Y Camp Scholarships Help Build Strong Families
The Eugene Family YMCA has a slogan from the seventies – “we’re in the people business.” It gets to the heart of what we do, and because we are so generously supported by our donors, we are able to realize this slogan in our daily cause-driven work.
“Our experience with Y Camp has been a life changer,” said Tuan Bui, parent of Maddie who regularly enjoys the Y. “In a time where my daughter has been experiencing many changes, the Y has been a constant support system for us.”
This past year, Maddie has moved to a new school, a new home, and has learned to divide her time between parents in two households. Throughout the transitions, Maddie and her family have turned to the Y for support. This spring, Y supporters and donors set a new record in fundraising to help families provide much-needed summer camp experiences and raised $63,000 in scholarship funds, thanks in part to the support of a challenge gift from Alex and Amanda Haugland. These funds have significantly helped families like the Bui’s.
“We couldn’t have provided this consistent experience for Maddie without the help from the Y,” said Tuan. Tuan reached out to the Y for help because he knew Maddie needed a stable, positive environment while he worked, but was concerned about the financial toll. “I am so thankful for the Y and all of their programs, from helping us obtain the scholarship, to Maddie’s camp counselors, everyone has been so great to us.”
By easing the strain on working families, the Y is able to bridge some of the gaps children may otherwise be faced with. Maddie has participated in both Y afterschool programs and camp, and her counselors have become a consistent presence in her life. Maddie’s Dad notices the difference, “She looks up to her counselors…and I see her blossoming into such a kind, enthusiastic child.”
As for Maddie, her favorite part has been swimming at the Y (because the water is warmer than the river!) and visiting the WildLife Safari in Roseburg. Teaching swimming skills is a critical part of Y work during summer programming and the school year. In 2017, the Y taught 13,200 swim lessons to 628 different kiddos, significantly reducing their risk of drowning.
Maddie’s summer as a Voyager may soon be ending, but the experiences and memories will last well beyond these summer months because so many Y members and supporters chose to make a difference.
