Stories from the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago

October 2009

 

More than 100 inner-city kids headed back to school this fall with stories to tell of new experiences, new friendships and new opportunities, thanks to $75,000 in summer camp scholarships from the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. These are students that, for a few weeks this summer, were able to leave the city and for some their troubled neighborhoods, to play and learn outdoors. We would like to introduce you to some of these students and their parents so you can hear about their experiences first hand.

 

Currently out of work, Sharod Baker was afraid to let Atha, his nine-year old daughter, go away to YMCA Camp Pinewood for two weeks when she was offered a scholarship from the South Side YMCA. She had never been away from home before and he was worried that she might be too young. Now, Sharod cannot be more grateful. Atha came home impressed with her experiences, talking about her great camp counselors, and the kids she met who came from different backgrounds and neighborhoods. Atha also came home a little bit more responsible. She had perfected her swimming. And, she had even lost some weight.

 

Lawanda Jones has eight children and her son, John, is the first to be able to go away to camp. A student at the Morton School of Excellence, a YMCA community school, John had never seen so many trees, swum in a lake or gone fishing. He now talks with enthusiasm about all he learned and experienced at camp and about the friends he made.

 

The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago has not given summer camp scholarships in this quantity for more than 40 years, but when it became apparent that many of our families would not be able to send their children to camp this summer due to the current economic climate, we knew we had to help. The Y designated $25,000 for campers that usually attend Y resident camps but would not be able to afford it this year and an additional $50,000 specifically for youth from our inner city centers. The scholarships even included funds for accounts at the camp stores for snacks.

 

It is important to the growth and development of youth that they have opportunities for productive, educational recreation, particularly in the summer months when crime and incidents of youth violence traditionally increase. This is even more important in inner-city communities where youth in troubled neighborhoods are often kept indoors for safety.

 

Now more than ever, the Y is working in communities across Chicago to support its families and make a difference in their lives.