Why is the Strong Kids Campaign so important?
Because kids are only kids once and every child deserves opportunity.
Many of today’s children and youth are faced with complex issues and challenges on a daily basis. Poverty, obesity, drug and alcohol abuse, underperformance in school and an unstable economy are just a few of the factors working against our young people.
The YMCA Strong Kids Campaign responds to these challenges by offering children and youth life-changing opportunities and experiences. Something as simple as learning to swim or as enriching as gaining leadership skills at summer camp can mean the world of difference to a child who otherwise would not be given the chance to succeed.
The importance of developmental assets
The YMCA also plays a vital role in the cultivation of developmental assets---a series of common sense, positive experiences and qualities that help influence the choices young people make and help them become caring, responsible adults. Family support, a caring neighbourhood and positive peer influence are just a few of these assets that contribute to positive growth for children and youth.
Developed by the Search Institute, a nonprofit charitable research organization committed to helping create healthy communities for every young person, the developmental assets help shed light on the possibilities for young people—reminding us that every child has potential and deserves opportunity.
By making a difference in a child's life today, you’re influencing their life tomorrow. Please give to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign.
The 2010 YMCA Strong Kids Report
Our annual publication highlighting the impact of YMCA donor support on children and youth is here. Have a read and be inspired by the lives of young people that have changed for the better thanks to Strong Kids programs and services. You can view the 2010 YMCA Strong Kids Report here.
