“Sound the Gong” Annual Campaign for YMCA Camp Piomingo is here!

The countdown to CAMP has begun. Kids everywhere are anticipating the most epic summer yet and with your support we can make that happen for ALL kids.

Young people need camp more than ever. They need a home away from home where they can:

· be silly, sing at the top of their lungs, make lifelong friends, develop leadership skills, and be accepted for who they are.

· disconnect from electronics, social media, and experience the outdoors.

· relax, feel safe, get three healthy meals a day

Kids need the chance to be kids and there is no better place for that than Camp Piomingo.

Each summer a group of future campers from underserved communities in Louisville go to camp thanks to this CAMPaign. Some of these future campers often experience circumstances children shouldn’t have to experience, watch siblings all day, or worry about where their next meal will come from. Other future campers have not had the opportunity to experience camp, because their families have had to prioritize their finances in other areas… but then those future campers are given the chance to become campers and future camp alumni. According to a study by Harvard University, camp enables us to regulate our emotions, feel empathy, communicate, adapt to new situations, make good decisions, and overcome fear. We know the magic of camp and how it can help campers begin to dream with their eyes wide open!

The magic begins when they drive through the tunnel of cedars onto camp property. Jaws drop as the twisty blue slide at the pool comes into view. Eyes widen at the possibility of sailing down the zipline and conquering the climbing wall. Any trepidation about being away from home melts away as they meet their counselors, get settled in their cabins and realize they don’t have to share a bed. After a carefree week in the woods with their new best friends, there are teary goodbyes. The ride home is marked by stories of the hike to Van Buren, World Service Carnival, yummy chicken tenders, hilarious camp nicknames, singing songs and cheers, and more. They can’t wait to go back.

Help us ensure that ALL kids, regardless of their ability to pay, can experience the magic of Piomingo this summer. Contribute to the annual CAMPaign today!

Thank you!!