Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/484756
APRIL / MAY 2015 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | 35 "For 85 years, the WAC has been a place for families to gather and spend quality time," Membership & Market- ing Vice President Michelle Pinson says. "We want to make sure today's kids and families have every opportunity to do that same thing. We want to give them so many reasons to visit the Club that they can't imagine their weekly routines without it." A quick sampling of WAC youth and family events might include the Kids In- door Triathlon, the Mother Daughter Tea, swimming lessons, birthday parties, and martial arts classes. en again, we could list Summer Splash, the Father Son Ban- quet, basketball lessons, cooking classes, and the annual Children's Spring Party. "ere's no doubt we're building on a strong foundation," Aquatics and Junior Programs Manager Kelly Parr says. "We just want to take it a step further and make sure the next generation of WAC members knows they have a place at the Club today. We want kids to know this is their club, too." SUMMER PLANNING is summer, the WAC is reaching out to younger members with a newly devel- oped WAC Juniors Summer Camp, July 13–17. WAC members ages 6–12 will enjoy swimming, sports clinics, field trips, and scavenger hunts around Seattle from 8 am to 3 pm daily. e weeklong day camp includes lunch and a T-shirt and will cost $350 for WAC members and $400 for guests. "We're designing activities to get kids moving and keep them moving all week," Kelly says. "ey'll get to experience different areas of the Clubhouse and different parts of the city." To sign up for the camp or for more information, call Kelly at 206.464.3073. Younger members (ages 2–9) are again invited to WeeWACs' summer camp series. e camps give kids a great opportunity to explore new interests and learn in hands- on environments. "e kids love them," WeeWACs Manager Shawn Bonney says. "ey keep the kids actively engaged men- tally and physically." Parents can enroll their kids in Wee- WACs camps by the day or week. Lunch is included, and after-camp care is avail- able for those requiring extended hours. For more details about WeeWACs' camps, see page 36. MAKING MEMORIES Although new programs are drawing more juniors to the Club, many have long en- joyed traditions such as the Father Daughter and Mother Son banquets. Others have celebrated birthdays, participated in special swim events with the WACness Monster, or found their own corner of the Club to relax or do homework. "ere are endless opportunities to create memories for our family at the WAC," member Angelica Buri says. As Vice Chair of the Family Activities Committee, Angel- ica recommends committee involvement to anyone who wants to help create and plan new events for WAC juniors and families. en again, sometimes the best moments happen with no planning at all. Member Kumi Baruffi, also a member of the Fam- ily Activities Committee, recalls finding a much-needed respite for tired feet during her pregnancies and later dropping the kids at WeeWACs. "e WAC has been an inte- gral part of our family life," says the mother of two. "We feel fortunate to have a home base conveniently located downtown." Want to get involved with what's happening with family fun at the WAC? Join the Family Activities Committee. The committee meets monthly from September through April to brainstorm, develop, and create activities for youth and families. Contact Mary Ellen Jilek at mjilek@wac.net for more information. WAC members may also join our WAC Families Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/ WACfamilies. The group is a place for WAC families to meet, share and plan. HELP PLAN THE FUN! Social events, including Family Fun Night: Club Programs, 206.464.3060 Juniors Summer Camp (July 13–17) Open gym, family swim: Kelly Parr, 206.464.3073 WeeWACs: 206.464.3094 Birthday parties: 206.622.7900, ext. 2808 Information about junior aquatic and athletic programs may also be found on pages 58–59. WAC CONTACTS —Darrick Meneken is Managing Editor of WAC Magazine. L U K E R U TA N L U K E R U TA N J O H N B A N G