of a broader effort to ensure continued access to YMCA programs in Northeast El Paso and to build sustainable, community-based solutions for local families.
The YMCA of El Paso is a nonprofit organization focused on wellness, character development, education and family services. Harmony School of Innovation – El Paso Elementary is a tuition-free public charter school serving students in grades pre-K through five with a focus on STEM education, character development and college and career readiness.
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