YMCA of Northern Colorado Raises Funds to Provide Free Camp for Hundreds of Families Impacted by the Marshall Fire

NORTHERN COLORADO – The YMCA of Northern Colorado is seeking donations to provide free summer camp for hundreds of local children in need, including those impacted by the Marshall Fire.

Every year, hundreds of local children in need access YMCA of Northern Colorado Day Camps with the help of the Y’s donor-funded financial assistance or CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program). This year, the nonprofit is setting a goal of also providing camp scholarships for 250 children impacted by the fires.

“This summer, the need is intensified because so many families have faced devastation in our community,” said Chris Coker, President and CEO of the YMCA of Northern Colorado. “The fires caused chaos, stress and trauma for many local children. The Y must step up to provide day camp for these families. As the largest childcare provider in the area with numerous camp sites throughout Northern Colorado, we must give these children a supportive, safe and healing summer at camp. Our children deserve that.”

The Y needs support from donors to realize this goal: Gifts can be made at ChampforCamp.org.

The YMCA of Northern Colorado provides a social-emotional learning curriculum during summer camp; all camp staff undergo Mental Health First Aid and SEL training to ensure children dealing with trauma, stress and big emotions have support.

“The YMCA is dedicated to providing year-round programming that supports mental wellness and social- emotional learning for children, so that they can better manage stress and build resiliency,” said Lisa Swainey, Vice President of Community Programs for the YMCA of Northern Colorado. “We know that many children in our community have been impacted by the tragic fire that swept through the area, and we are here to partner with families to provide a space where they can heal.”

YMCA of Northern Colorado Day Camps are offered at 10 sites throughout Boulder, Larimer and Weld counties, so camps are convenient for families that have relocated. The Y will also provide free YMCA memberships for these families — to ensure that all family members can utilize Y spaces and programs to move forward together and restore their emotional and physical health.

Families that have been impacted by the Marshall Fire and need financial support for summer camp can email [email protected]. Other families in need can access information about financial assistance at www.ymcanoco.org/financial-assistance-ccap.

About the YMCA of Northern Colorado
The YMCA of Northern Colorado is a nonprofit organization that strengthens the foundations of community. We do that through programs that focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. More than 50,000 youth, families and adults from all walks of life are served annually by the YMCA of Northern Colorado. Our facilities include the Johnstown Community YMCA in Johnstown, the Mapleton Y in Boulder, the Ed & Ruth Lehman Y in Longmont, the Arapahoe Y in Lafayette, the Cheyenne YMCA in Cheyenne, Wyo., and Camp Santa Maria overnight camp in Bailey. Learn more at ymcanoco.org