Yours in Service,

Jarrett Royster

President & CEO

YMCA of Delaware

Partners Expanding Access to Camp

Brandywine YMCA's Camp Quoowant helped more children experience a summer of friendship, learning, and adventure in 2026. Partnerships with Nemours and the Ginsburg Institute provided free camp for 20 children, while our Hanby Elementary School location grew from an average of 8 campers last summer to more than 35 this year. 

Together, these partnerships are helping remove barriers for local families and ensuring more children have the opportunity to build confidence, make friends, stay active, and create lasting summer memories.

Growing Camp Opportunities in Sussex County

The Sussex Family YMCA expanded its reach this summer, adding two new camp locations in Millsboro and Lewes while continuing to grow its Rehoboth Beach camp, which served more than 500 families, engaging kids in more than 1,800 camper-weeks.

Through strong community partnerships, campers also enjoyed culinary experiences, swimming opportunities, and FREE water safety classes, creating even more opportunities for fun, learning, and connection.

Strengthening Community, One Game at a Time

This summer, Delaware State Troopers joined campers at the Bear-Glasgow Family YMCA for a friendly Campers vs. Troopers Kickball Game. 

The event brought Voyagers and Pioneers campers in grades 3 through 9 together with troopers in a game designed to promote trust, connection, and community engagement. For the troopers, the day was about more than kickball. It was about getting to know local young people and giving them a chance to see troopers in a different light, build relationships with safety officers, and see troopers as community resources invested in their safety and success. 

Cpl. Raushan Rich of the State Troopers shared, "If the kids go home and remember this and make this a core memory...then it's a win for us." 

Global Teens Take Learning Beyond Borders

In July, our YMCA of Delaware Global Teens set out on an unforgettable, 12-day journey to Taiwan. It was an experience filled with cultural immersion, leadership development, service, and learning.



From an immersive STEM experience showcasing the innovation and technology of Taiwan's economy to working alongside our new YMCA friends to paint a community mural, our teens had opportunities to learn, serve, build friendships, and see the world from a new perspective.

Thank you to our incredible staff, volunteers, and sponsors who made a dream experience a reality for our Global Teens: Barclays, Nemours Children's Health, Bank of America, Morton and Roberta Sheikman Fund, Discover Financial Services, David Cullman and Anthony Latorella, Bob and Susan Hurka, EVA Air Sk, and Taipei YMCA.

New Legislation Grows Access to Summer Camp for Families across Delaware

The Dover YMCA welcomed Governor Matt Meyer this summer as he signed Senate Bills 278 and 293, legislation designed to expand access to affordable summer camp for Delaware families using Purchase of Care assistance. The bills also aim to streamline licensing and authorization processes for summer care providers while maintaining health and safety standards.



Our Dover YMCA campers even got to be part of the historic moment, helping the governor write the date on the legislation before he signed it.

Where Young Leaders Find Their Voice

This summer, 26 Sussex County teens spent nine weeks building leadership skills, serving their community, and discovering the power of their voices through the Sussex Family YMCA’s free Teen Leadership Program.

Under the theme “The Power of Your Words,” teens explored leadership, wellness, education, art, and community service, including preparing meals and care packages for residents of Springboard Village.

For Daniella Gainey, the program helped turn a quiet voice into an advocate for others. Encouraged to participate in the Y's Youth in Government, Daniella drew from her experience as an adopted young person to write a bill supporting children in foster care as they transition between homes.

Along the way, Daniella built confidence, friendships, and new opportunities. She was accepted to Sussex Academy and joined its choir and drama club, just one example of how the Teen Leadership Program helps young people discover their potential and find the confidence to lead. 

Building Financial Confidence Early

This summer, 11 teens at the Middletown Y were joined by Dover Federal Credit Union for an afternoon of financial education, trivia, pizza, and prizes. The interactive experience gave teens an opportunity to learn practical financial skills, participate in activities, and connect with a local community partner. 

Introducing financial education early helps teens build the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions as they grow, from learning how to manage money to preparing for future goals. Opportunities like this help young people develop practical skills that can support their independence and success for years to come. 

Thank you to Dover Federal Credit Union for investing in our teens and for your continued partnership and commitment to helping young people grow, learn, and succeed. 

Supporting a Strong Start to the School Year

As summer comes to a close and a new school year begins, the Y is helping children and families head into fall with confidence.

Thanks to the generosity of Nemours Children's Health, a YMCA of Delaware Bright Futures Partner, children in our Walnut Street YMCA community started the season with brand-new backpacks and a reminder that their community believes in them and is invested in their success.

The Y and its partners believe every child deserves a strong beginning.

Interested in making an impact with the Y? We welcome community partners and volunteers who want to share their time, expertise, and resources with local youth and families. To learn more about volunteering with the Y, please contact Jesus De Las Salas at jdelassalas@ymcade.org.org.