June Fostering Connections
I grew up in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and some of my best memories are from summers spent outside. A group of about 10 of us lived on the same cul-de-sac and we had the freedom to run free.
We played in dirt holes with Matchbox cars, G.I. Joes and Barbies. We built forts in the woods and rode our bikes to Glendale Acres Elementary to play ball and climb on the jungle gym. On Friday nights, we played hide-and-seek with very few boundaries — except for Mr. Royster’s perfectly manicured lawn, which we all knew to avoid.
When I drove past Glendale Acres recently, the entire school was fenced off. The fields and playground weren’t accessible outside of school hours. Based on my own 21st century parenting, I am guessing there are not as many kids running free or hiding in the bushes after dark on a Friday night, at least not with their parents’ knowledge.
The world has changed.
One of the best ways to build resilience in children is to give them opportunities for independence and safe risk-taking, and that’s where the Y plays an important role.
At our summer day camps and overnight camps, kids get the chance to make choices, try new things and stretch beyond their comfort zones. They can pick activities that interest them, build friendships with new people and experience moments of growth — whether that’s jumping into the deep end for the first time, trying a new skill or solving problems on their own. Where else can you earn a bead for exhibiting the trait of responsibility?
These are the moments that build confidence and resilience.
Our impact goes beyond the campers. For many teenagers, summer at the Y is their first job. More than 1,200 teens will work as counselors, lifeguards and program leaders this summer. They’re learning responsibility, leadership and how to show up for others. They’re mentoring younger campers, making decisions in real time and gaining confidence in their ability to lead. These experiences shape who they become as adults.
As the world changes — in many ways for the better, and in some ways more complex — the Y helps fill gaps that didn’t exist a generation ago. We create spaces where kids can still experience the kind of growth that comes from independence, community and connection.
This summer, more than 20,000 children and teens will take part in our programs. Together, we’ll help them build resilience — and lifelong memories — just like the ones I still carry with me more than 50 years later.
