Blog
Like so many others, I grew up a Y kid. I learned to swim at the Y, attended a Y camp, and had one of my first jobs at the Y. However, through all of this and even my 24-year career at the Y, I did not fully understand the Y’s effect on our country. The impact of the Y’s work was highlighted during a trip I took to Washington, DC, in March for YMCA National Advocacy Days.
Our New Hampshire group was fortunate enough to meet with all four of our representatives in Washington. Each one spoke about the importance of the Y and how we are viewed as a partner in supporting communities. At a time when many highlight differences rather than commonalities, the Y was recognized as an organization that could unite individuals and groups to meet the needs of our children, families, and communities. The Y is acknowledged as a leader in youth development, drowning prevention, child care, chronic disease prevention, and combating the epidemic of loneliness. In New Hampshire, especially, there is a true understanding of the significance of overnight camp.
In each one of these conversations, I kept reflecting on how Camp Takodah has always been a place that convenes community. We bring campers and staff together every year from different backgrounds, hometowns, life experiences, and interests. As we form our camp community each session, we realize that our shared values of caring, respect, responsibility, and honesty help us find connection and spark a level of curiosity that encourages growth. Our motto of “Friendly to All” inspires us to start from a place of connection, rather than difference. In our technology-free space, we can learn to have constructive dialogue and show respect to someone who sees things differently than we do. When we talk about Belonging, we show that we are For All. This is the magic of YMCA Camp Takodah! We are a place that supports many children as they learn that the world is bigger than they know and that they are an essential part of building connections that help in our local communities, schools, workplaces, and families.
My trip concluded with the most rewarding part: connecting with Takodians in DC. As we gathered during our Takodah Week meetup, we all remarked on how being around camp people felt different. Our time at Takodah helped shape us into who we wanted to be and how we wanted to show up, no matter what years we spent on the shores of Cass Pond. I am so proud to be part of the Takodah community and feel it is a gift whenever I get to be with those with whom I share this bond. As we celebrate our Takodah Y community, I encourage all of you to take the “Friendly to All” approach to your daily interactions, live your life by our core values, and strive to be a leader in building community wherever you are.
In friendship,
Chris
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