Look How They've Grown!

In the years since Gianna and Asher first told us about why they loved Camp Takodah, a lot has changed in their lives. They have gone from children experiencing camp, to leaders dedicated to creating fun, welcoming, and rich experiences for today’s children. During their time as campers, they were challenged, built life skills, felt a deep connection to others, and found a community where they truly belonged. As they lean on the lessons learned at camp and the relationships built, they bravely and confidently step into new adventures, knowing they will thrive.

Addressing the Epidemic of Loneliness: The Critical Role of Camp

Unfortunately, not all children are forming these connections. Right now, children are facing an epidemic of loneliness in the United States. The Surgeon General’s report, Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation 2023, cites some critical information:

Loneliness and social isolation among children and adolescents increase the risk of depression and anxiety, and this risk remained high up to nine years later.
Social connection seems to protect against depression.
Confiding in others is associated with up to 15% reduced odds of developing depression among people who are already at higher risk due to their history of traumatic or otherwise adverse life experiences.

Additionally, a separate multi-year, national study of 80 camps researched by Youth Development Strategies (YDSI), Princeton, NJ, 2003-2007, reported:

The greatest strength of camp was Supportive Relationships—specifically, the quality of relationships between youth and adult staff.
These relationships are stronger at camp than in any other arena outside the family system.
Nearly 70% of campers experienced the highest level of support (dubbed “developmentally optimal” levels) at camp compared to an average of 40% of youth in some community–based organizations and between 15-20% in some secondary schools.

Today’s children need your help building these relationships and social connections. Supporting Camp Takodah will allow us to provide these life-altering experiences for children regardless of their ability to pay. When we see how camp has influenced Gianna and Asher, we know that a summer at Takodah is a gift that continues giving far beyond the last day of camp.

We invite you to Give the Gift of Growth and Connection. Most importantly, we invite you to be part of helping today’s children be healthy and connected throughout their lives. Please consider a meaningful gift for you and know that this will have a value far beyond the dollar amount in a camper’s life. Every camper adds value to our community, whether they receive financial support or not.

Supporting the Camp Takodah Campership Fund creates a greater sense of belonging and connection for all 1400+ campers who will play on the shores of Cass Pond this summer.

THANK YOU!

Camp Takodah Campership Fund

By YMCA Camp Takodah

Camp Takodah Campership Fund

Give the Gift of Personal Growth