MISSION MOMENTS

When I was little, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. As a way to get me out of the house and distracted, a family friend signed me up for Camp Y-Owasco. This was truly the biggest blessing I have ever had. Through such a hard time at home, I was able to find my home away from home and my biggest passion. Camp became my favorite thing in the entire world. As I returned summer after summer, I quickly realized my dream was to one day become the camp director at Camp Y-O. As just a little girl I would tell everyone in my life how I was going to do it one day, and I truly can’t believe I am now! 

I feel so thankful to camp for giving me a place to be a kid, make my best friends still to this day, and be my home away from home- especially through the hard times. I feel so lucky to be able to work everyday to give kids that same experience that I had!

LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is a 12-week small-group fitness program for adult cancer survivors who have become de-conditioned or chronically fatigued from their treatment and/or disease. The program is for any adult who is currently going through cancer treatment or has gone through some form of cancer treatment in the past and wants to regain their health and well-being. Here are some testimonials from past participants:

"LiveSTRONG gave me a new lease on life! I improved my balance, strength, and endurance. I never expected that at my age" Ann P.

"My balance, strength, and endurance still continue to improve through our Alumni group, THRIVE. The friends I made in LiveSTRONG and THRIVE are for life!"

"The LiveSTRONG group and THRIVE group offers each of its participants a special opportunity for wellness. It has the added benefit of producing wonderful bonds with great folks. I can not stress how grateful I am to the Auburn YMCA, THRIVE group and LiveSTRONG program..." Sylvia V. 

"The LiveSTRONG program was amazing! I really needed my strength building and working on balance. Great way to get aquainted with all the Y has to offer. Getting to use different machines correctly was good for me. I did see and continue to see improvement! I enjoyed the LiveSTRONG program so much I joined the Y and it is my second home! Off to my Stretch and Strength class now. I can not say enough about Laura and these programs." 

Over the past 100 years, Camp Y-Owasco has impacted the lives of so many in our community. It is hard to find someone who does not have a connection or tie to Camp Y-Owasco in some way, shape, or form. Through the years, camp has inspired many campers to keep returning year after year and eventually become staff members so that they can give back to the youth the way their counselors did for them. Camp has inspired many to push their comfort zones and try things they never thought they could do. Camp has inspired many to be better environmental stewards and to love and protect our natural surroundings. Camp Y-Owasco has been teaching and inspiring our community for 100 years, and through traditions, dedication, and the love of camp, we look forward to what Camp Y-Owasco can do for our community in the next 100 years.

Learn more by viewing our Anniversary video HERE

In the spring of 2022, our Preschool Director received a phone call from a single parent of three children (two teenagers and a 3-year-old).  This parent asked if any slots were available in Kidventures, our preschool summer program.  Kidventures was suggested by her pediatrician when the mother raised some concerns. She felt the child would benefit from socialization with children their age, getting into a routine, and developing language and self-help skills. The parent could not afford the total cost of the program. We were able to offer her a scholarship that allowed her to bring her young child to Kidventures five days a week for seven weeks.  As the summer progressed, we noticed the child’s language and self-help skills improved.  Another outcome was a significant positive change in this young child’s self-esteem!  The parent noticed the changes and growth and enrolled the child in the Y preschool program for the fall of 2022.  Being a working parent, she enrolled the child in the Y’s Before/After Care option.  Scholarship funds made this possible.  She now had reliable child care, could work her shift, and not worry about shuffling her child to and from a separate daycare.

During the school year, the child received speech and occupational therapy onsite. This child had a very successful year in our 3-year-old program because of the consistency and additional support.  The child again attended Kidventures to maintain the school routine.  Additionally, he was still able to receive therapies onsite.  The child continued participating in the Y preschool program.  He no longer needed speech therapy or occupational therapy. He made many friends and continues to make great strides! He successfully transitioned to Kindergarten in the fall.

This lovely message from a member speaks to the impact of dedicated Y staff.

" I would like to salute the Aqua HIIT and Boot Camp programs for seniors. Our instructor, Lindsey, is the best. On day one for me, she made me feel very welcome. She is always tuned in to our needs in class and is very good at explaining why and how to do the exercises.
She fosters an atmosphere of congeniality and really knows how to read the room/pool. This group is not just an exercise program; it is a community that really seems to care about each other. It is important to lift up the people who deserve it, and Lindsey is one of those people."

Respectfully, Betsy