Nurturing the Potential of Future Leaders | West Suburban YMCA

Nurturing the Potential of Future Leaders

Dec 23, 2021

Imagine a world where friendships and the future are fostered.

Meet Fernanda, a busy working mom who wanted to find a camp where her son felt safe and well cared for. Being a single parent and moving to a new city, she searched for camps and found Camp Pikati at the West Suburban YMCA. At first, she chose to sign up her son for two weeks. They loved it so much that they have been back for nine straight years! Fernanda says that she knows it takes a village to raise a child and that the Y is definitely that village for her.

Meet Johnny, a poised boy who explains that after nine years of being at Camp Pikati, the role models at the Y have changed his life. The counselors want the campers to have fun, be safe, and are there to make sure everyone follows the rules. It is these components that have shaped Johnny into the child he is today and why he wants to be a counselor in the future so that he can have a positive impact on others’ lives. Not only does camp foster new friendships outside of home and school, but it also offers a chance to have other role models in children’s lives that would not be available if it were not for camp.

Camp at the Y can develop into a child’s favorite summer activity very quickly. Each camper has the opportunity to grow into an individual that notices the leaders in their lives, how they are changing a community for the better, and how much fun they can have while doing it. The West Suburban YMCA gives $180,000 in financial aid towards camp scholarships each year. Please, donate today so all kids can find a place where they can confidently grow and succeed, just like Johnny.

Support the West Suburban YMCA with an end-of-year gift.