Camp Magic Story
"This year was my son Wolf's 13th year attending Leaders School either as a young leader or as a counselor. He has been asking my wife and I to volunteer for years. Last year, my wife volunteered during the Middle School Week and this year we both had the opportunity to be immersed in the Leaders School experience. What an experience it is. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed myself and how wonderful I believe the program is. It is such a privilege to be associated with the program in even a small way.
This week's theme was "finding your spark" and I think it resonated with not just the young leaders but with the wonderful staff as well. I know for many of them, Leaders School is their spark—as evidenced by how often people come back. I can’t think of any place else in today's world where children are given such freedom to be their true selves. I also can’t think of another place where children and adults are kinder and more supportive to one another. I attended Camp Jordan as a 7, 8 & 9 year old—more than 45 years ago and it is still a magical place.
Hannah was truly wonderful with both the staff and the leaders. I enjoyed getting to know the staff young and old, as well as so many of the campers. As with many things, I got as much out of the week as I know the campers did.
Over the past years, my son has told and retold Leaders School stories. Now not only do I understand them but I have many of my own." ~ Dan R.
"This year was my son Wolf's 13th year attending Leaders School either as a young leader or as a counselor. He has been asking my wife and I to volunteer for years. Last year, my wife volunteered during the Middle School Week and this year we both had the opportunity to be immersed in the Leaders School experience. What an experience it is. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed myself and how wonderful I believe the program is. It is such a privilege to be associated with the program in even a small way.
This week's theme was "finding your spark" and I think it resonated with not just the young leaders but with the wonderful staff as well. I know for many of them, Leaders School is their spark—as evidenced by how often people come back. I can’t think of any place else in today's world where children are given such freedom to be their true selves. I also can’t think of another place where children and adults are kinder and more supportive to one another. I attended Camp Jordan as a 7, 8 & 9 year old—more than 45 years ago and it is still a magical place.
Hannah was truly wonderful with both the staff and the leaders. I enjoyed getting to know the staff young and old, as well as so many of the campers. As with many things, I got as much out of the week as I know the campers did.
Over the past years, my son has told and retold Leaders School stories. Now not only do I understand them but I have many of my own." ~ Dan R.
Learn More About Our Y
As an organization which touches the lives of so many people across our region, through so many programs and avenues, it is sometimes hard to communicate the depth and breadth of our YMCA. Please take a moment to watch this video.
“I think a hero is any person really intent on making this a better place for all people.” – Maya Angelou
As the proud CEO of the Bangor Region YMCA, I am incredibly blessed to be surrounded by the goodness of our Y all year long. The positive impact we make on the lives of everyone who comes through our doors would not be possible without the consistent generosity of our beloved donors, supporters, and friends.
YOUR IMPACT
The impact of your generosity and kindness goes far beyond giving financial assistance to those in need of our programs and services. YOU help make our community a better place to live for ALL Mainers.
OUR PROMISE is to always listen to what our community needs and will put those needs first every single time. Here's how we are living up to our community promise in 2023:
- We launched a new camp for younger children so they too could experience the joys and benefits of Summer Camp.
- Our community asked and we delivered: two new Before & After School programs, one for Pre-K children and another for pre-teens so they have a safe and enriching learning space of their own.
- One of the region’s largest licensed and affordable early education and school-age programs and our Day Camps and Overnight Camp served more than a 1000 children and teens.
- A year-round Community Food Pantry that has flexible opening hours so working families and others can get the food they need.
- Best practice mental health programs for at risk teens and others, including those experiencing loneliness and social isolation.
- Evidence-based programs that continue to address compelling community needs for those living with chronic disease.
Our Y has been here for 156 years and please know that ALL FUNDS DONATED STAYS RIGHT HERE TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY.
DOWNLOAD this brochure to learn more about all that we do and the many ways you can GIVE to our beloved YMCA.
Every dollar matters so please donate what feels right for you.
I am truly grateful for your gift and support. From my heart to yours: THANK YOU.
Diane Dickerson, CEO