When you support RA, you’re helping pave the way for self-discovery and life-changing adventures. Our partnership with the YMCA gives students year-round opportunities to build relationships through play and conquer their fears.

Partnering with the Y has given RA students a safe, positive space for connecting with their community alongside the benefits of physical activity. The Y offers free memberships to RA students, mentors, and staff to connect outside the classroom, holds gatherings for groups of RA participants to “gym and swim,” hosted our high school squads for a team-building ropes course challenge, and offers free summer camp tuition to RA students.

This year, on top of removing financial obstacles, the Y addressed one of the largest barriers to accessing summer camp - language. More than 70% of RA students speak a language other than English at home, with the majority coming from families whose first language is Spanish. The Y worked with RA to have a Spanish-speaking staff member present at summer camp info sessions. The results? More than half of RA elementary and middle school students participated in a YMCA camp this summer!

Here’s what one mentor shared about their mentee’s summer camp experience:

“Jason said the highlight was a giant swing that was 60 feet in the air. He sent me a video and I said good for you, I’m not sure I would be brave enough! Another highlight was going to the beach and learning about plankton in the water.”

For some students, overnight camp is the first time they’ve spent the night away from their parents. For others, it’s about conquering fears like the giant swing or a raccoon storming the cabin in the middle of the night. Whatever unique experience they had, students are returning to the classroom this fall with greater confidence and stronger connections to the community.