I could write a book on the impact that YMCA Camp Timbers has had on me (maybe one day I will).
Let’s start with an 8 year old. My home life was different. I had a severely challenged brother which took so much of my parents resources—both time and money. This meant our income on tax forms didn’t reflect our discretionary income. Camp Timbers was the first place that cared about that.
I distantly remember a few things from that first (which quickly became a second—thank you, stay another week train!) week of camp. First, SUGAR CEREAL what was this magic that was kept from me! Next my counselor was from the UK and my Counselor-in-Training was from Spain, how cool! Last, I remember this feeling that I was able to be anyone I wanted to be. No one knew me. They didn’t know if I messed up in the spelling bee or what happened on the play ground last week. We were on this even playing field. It was magic. YCT instantly became a safe haven that I would come back to year after year.
As soon as I was able I started on the YCT staff team. Here I would make so many friends, find out this is what I wanted to do the rest of my life, and laugh until I cried so many times with so many amazing campers.
For over 15 years (I’ve lost count!) camp has given me SO much. My two very best friends. Hundreds of other friendships. Connections for all over the world. Countless memories of campers who made an impact on me (and I hope I on them). Thousands of s’mores and hot dogs.
All of this every last friendship, memory, and moment would have never happened without the support of donors like you. I can confidently say I would be an entirely different person with an entirely different career if I had not received scholarships to attend YMCA Camp Timbers. And with that join me in giving that to youth this summer!
I hope that in 15 years they have a story to tell.
