Posted on: Friday, August 5th, 2016

Where Community Comes Together

Summer continues to be an exciting time at our YMCA.

On Sunday, July 24th our Hockomock Area YMCA Triathlon was held at Lake Pearl with nearly 300 participants braving the high temperature and humidity.

A highlight of the day was the participation of a group of 8 cancer survivors from our LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program competing as a group on a course that traveled from Lake Pearl in Wrentham, through the towns of Norfolk and Franklin.

The group trained together for weeks. For some, they participated only months after treatments and surgeries, a true testament to the power and inspiration of this life-changing program we are so proud to offer.

Upon completion of the race, the courage and perseverance of our brave cancer survivors was transformed into incredible spirit and emotion among all those gathered at the finish line cheering them on, clearly inspired by their purpose and accomplishment.

The Milford Summer Food Service Program, a collaborative community initiative, continues to flourish with the goal of ensuring children have access to the food they deserve. The Hockomock Area YMCA serves as the project coordinator and provides staff and overall project management in parternship with the Milford Area Humanitarian Coalition. As of mid-August more than 5,000 meals have been served to children and families in the greater Milford region.

On Monday, August 8th, the families visiting the Memorial Elementary site in Milford were treated to a surprise thanks to the generosity of the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation and Patriot Place as Pat Patriot entertained 85 kids and adults with pictures and autographs.

Brian Earley, General Manager of Patriot Place and Chairman of the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Board of Directors, presented the kids with 200 New England Patriots children’s books to take home and enjoy.

Milford Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kevin McIntyre and Assistant Superintendent Craig Consigli treated the children to a reading of the book while Pat Patriot acted out the scenes to the chants of “Let’s Go Patriots!”

This summer, more than 1,000 kids a day are enjoying their “best summer ever” at our camps at locations in Bellingham, Foxboro, Franklin, Mansfield, and North Attleboro.

Summer campers from our Invensys Foxboro Branch were graciously welcomed to the Xfinity Center for a special tour of the facility by General Manager Jeff Mann – a valued Hockomock Area YMCA volunteer. They also had the opportunity to perform on stage.

Recently summer camp counselors were asked to reflect on their experiences and I’d like to close this month’s eNews with a couple of their responses.

“At camp we have kids from all different backgrounds. We have kids with a wide range of disabilities and special needs ranging from Down Syndrome to kids on the Autism Spectrum. And regardless of what disability they have, they still have an amazing time, making friends and participating at camp.” – Camp New Horizons Coordinator Colin Quinn

“I think at summer camp it’s really important for kids to make connections with other kids their age outside of a school environment…so inside a classroom they obviously know a lot of people but outside of the classroom at camp it’s so different. You get to play a million and ten games every week and get those connections outside of a learning environment where they get to learn about teamwork and about what it means to be a good friend.” – Camp Elmwood Group Leader Matty Greeley

I’m proud of our impact as a cause driven organization and the work we are doing to bring community together to make a difference in the lives of all those we serve. Thank you for continuing to make that impact possible.

Ed Hurley
President, Hockomock Area YMCA

August news from the office of President Ed Hurley

Posted on: Friday, July 1st, 2016

Where Community Comes Together

At our Y, more than 1,000 children each day are enjoying their “Best Summer Ever” at our summer camps designed to give kids an opportunity to belong to a community of their own.

Our entire camp staff embrace their responsibility as role models, dedicated to providing all campers with positive influences and urging and inspiring inclusion to create a safe place to learn and grow.

Our camps are nurturing environments providing campers the opportunity to be happy and successful, develop self-esteem, learn life skills and engage in positive social behaviors.

At Camp Wapawca at our Invensys Foxboro Branch, Damien is enjoying his second year of camp. He came to us last year very nervous and not wanting to leave his mom. Within a short time, he was embraced by all his fellow campers and counselors and now loves coming to camp.

Damien’s confidence continues to grow and he is known for his extravagant and creative costumes for our weekly contest on Friday mornings.

At our Bernon Family Branch’s Camp Wiggi, a parent met with staff prior to camp regarding her son Dylan and our ability to meet his needs related to cystic fibrosis.

After his first week we received a note that read, “Dylan came home super happy after his first experience with summer camp. Great and awesome counselors, very organized, are making sure the kids have great experiences. We love being part of this branch.”

At our North Attleboro Branch’s Camp Elmwood, Alexis, a camp counselor, reflects on her experience, “I love camp because it allows me to have an impact on children’s lives while having fun. It has changed my life and helped me decide what to do for the rest of my life.”

Another camp counselor, Graham, says, “My favorite thing about camp is seeing how excited the kids are each and every day! This is my first year as a counselor and it is honestly the best summer I’ve ever had.”

Please click on this link for a short video that will provide you a glimpse of a typical day at summer camp at our Y.

I hope you enjoy this special time of year with your family as much as we enjoy seeing the smiles on the faces of kids experiencing their best summer ever.

Ed Hurley
President, Hockomock Area YMCA

July news from the office of President Ed Hurley

Stay connected: check out our camp facebook pages today!

• FRANKLIN – CAMP WIGGI
• FOXBORO – CAMP WAPAWCA
• NORTH ATTLEBORO – CAMP ELMWOOD