Camp Jones Gulch

I am the proud mother of 3 beautiful daughters Tanya age 9, Veronica age 6, and Kelly age 4. The downturn in the economy has taken a toll on my family and our finances. Currently I am an unemployed art teacher; a victim of the nationwide budget cuts to education. While I have been fortunate enough to find work outside of my profession to help make ends meet, we have had to make many sacrifices just to get by.

If it were not for the generosity of people like you and the YMCA my daughters would not have had the life changing experience of attending camp at YMCA Camp Jones Gulch this summer. Like the arts, camp is so valuable, yet often categorized as a luxury rather than a necessity. Thankfully for my family, the YMCA believes that every child should have the experience of camp and we awarded a full scholarship for my two older daughters to attend this summer. A gift for which I am eternally grateful.

The week at camp was so important for both my daughters. They met new friends, shared their talents at campfire, challenged themselves on the climbing tower, made crafts, rode horses (and really what little girl doesn't absolutely love horses?) went canoeing and enjoyed just being outdoors in nature. They sang camp songs on the ride home and continue to laugh and participate in life with a new sense of self confidence and self worth.

When asked about their favorite part about camp both Leilani and Sienna loudly proclaimed EVERYTHING! The girls have been back in school now for 3 weeks and home from camp for almost six. They are still talking about the dining hall, their cabin mates, a vegetarian alligator named Gummy who lives in the camp pond and of course their camp counselors Reese, Claire, Skylar, Charlotte, Emma, Becca and Holly; young ladies (sometimes Ninjas) I haven't met but feel like I know. It is an experience that will not be forgotten and I believe so needed in every child's development.

The YMCA made the process of applying for financial aid very easy and guilt free. My family was welcomed with opened arms.

Thank you donors, partners, board members and YMCA staff for this most amazing opportunity. Our current economy is temporary but the relationship that my family now has with the YMCA and Camp Jones Gulch is forever and I thank you all for the smile it has put on our hearts.

Most of all Tanya and Veronica thank you for that.