"We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today." — Stacia Tauscher, artist
This quote couldn’t ring more true than it does in this story. I have been lucky to see many children come through YMCA Day Camp over the years and have seen first-hand the incredible impact that it has on each and every one of the children who attend. The impact lasts a lifetime.
This spring, I was contacted by the Wayne County Counselling Center to see if they could pay for six weeks of day camp for two children to attend who have had a rough start in life. These children, ages 9 and 10, have been removed from their biological homes, and are currently in the same foster home. One is very quiet and has self-esteem issues. The other child lashes out, and tends to become upset if he doesn’t get his way.
During the first five weeks of camp, the child who has been struggling with self-esteem issues has really started to come out of her shell and begun to shine! She has been engaging with the other girls, initiating activities and is becoming more confident in herself. It’s been such an inspiring thing to watch. The other child, even with a couple of rough days here and there, has become one of the most well behaved and well-mannered children in camp. The Counselling Center and children’s foster mother noticed such a change in the kids that they have extended their support for the remainder of camp!
Children are our future and the YMCA’s positive impact can be seen and felt by so many. The YMCA is the largest provider of child care in Northeast Ohio. We offer before and after school care, full day care and partial day care for infants through preschool (at participating branches) enabling parents and family members to go to work knowing their children are in a safe, stimulating environment.
Register now for 2017.2018 Before/After School Care at one of our participating branches.
