The New Canaan YMCA celebrated another summer of connection, learning, and growth, serving nearly 500 children and teens in the community through its range of camp programs. Y camps provide a first camp experience to preschoolers at Camp Mini, an outdoor adventure experience at Camp Y-Ki, skills and confidence building at Basketball Camp, and an adaptive, enriching experience at Camp Jam. All of the Y’s summer camps provide safe, engaging, and inclusive environments for children of all ages to explore interests, make friends, and develop new skills.
As part of its commitment to youth development, inclusion, and accessibility, the Y ensures that every child—regardless of need or ability—has the opportunity to participate in summer camp. Among the 500 campers welcomed this year were 56 who received financial assistance and 38 children and teens with varying abilities, many of whom were provided aids at no additional expense to their families. Summer camp financial assistance is made possible thanks to donations to the organization.
“This summer marked the 66th consecutive year that the Y has run Camp Y-Ki, named in honor of its location at Kiwanis Park. We are especially grateful for the Town’s partnership in continuing this long and cherished town tradition,” shared Margaret Riley, Executive Director of the New Canaan YMCA. “Our summer camps are more than just a way to keep kids busy during the summer months—they are a vital part of building confidence, friendships, and skills that last far beyond the summer.”
“Our family is grateful to the New Canaan YMCA for offering financial aid to help support our children’s summer camp experiences so they can attend camp each year. Also, in doing so, it provides us with solid, consistent childcare. Each session, they form new friendships, have fun in the sun, stay busy with activities, special events, and field trips, and come home full of fun stories. None of this would be possible without the YMCA’s generous financial aid, which we wholeheartedly appreciate! Thank you!” shared a Financial Assistance recipient.
This summer, through the Y’s adaptive summer camp programs, 19 school-age campers with varying abilities participated in Camp Y-Ki, the organization’s traditional outdoor day camp experience. Through swimming, arts and crafts, sports, team-building activities, special events, and more, campers of all abilities came together for a fun summer. In addition to the Y’s inclusive support services offered to younger participants, 19 campers ages 13+ with varying abilities thrived at Camp Jam, an enriching experience featuring a high staff-to-camper ratio in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
“We are extremely proud to offer inclusive and accessible camp programs that not only benefit children who attend, but also the young adults we employ and mentor,” added Riley.
In addition to serving campers, the New Canaan YMCA is one of the largest employers of teens and young adults in the community, employing over 40 individuals at camp this summer. These positions, often a first-time job opportunity, provide valuable work experience, leadership development, and professional skills that will serve employees well into the future.
The success of this year’s summer camps was made possible thanks to the dedication of the Y’s staff and the generosity of donors and the community. Their support helps ensure that each camper, regardless of need or ability, can participate in a traditional camp experience and feel a true sense of belonging.
To learn more about New Canaan YMCA summer camps, visit www.newcanaanymca.org/summer-camp. Thanks to donations made to the New Canaan YMCA, financial assistance is available for both membership and program fees. To learn more about financial assistance at the Y, visit www.newcanaanymca.org/financial-assistance or contact Diana Riolo, Assistant Director of Development & Community Impact, at 203-920-1653 or [email protected].