Atlantic Canada YMCAs join together to give 1,000 kids the Gift of Camp

[Saint John, New Brunswick] – YMCAs across Atlantic Canada are kicking off the Give the Gift of Camp Campaign in a joint effort to send 1,000 kids to YMCA Summer Camp. One of many things that YMCAs across Atlantic Canada have in common is summer camp for children and youth. Though each may look a bit different, the YMCA camp experience is about offering exciting and safe environments for campers to learn, grow, and lead.

From April 20 to May 19, 2023, the YMCAs in Atlantic Canada will work together to raise $200,000 under this campaign. The Y recognizes the challenges each of our communities’ face. During the pandemic, children and youth were isolated at a critical time in their development, robbing them of foundational learning experiences like making friends, trying something new, working as team, and most importantly: having fun! Disproportionate impacts were seen amongst newcomers, Indigenous and racialized youth, and young people with disabilities. The YMCA is here to help campers and their families make up for lost time.

For many kids, camp is only an option with community support. When you give the gift of camp, you give campers a better appreciation for the natural world, their community and best of all – themselves.

With 2023 Summer Day Camp registration having recently opened, giving to the Give the Gift of Camp Campaign now is a perfect example of how donors can help kids have the best summer ever.

“When a donation is made to this campaign, it has a direct and immediate impact on those who need it most,” says Anna Barnes, Vice President, YMCA Atlantic Regional Development Centre (RDC). “Through this campaign, we want families to know that if they cannot afford summer camps, they have support with the YMCA through our Financial Assistance program.”

Together, we aim to raise $200,000 so that kids across Atlantic Canada have the opportunity to shine bright this summer. Our hope is that come September, every student has a special summer story to tell their classmates when they return to school.

To learn more about the Give the Gift of Camp Campaign and to donate, visit:

www.saintjohny.ca

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ABOUT THE ATLANTIC YMCAS

The YMCA is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. The YMCAs in Atlantic Canada (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia) are comprised of 11 YMCA Member Associations: The YMCA of Greater Moncton, YMCA of Fredericton, YMCA of Greater Saint John, YMCA of Southwest Nova Scotia, YMCA of Cape Breton, Pictou County YMCA, YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth, YMCA of Cumberland, YMCA of Newfoundland and Labrador, YMCA of Exploits Valley, YMCA of Western Newfoundland)

YMCA’s create opportunities for personal growth, foster connection, and support change. The YMCA ensures that everyone has access to the essentials needed to learn, grow, and thrive. Though the world may be unpredictable, the YMCA remains a constant: dedicated to building healthy, strong, and connected communities where everyone belongs.