Summer is more than just a break from school, it's a season of possibility. It’s a time when children can discover new talents, build friendships, and reconnect with the joy of simply being a kid. At YMCA Calgary, we believe every child deserves the chance to experience that magic, no matter their circumstances.
Camp is a place where imaginations run wild, confidence grows, and kids feel like they truly belong. But for many families, the cost of camp is out of reach. Thanks to generous donors in our community, that barrier can be lifted.
Meet Jenna, a mom of two energetic, imaginative girls. Her daughters, Chelsea (13) and Ellen (11), have spent their summers singing campfire songs, climbing ropes courses, and soaking in everything YMCA camp has to offer.
“It’s been so impactful,” Jenna shared. “My youngest has ADHD and learning disabilities, and school can be kind of a crazy place when you have those challenges. So those two weeks at camp really build them up when the rest of the year can tear them down.”
But last year, things changed. An unexpected job loss left Jenna and her husband unable to cover the cost of camp. That’s when the YMCA’s campership program stepped in.
“We live in a society that makes it hard to ask for help,” Jenna said. “You just never know when you’re going to be in that position. It’s humbling, for sure, but it’s also such an amazing feeling to know that there are resources.”
Last year, over 3,000 kids attended YMCA Calgary’s outdoor summer camps, and more than 100 of them could only go because someone like you gave generously.
This summer, 150 children are waiting for that same opportunity.
Your donation helps send kids to Camp Chief Hector YMCA and Camp Riveredge, where they’ll build resilience, friendships, and the kind of summer memories that last a lifetime.
- A $50 donation can help provide essential gear for a first-time camper.
- A $250 donation can help subsidize a week of day camp.
- A $500 donation can help cover the cost of overnight camp for a child who wouldn’t otherwise be able to go.
You can be the reason a child discovers just how brightly they can shine.
Donate now to help make camp possible.