Help Send Kids to Camp – Give the Gift of the Outdoors!

When you give to the Y, you’re doing more than making a donation—you’re investing in the future of our youth. Your support provides access to transformative camp experiences, fosters leadership development, and ensures that every child, regardless of financial barriers, can experience the magic of the outdoors.

Why This Matters to Me

My passion for the YMCA and its mission comes from my own life-changing experiences at camp. For 11 summers, I was lucky to be part of Camp Colman and Camp Orkila—first as a camper, then as a Counselor-in-Training, Assistant Camp Counselor, and finally a Counselor. Camp shaped me in ways I could never have imagined. It taught me resilience, leadership, social responsibility, and the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone. Whether it was learning to care for the environment, forming lifelong friendships, or leading a cabin of campers, these experiences left a lasting impact on who I am today.

In 2024, I joined the YMCA of Greater Seattle Camping & Outdoor Leadership Advisory Board because I believe every child deserves the same opportunity to grow, explore, and connect with nature. My commitment is to advocate for these programs, share their impact, and ensure they remain accessible to all.

Why Now?

Now more than ever, kids need the chance to unplug—from technology, from daily pressures, and from the constant noise of modern life. They deserve a space where they can be themselves, build friendships, gain confidence, and experience the joy of the outdoors. However, without financial assistance, many families simply can't afford it. In fact, 20% of YMCA campers receive financial aid to attend camp.

How You Can Help

My goal for the 2025 YMCA Camping & Outdoor Leadership Annual Fund Drive is to raise $20,000—the cost to send 10 kids to camp for a week. Every dollar makes a difference.

💚 $2,000 sends one child to camp for a week

💙 $1,000 provides a partial scholarship

💛 $100 provides an environmental education fieldtrip for one kid

🧡 Any amount helps make camp accessible for more kids!

Will you join me in giving the gift of camp and the outdoors? No amount is too small, and every contribution creates priceless memories for the next generation.

➡️ Donate today and help get more kids outside!