Celebrate July’s National Play Outside Day
Supporting Youth Development and Safe Summer Fun
On Saturday, July 5, the YMCA of Greater Nashua joins families across the country in celebrating National Play Outside Day, a reminder of the importance of unstructured outdoor play, movement, and connection, not just for children, but adults too.
As families enjoy the sunshine and make memories this Independence Day weekend, the YMCA encourages parents and caregivers to prioritize both play and safety. Whether through summer camps, family outings, or backyard fun, time outdoors supports youth development in powerful ways.
Why Outdoor Play Matters
“Play isn’t just fun—it’s essential,” said Tiffany Joslin, Senior Program Director of Youth Development at the YMCA of Greater Nashua. “It fosters creativity, confidence, resilience, and social skills, all while helping kids stay physically active and mentally healthy. That’s what our summer camps are all about.”
At YMCA of Greater Nashua summer camps, children have opportunities to:
- • Explore the outdoors through hiking, swimming, sports, and nature-based learning.
- • Build friendships and develop teamwork through group activities and games.
- • Gain independence in a safe, supportive environment.
- • Stay off screens and engage in imaginative, hands-on experiences.
The YMCA offers a wide range of day camp options across multiple locations, including Camp Create at the Merrimack YMCA, Little Investigators at the Nashua YMCA, YMCA Camp Sargent at Lake Naticook, and Sports Camps at the Westwood Park YMCA—all designed to meet children where they are and help them grow. Scholarships are available to ensure that every child has a chance to attend.
Explore camp options: https://nmymca.org/summercamps.
A Call for Safe Family Gatherings
The YMCA is also reminding families that July 4th weekend festivities, while joyful, come with risks—particularly around fireworks, water activities, and high temperatures.
“We want families to play outside—and do it safely,” said Mike LaChance, YMCA of Greater Nashua CEO. “That means supervising kids near water, keeping fireworks out of children’s hands, and ensuring hydration and sunscreen are part of the plan.”
While gathering and celebrating throughout the summer, remember the following:
- • Water Safety: Always designate an adult Water Watcher. Enroll children in swim lessons early and often.
- • Heat Safety: Take breaks in the shade, apply sunscreen regularly, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- • Firework Safety: Leave the big fireworks to the pros. Sparklers can be a fun family tradition, but they burn at temperatures up to 2,000°F, hot enough to cause serious injury. Always keep a close eye on children when they’re using them.
“All of our programs and summer camps are rooted in the belief that kids thrive when they feel safe, included, and free to explore,” added LaChance. “That’s what we strive to create every day at the Y.”
To learn more about YMCA and all their programs, visit: www.nmymca.org/programs.
About the YMCA of Greater Nashua
The YMCA of Greater Nashua has been serving the community since 1887. With a mission centered on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the Y offers programs that strengthen the foundations of community through wellness, belonging, and achievement.
Media Contact:
Jason Mayeu
Director of Marketing | YMCA of Greater Nashua
jmayeu@nmymca.org | 603.689.2403