More Than a Summer: Katie’s Family Finds a Place to Grow

When Katie was raising her boys on her own and working full-time, finding reliable summer childcare was essential. YMCA camp gave her a solution, but over the years, it became something her family came to cherish for reasons far beyond convenience.

Both Dawson and Zeppelin have always loved being outdoors, and Tillicum quickly became a favourite. They looked forward to days filled with exploring, fishing and adventures, while Katie found comfort in knowing they were somewhere they felt safe and happy.

“As a parent, knowing they were happy, safe, and having fun meant so much,” she shared.

It was the beginning of a relationship with the YMCA that would grow alongside her boys, shaping their summers and helping them discover what they were capable of.

But some of the most meaningful memories aren’t about what the boys did. They’re about the people they met along the way.

Dawson formed a special connection with a counsellor named Rowan, someone he still speaks about fondly. Their time together brought plenty of laughs, but Katie also saw how much it meant to her son to have someone who encouraged him and made him feel supported.

“The relationships they build with counsellors, the encouragement they receive, the independence they develop, and the feeling of belonging to something are things that stay with them,” Katie said.

And as a parent, that is what made camp so special. It gives children room to explore, try new things and build relationships with people outside their family and school. And sometimes, the right person at the right time can make a world of difference.

Over the years, Katie has watched Dawson grow in ways she never could have anticipated when he first started attending camp. He has since participated in the YMCA’s Counsellor-in-Training program and completed his CPR course, developing leadership skills and a growing interest in giving back to the organization that has meant so much to him. Today, Dawson hopes to work at the YMCA as a camp counsellor himself.

For Katie, seeing that ambition take shape is a powerful reminder of how much children can gain when they’re given the opportunity to grow. And Dawson isn’t the only one looking ahead. His younger brother, Zeppelin, is excited about eventually following in his footsteps.

Katie has also seen Zeppelin grow in confidence through experiences like Aqua Camp, which helped him develop his swimming skills and become more comfortable in the water. Each brother has found his own interests and strengths, with camp giving them opportunities to discover a little more about themselves along the way.

For Katie, the YMCA has been a source of support for her entire family. Having dependable childcare was important, but knowing her boys were encouraged and genuinely happy made the experience even more meaningful.

“The YMCA has been so much more than a childcare provider for us. It’s been a place where my boys have built relationships, developed skills, and gained confidence in themselves,” Katie shared.

It’s an impact that can be easy to overlook when we think about summer camp. We picture swimming, outdoor games and children coming home tired after a busy day. Katie sees all of that, too. Her boys are often exhausted in the best possible way, full of stories about activities they loved, funny things that happened and the people who made their day memorable. But she also sees the independence, confidence and aspirations that develop over time.

“I think what people might not fully appreciate is just how much of an impact camp can have beyond the summer months.”

For her family, that impact is visible in Dawson’s desire to become a counsellor and Zeppelin’s excitement about following his brother’s example. The boys haven’t simply enjoyed their time at camp. They’ve found a community they want to remain part of.

Through Fill the Bus, the YMCA is able to remove financial barriers so more children can experience camp and youth leadership opportunities.

Katie knows firsthand how important accessible childcare can be for families. She also knows that the opportunity to attend camp can offer children so much more than somewhere to spend their summer.

When she thinks about another child getting to experience camp because someone in the community chose to give, she hopes they find the same sense of belonging and possibility her boys have found.

“I hope they discover something they’re good at, learn a new skill, make a meaningful friendship, or connect with a counsellor who makes them feel seen and supported.”

And she hopes they get to do something just as important: simply enjoy being a kid.

“Every child deserves the chance to have these experiences, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.”

For Katie and her boys, it all began with a practical need. Today, it’s a story about two brothers growing in confidence, a family finding community and two young campers who now hope to help other children experience the same joy they found at camp.