Meet Terry Barron, Camp Chief Hector YMCA alumni and dedicated donor to YMCA Calgary.
Terry’s connection to the YMCA is not just a story of philanthropy, it’s one that brings together personal experiences, deep friendships, and a lasting commitment to igniting the potential in the community. From his early days as a camp counselor at YMCA Camp Chief Hector to his continued support as a donor, Terry’s journey with the YMCA has shaped his life in ways that go beyond a connection to the YMCA – it's about a philosophy of giving back, fostering growth, and creating lasting change.
Terry’s YMCA journey started when he moved to Alberta from Newfoundland. Introduced to Camp Chief Hector by a friend, Terry quickly discovered a place that would have a profound impact on his life. It was at camp that Terry, known by his camp name “Tide,” first experienced the unique combination of fun, friendship, and personal growth that would become synonymous with the YMCA for him. Through the years, his love for camp only deepened.
"I can honestly say that camp was life-changing for me," Terry reflects. "It always goes back to Camp. The relationships, the experiences, the lessons learned – it's something that stays with you forever."
At Camp Chief Hector, Terry formed lifelong friendships. It was there that he first encountered the popular board game Settlers of Catan, a hobby he still enjoys to this day. The friendships he made at camp have turned into lifelong bonds, and Terry is still close with those camp mates today. The sense of belonging and camaraderie at camp gave him a unique sense of community that would later influence his approach to philanthropy and community work.
After his time as a camp counselor, he recalls that his biggest takeaway from his time there wasn’t just the skills he learned or the fun he had - it was a shift in how he viewed the world. "Camp has always been, to me, an introduction to the world," he says. It taught him about diversity, inclusion, and the importance of supporting one another. Terry and his wife Alana sent all three of their kids, Morgann 17, Connor, 16, and Isaac, 16, from Chins to Pit, and trust and promote camp to be able to care and educate their children and children in the community.
Terry’s journey with the YMCA expanded beyond camp when he took on a role as a branch manager. His involvement didn’t stop there; even after moving on from his direct work with the YMCA, he facilitated a program called Y 100, which brought community groups from Calgary to Camp Chief Hector every weekend to give back to the community.
Terry’s professional career has since taken him to the oil and gas industry, where he works as a Global Training Manager for WSP. However, despite his career shifts, his commitment to the YMCA has remained. He continues to champion the work of the YMCA, not only for the impact it has on individuals but for its role in strengthening the community.
For over 19 years, Terry has been a donor to the YMCA, continuously supporting its programs and initiatives. His pitch to others considering giving back is simple, but powerful: “The YMCA is in every quadrant of the city. We offer programs for every age group and every need. Whether it’s programs for immigrants, Indigenous communities, childcare, girls in sports, or recreation, the YMCA is there. And we make sure your money gets to where you want it to go.”
Terry’s own journey of giving is driven by a deep conviction that the YMCA is an organization that stands for the right things. "When you believe in something so strongly, and you have the means to do it, then you should be contributing," he says. He also highlights the YMCA’s ability to connect with people from all walks of life, saying that its programs help people build relationships and grow in ways they wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to. "The YMCA builds and invests in their staff; it is a place that cares for you and supports you. You feel more connected, and it has a great name in the community."
For Terry, giving to YMCA Calgary isn’t just about monetary donations – it’s about reinforcing the values of community, inclusivity, and support. "Giving keeps us as good people with good morals," he says. "The Y is a great place that has such a big impact on families and communities. It has the ability to make such a difference in people’s lives. That’s why I continue to support it and encourage others to do the same."
Terry’s personal philosophy on philanthropy can be summed up by a simple, yet profound truth: "The YMCA supports everything, and when you support the YMCA, you’re supporting the community. You’re investing in the future of this city."
It’s this belief that has kept Terry actively involved with the YMCA for nearly two decades, and it’s a belief that will continue to guide him as he looks toward the future.
For Terry, the YMCA has always been more than just a place: it’s a community, a home, and a catalyst for positive change. And for Terry, it always goes back to camp, where it all started.
Choose to support today at ymcacalgary.org/donate