APRIL 2026 NEWSLETTER
A Message from the CEO
Some parts of your childhood never really leave you.
For me, it's the feeling of being outside until the street lights came on, making friends, trying new things, and coming home tired in the best possible way. For so many of us, childhood was filled with face-to-face fun, scraped knees, inside jokes, and the kind of freedom that helped shape who we became.
The world our kids are growing up in today looks very different.
Technology has changed how children spend their time and connect with one another. Especially since the pandemic, many young people are spending more time behind screens and less time simply being together, exploring, playing, and building confidence in the world around them. There is no turning back the clock, and not all change is bad. But I do think many parents feel, deep down, that something important has been lost.
Maybe that is why experiences that invite kids to unplug can leave such a lasting mark.
I still remember going away to Girl Scout camp for a week after sixth grade. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my childhood. I remember the friendships I made, the independence I felt, and the excitement of trying something new. Those moments stayed with me long after camp ended.
At the Y, we believe children still need those kinds of moments.
They need space to laugh with other kids, move their bodies, try something new, get a little messy, and discover who they are away from the pressures and distractions of everyday life. They need places where connection is real and fun is active, shared, and full of discovery.
Camp creates space for all of that. And while those moments are joyful, they are also meaningful. Time outdoors, social connection, physical activity, and the chance to unplug can make a real difference for young people's overall well-being, especially in a world that can sometimes feel overstimulating and isolating.
As the world continues to change, the Y remains grounded in something timeless. We are here for families who want their children to experience joy, friendship, adventure, and belonging through real connection and shared experience. We are here to make sure kids still have the chance to be kids. I hope you will take a moment to explore our camp options and find the right fit for your family this summer.
Warmly,
