Partners With Youth Impact Snapshots & Stories
Alyssa Flaherty – camper, counselor, unit director, PWY volunteer
“I knew when I was 10 years old that I really wanted to go to summer camp. Unfortunately, that isn't the easiest thing to do when it’s just you and your mom living paycheck to paycheck. My mom knew how much I wanted to go and set out to find a way to get me there. Through the help of Partners With Youth, my mom was able to send me to camp not only for my first summer, but until I was 16 years old. Because of this opportunity, I was able to make close friendships, find new strengths in myself and figure out what I wanted to do in life. I am so grateful for what PWY has given me, and I am more than honored to give back every year as a PWY volunteer to give kids the same opportunity that was given to me in a time of dire need.”
Veronica - past camper and 2012 counselor-in-training, teen volunteer
As a camper and Counselor-in-Training, I have created many memories at camp, made lifelong friends and learned about who I am as a person.
Camp is where I feel most in touch with who I really am. At home, it is sometimes difficult to express my feelings and act goofy; but at camp, I am assured that being myself is the best person I can possibly be. Camp is where I feel most accepted.
One memory that really sticks with me is the first stop on our five-day kayak trip. It didn’t seem like much: bees and ants everywhere, and dry grass getting stuck to our socks. But, we could see Canadian lights on the horizon, the sun setting behind the mountain silhouettes and a Bald Eagle sitting on the point. It made me feel like that was right where I belonged.
That night, we had an amazing Values Session, and for once, I felt like my life had purpose.
I leave camp a better person because of what I have learned about myself, others and life itself. Camp has given me opportunities I thought I would never have.
If it were not for the scholarship program, I would not have been able to attend camp. I am very thankful for the scholarships I have received, and am now devoting my time to ensuring that other kids get the same opportunity. I would not trade camp for the world.
Jerry Gardner, Sedro-Wooley School District - OEE school teacher
“Our District has made our trip to Camp Orkila one of the first district activities that the entire graduating class participates in -- all 6th graders from 7 schools. Not only is the Outdoor Education a huge component, but so are the lifelong friendships forged at camp as these students transition from 6th graders to Middle Schoolers. Many of these students return 4 years later to be our high school counselors. Over and over we hear the same thing from these former students: ‘Camp is one of my most cherished moments, and I want to make sure that every 6th grader gets the opportunity to have the same special time.’ The impact of the YMCA funding is enormous; without it we would not be able to provide this experience. This funding allows us to bring 300-325 students to camp each spring.”
“Tony’s dad died the year he was in my sixth grade class. He missed school, became even more withdrawn, and had a tough time passing sixth grade. He was also morbidly obese. Tony could barely walk once around the track at school. He didn’t really “rough house” with the other kids at recess. I figured he’d decline to go to camp. When spring came he signed up and seemed excited to go. Physically, camp was hard for him. I walked back with him from the barn area that year. He never complained once. Tony smiled more that week than I’d seen all year. Being in the outdoors and experiencing things that he didn’t get to do in a regular school day was great; it revived him and gave him a new outlook on life. He wasn’t able to do the climbing wall or high ropes, he knew his limitations. But he played the games and experienced the hands-on class activities. I was glad Tony had the opportunity to attend camp and have the same experiences as his peers.”
Shelby, Orkila leadership (LDI) camper
“At camp I saw how important it is to make yourself helpful to others. In the LDI program, a good amount of planning and physical work is required and before I came to camp if I saw my peers lifting boxes or moving heavy stuff I would probably just let them do all the work. But here I challenged myself to always try to be of service to others. I realized how much that was appreciated and will definitely take that lesson home with me.”
Leadership camper
“Some things that I will bring back home with me are the skills I learned to be a good leader and how to respect everyone. Camp has taught me so much. I learned how to speak up and use my voice.”