A Weekend of Firsts, A Lifetime of Memories

Some of the best family memories come from saying yes to something new, even when you're not quite sure what to expect.

For Fazel Tajik and his family of five, that something was their first camping trip at YMCA Camp Glenburn.

When the family signed up for the YMCA's Learn to Camp program through Newcomer and Community Connections, they had never experienced a camping before. They weren't sure what it would be like, but they decided to give it a try.

"We didn't expect it to be such a good experience," Fazel shared. "It was much better than we imagined."

Surrounded by the beautiful colours of fall, the family spent their weekend exploring nature, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and trying rock climbing. For the children, there was something exciting around every corner.

One moment Fazel remembers especially fondly was watching his children take on the climbing wall. Seeing them try something new and enjoy themselves so much became one of his favourite parts of the trip.

Canoeing, however, was the family's favourite activity. There was something special about being out on the water together, surrounded by nature, with nothing to do but enjoy the moment and each other's company.

But it wasn't just the activities that made the weekend memorable. The family also had the chance to meet other newcomers, share experiences, and enjoy being part of a community. What started as their first camping adventure became a weekend of new friendships, laughter, and time spent together.

That's what YMCA Newcomer and Community Connections hopes to make possible through programs like Learn to Camp. For families building their lives in a new community, having opportunities to explore, try unfamiliar activities, and connect with others can make a meaningful difference. Sometimes, feeling at home begins with simply being welcomed into a new experience.

For Fazel, the most meaningful part was seeing how much his children enjoyed themselves.

"The kids had an amazing time and made wonderful memories," he shared. "It was a very special experience for all of us, and the kids will remember it for a long time."

And for other families who have never been camping, Fazel has a simple message.

"I would definitely recommend it! I would tell them to give it a try because it is such a great experience for the whole family."

For a family who arrived not knowing what to expect, they left with something wonderful to take home. Stories to share, new experiences to talk about, and memories that will bring smiles long after the weekend is over.

Through YMCA Newcomer and Community Connections, we help newcomer families discover new opportunities, build friendships, and feel a sense of belonging in their communities.

Learn more about our programs and how to get involved at https://swnb.ymca.ca/newcomers-connections/ 

About the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick

The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick is a charity dedicated to building healthy, connected communities where everyone belongs. Through health and wellness, newcomer support, child and youth development, and community programs, we remove barriers, stand against racism and exclusion, and ensure people of all backgrounds have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Help Us Tell More Stories

If you’re reading this and someone from our YMCA community comes to mind whose story deserves to be told, we’d love to hear from you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team and share their story so we can continue highlighting the voices, moments, and impact that make our YMCA so special.