Tuesday, March 13, 2012

March Break!

What an exciting week at YMCA Wanakita!  Our site is busy with many families on site.  Not only are we hosting our second annual March Break Family Camp, we have also welcomed a large group of families through Hamilton's Aboriginal Health Centre. 

The snow is not quite gone yet, so many of us have been spending as much time on the toboggan hill as possible.  We've been playing a number of wide games and exploring Wanakita's natural environment.  The warm weather has caused the sap in our sugar maple trees to start running, so we've also been learning about tapping trees and making maple syrup. 

The Aboriginal Health Centre has also brought much to this week's program.  We have been learning and experiencing a number of cultural activities such as the early morning sun ceremonies, the sweat lodge, and plenty of drumming and dancing.

It has certainly been a rich week thus far, and we are looking forward to the next few days! 

Monday, March 5, 2012

Strong Kids Kick Off!


Last week the YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford kicked off our 2012 Strong Kids Campaign and we are excited about what the upcoming year has in store!

What is Strong Kids?
The YMCA is committed to building healthy communities, and so it is important for us to include all community members in our programs.  This is made possible through Strong Kids, which is our financial assistance program.

How much do we spend in Strong Kids?
Last year, YMCA Wanakita sponsored over $95,000 in camp experiences, making YMCA Wanakita possible for kids, youth, families, and school groups.  For 2012 we aim to exceed this by sponsoring over $110, 000.

How can I give to Strong Kids?
If you would like to help us make the YMCA Wanakita experience available through Strong Kids, please donate online!  Simply go to the Strong Kids website and select "Haliburton" as your community.  

Thank you to all who have already been a part of the incredible growth that we have seen in Strong Kids contributions.  We are proud to be a part of such an engaged and invested community!