By Jessie Billey, BBA • YMCA of Southern Interior BC

“Last year, I didn’t like going to school. I was being picked on and spent recess avoiding other kids. I felt like no one ever wanted to play with me and I was scared to try and make friends,” shares eight year old James.
“Grade two was a tough year, James really struggled,” recalls Erin, James mother. “He didn’t have any real friends and came home defeated and upset everyday. All he wanted to do was stay home and play video games, it was the only thing that brought him joy. He was becoming a little obsessed, which only isolated him even more. I felt heartbroken and helpless. To try and get him out of the house, I enrolled James in a YMCA camp, but I was very nervous about how he would fit in.
I remember him coming home a different kid after the first day of summer camp! It was the first time in a long time that he was excited to tell me about his day and a new friend he had made. James had a light in his eye that I hadn’t seen in a very, very long time. He got to try some new activities, connected with the counsellors, and started fresh with a new group of kids. It was exactly what he needed. I felt so relieved that we finally had a huge win,” Erin states.
“The counsellors encouraged me to try games that no one had ever invited me to play at school. They included me and taught me how to join in with the other kids, which used to be scary to me. It helped me make new friends. I used to think I wasn’t good enough or fast enough, but now I jump in and have fun with kids at school too,” says James.
“James has come out of his shell and it’s a joy to witness his newfound happiness and the friendships he’s forming. I believe that it’s the YMCA camp that helped develop his confidence. The following school year he joined track and field and played on a soccer team that he loves. Our new problem now is managing all the activities he wants to do. This year, I was too slow registering him for a Y spring break camp and he still doesn’t let me live it down! This coming from the kid who used to be impossible to pull out of his video games is a refreshing change. I’m so proud of my son. I know it may sound cliché, but camp had an enormous influence on his personality. He’s now confident, social, and happy to try new things,” shares Erin.
Since 1991, generations of locals have fond memories of growing up in Y camps and recreational programs. For some kids, the Y provides a fun place to play, but for others like James, it means much more. YMCA Camps and Child and Youth programs create connections, boost confidence, foster a sense of belonging, encourage achievement, reduce stress, build resiliency, and improve mental well-being. All of which are essential to help kids thrive, especially during times of struggle.
Our local YMCA continues to grow and offer even more fun and inclusive day camps for children ages 3-12. Held at multiple locations around Kelowna, YMCA Summer Day Camps provide children with opportunities to make friends, enhance confidence, build healthy habits, and learn new skills. To register visit ymcasibc.ca/camps!
As a local charity, the Y is also removing obstacles to participation through the YMCA Financial Assistance program, which subsidizes programs and memberships for at-risk community members who face financial barriers.
*Names and photos have been changed to protect family’s privacy.
The YMCA of Southern Interior BC was established over 40 years ago as a cause-driven charity. Many Y programs and services, including Y Camps, are only made possible through the generosity of community donors. To help a child like James access camps to help them thrive, please consider supporting the YMCA’s Financial Assistance program at ymcasibc.ca/donate.