Although Sheryl was determined to provide her two children with a better life, she was having trouble making ends meet. While she had enrolled her children in YMCA Child Care, she never imagined she would have anything left over to provide them with any “extras” – like camp. So when the staff members of YMCA Child Care approached Sheryl with an offer to subsidize her son Keenan’s stay at YMCA Camp Pine Crest, she was shocked. Not only had Keenan never been out in the woods, but he had never even been outside of Toronto.

After speaking with Keenan, the two of them decided he was ready to try a camp experience. Soon, he was off to YMCA Camp Pine Crest. However, his early reports about his stay weren’t encouraging. He had a fight with one of his cabin mates. There were too many bugs. Determined to see him stick it out, Sheryl encouraged Keenan to give camp a chance. Within days, he was glad he did. Throughout the camp experience and after returning to the city, Keenan excitedly recounted what he had learned at camp – from canoeing and swimming in a lake, to sleeping in a tent and completing a ropes course. Today, Keenan continues to talk about how much he loves camp and how many friends he made, and he hopes one day his little sister Sam will have a chance to experience camp as well.

Sheryl realized her son would never have had this type of experience without the generosity of YMCA donors – and she was determined to express her gratitude. After saving up for the whole summer, she decided to present the YMCA with a $100 donation. She also shared Keenan’s experience with her co-workers and was shocked by their response. Touched by the opportunity the YMCA had provided to Keenan, Sheryl’s co-workers took up a collection, ultimately donating an additional $500 to the YMCA Community Fund – money that can be used to help other children like Keenan enjoy the experience of a lifetime.

You too can share the YMCA Camp Pine Crest experience with a child who would not otherwise have the opportunity.  Donate now!