YMCA Camp Timbers - Camper Scholarships 2025

A camper parent recently reflected on her son's camp experience in 2024:

Unlike my other children, Sam has struggled to find his place so to speak.  In 5th grade Sam's struggles increased as he had difficulty fitting in with his peers and finding his people.  I hoped that the transition to 6th grade would help with that as in our district he would be switching classes and changing his peer groups frequently.  Unfortunately, he continued to feel alone, unhappy, and was often the subject of his classmates' jokes. 

The week before camp our evening conversations were often centered around Sam's concern that he wouldn't be able to make friends or that others would make fun of him.  I assured him that camp would be a positive experience and reminded him of all of his wonderful qualities.  

I couldn't wait to pick him up from camp, squeeze his tight, and hear about his week.  Sam was grinning from ear to ear and talking a mile a minute.  I am not exaggerating when I say that he was the happiest I have ever seen him.  Sam kept saying things like "next year when I go to camp", "Mom, thank you for this experience.",  "my friends at camp...", "I can't wait until I can go back", "oh, I wish I could back next week." 

As a high school guidance counselor I know the importance of peer relationships and self esteem.  Sam finished 6th grade feeling friendless and pretty down on himself.  After a summer at YMCA Camp Timbers, he will be starting 7th grade with better self esteem, more self confidence, and the knowledge that he is likeable and does have friends.  And while I suspect, actually I know, 7th grade will still have its challenges for Sam I am so grateful that he will have camp memories and friendships to look back on to get him through.  I will be forever grateful for the quality experience that you are providing for the youth in our area.

Sam was one of 1,051 campers who experienced summer overnight camp at YMCA Camp Timbers in 2024.  Of these campers, 38% received scholarship support to make camp possible.

We believe all kids deserve a summer camp experience like Sam.  Our scholarship fund ensures that resources are available each year to ensure kids don't miss out on due to financial reasons.

Join us with a gift today and help even more kids like Sam find what they need at camp in 2025.

Learn more about summer programs - or register your own camper - at www.CampTimbers.org.