Dear Andrea Camp Counsellor,
Thank you for making my trip to Camp Wanakita so much fun. I liked skiing especially the way you showed me how to. I really liked the cabins and the bunk beds. The food was awesome. I love the chicken fingers and the macarroni salad. I wish I could go there next year again in grade 6 so I can go skiing down hill. I loved it when we went on our night hike and we ate those moon rocks and when our faces disappeare. That was freaky but funny. I liked the relay-race and I got to set the table and I set 5 tables. Tobogganning was so much fun becuase I was with my friends. I wish one time I could go there in the summer.
~ Camper, YMCA Wanakita Winter Camp
When my daughter, Kaileigh, brought home Kernels popcorn to sell (to support the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign), I was happy to support the YMCA Child Care Centre where she attends. Kaileigh was excited to be involved and proved to be quite the salesgirl. At six years old she was able to show potential customers each variety of popcorn available, state the cost and inform each person who they would be supporting with their purchase. She was able to raise $100 for the Campaign and was extremely proud to submit the money to the YMCA.
One gentleman inquired "The YMCA? And what are they going to do for you?" Without skipping a beat Kaileigh replied "That's where I go to to Child Care and they're AWESOME!" This led to further conversation with Kaileigh telling him of all the various activities available to her and how special her teachers are. I have had nothing but positive dealings with the child care staff and recommend support by all parents.
~ Parent, YMCA Child Care participant
I am so glad that I got a subsidy with the Hamilton Downtown YMCA Child Care because it has made a great and positive impact on the life of my little one. From diapers to potty training , she always comes home with new songs everyday. I was amazed when she came home one day and said "Mom, Doris (her teacher) said that I should share." I was very imporessed and knew that she was learning good things. Through the tireless efforts of the teachers, my little one has learned how to count up to 12. Before she goest to bed she will say "Mom, I ahve to brush my teeth myself because I was taught how to do it at my school."
The most exciting part about it came when she came home a few days ago and told me that the colour of her TV was pink. I thought she was trying to make a smart guess, but she came to my room and said "Mom, look, those are your red shoes." I was so happy that I gave her a big hug and complimented her for the good job. Then I realized again that the Hamilton Downtown YMCA Child Care is the best place for my kid and any other kids to get a good early childhood education.
~ Parent, YMCA Child Care participant
As I sit here with my son on my lap, thanking him for making the trip to the YMCA with me 3 times today, I can't help but write this note.
I can't say enough about the child staff who influence Jason at the YMCA everyday.
It's difficult to describe the feeling as a mother when I know that Jason will be taken care of and knowing that whatever situation arises, they will deal with it. I am blessed to have a respectful and happy child, however, there were two occasions over the past week where two of the child staff members needed to reach out to Jason - first Heather calming a very sad Jason when his entire water cup spilled and secondly, Tom holding Jason's hand and making him feel okay in a nervous situation today. My heart just melts because as I'm being given the opportunity to work just outside the door for an hour knowing that they'll just work through it with him.
I need to mention some names because I want the two of you to know...I don't know how many parents send warm thoughts about the staff and so I just feel I need to:
Jocelyn, Debbie and Tom: Explorers program on Mondays is just such a positive and happy place. I drop him off, he's met with hellos and I get to chat warmly with the staff. The idea for new parents to the Y that these staff members will actually take their children through crafts, games, snack and then go through the difficult task of taking them to the changeroom and getting them through that experience is HUGE for them. These staff members influence Jason throughout the week as he's a regular at the afternoon programs as well and no matter the activity, they're down on the floor with them (where do they get the energy?) making Jason feel so special. A special note about Tom...he just melts my heart with his sensitivity and tenderness towards those kids. Because he's relatively new and relatively young, this is really neat and special to have.
Lindsay and John: Wow! John has come into his own (Karen, I know we've spoken of this in the past)...and by adding Lindsay to that team, all of a sudden we have this fun approach coupled with a mother's touch. Jason just got his second "award" today telling him how special he is to his peer. It really affected him...he stopped me, opened his backpack and took it out. They have special days and themes and it's totally different this year from last year....is that their own initiative or a program change? There are big things going on it that Storytime/KidzKlub room to do with instilling confidence and gentleness. On pick-up today they were in the gym in two groups: John was doing number games with a group and Lindsay was making this soccer guy with the other group. To me, it was beautiful. Last week John came out of the gym all sweaty (the kids were too) saying they couldn't have a snack cause the soccer game was just too good! He's not on the sidelines, he's right there!
Heather and Neil: I don't get to interact a lot with these two, but they represent sports to Jason a lot. Neil was the one who made a couple comments during afternoon program about Jason's sports ability and those two little statements launched him into seeing his abilities. I hope my 7 year old daughter Kaitlyn will get to interact more with Heather during the summer because she role models sports to the kids and in a quiet and confident way. She's into it with the kids and I love it.
Pauline and Ursula: Although Jason and Kaitlyn don't venture often into the Play Centre anymore, on the occasion when I'm teaching and they go in, it's always a loving experience and they always wave at us from the window. Makes me want to have another baby to go through the experience again with them.....uh, maybe not!
I sure hope I haven't missed anyone...there are a few I'm starting to meet on the weekends! If there were ever staff recognition awards, I would so love for these staff members to get one! As a parent, their job to me is the most important, the toughest and the most physically,mentally and emotionally exhausting. Not only do they have to deal with the kids, they also get some interesting parents to deal with. I think that's why I'm writing this note as well, to let you know there are tons of parents like me (cause I talk with them all and share my thoughts) who feel the same way. We just feel so overwhelmed with thanks and praise for the individuals you have working at the YMCA! Thank you
~ Sue Abell, mother of Jason, YMCA members
Dear YMCA Wanakita Camp Counsellors,
The children had a wonderful time. Each night when they should have been sleeping I could hear the girls chatting and telling each other how great this trip was. I can't tell you how rewarding it was for me to see the kids working and caring for each other the way they did. Some of these children left home with false security yet quickly found everyone friendly and supportive.
Thank you for caring for kids. They need us to believe in them.
~ Mrs. G, Teacher at St. Lawrence School
