MU students spend spring break at ASYMCA camp
Fort Campbell, OK |Fort Campbell Courier | April 4th
Posted: Thursday, April 4, 2013 6:00 pm
by Lori Brenae Perkins, Courier staff
For spring break, instead of joining the bandwagon and partying at Cancun, Mexico or Panama City Beach, Fla., 12 college students from the University of Missouri volunteered last week at the Fort Campbell Armed Services YMCA.
The college students worked with the ASYMCA, located on Reed Street, to help prepare 25, 4-to 5-year-old preschoolers for elementary school.
The University of Missouri is part of Alternative Breaks, a large organization that sends 40 site leaders and participants to various locations to help communities.
“I just found out two weeks ago … I think it’s worked out really well,” said site leader Jayme Gardner, a senior. “The participants that we have and the way that they are and their personalities work well with that age group.”
During camp, the children were put in animal groups of five and were given different activities each day. Among the activities was when an education naturalist from Animal Tales, a company that provides nature and zoo animal education, brought a raccoon, an owl, a porcupine, a toad and a snake, which were the names of the groups, for the children to observe.
“[They] learned about the animals, [colored, had relays and obstacle courses, played tag] and [made] art and crafts,” said Gardner. “They had a potato and stuck little toothpicks in it and eyes on it, and made it a porcupine.
The preschoolers were also taught team challenges and the importance of team work.
“I really like the challenge [activities],” said freshman student Kristin Ayer. “As their leader, we can encourage them to encourage their teammates and teach them to be positive and help each other out.”
By the end of camp week, the students saw growth in the preschoolers’ understanding of restraint and teamwork.
“It’s funny, in the beginning of the week, [some of the children] wouldn’t understand why they didn’t get to pick up a ball or do whatever,” explained Gardner. “Now, they’re cheering each other on and telling me things like ‘I can’t do anything without my team.’”
“It’s been really cool to see the development of the kids,” said Morris. “It’s been good to see how well they’ve adjusted.”
The spring break program also richly helped a few of the non-ASYMCA preschoolers who are not able to interact with their peers regularly.
“Even in the short four or five days we’ve been with them, we’ve already seen them starting to not only understand the rules, but [being] excited to follow the rules,” Gardner said.
The ASYMCA usually has programs to assist preschoolers, but this year, opted for a different kind of pre-registration program.
“We normally do programs like Our Little Heroes program, which is a preschool program that we do for kids whose parents are deployed…,” said director Shirley West. “We decided that we’d do a spring break camp.”
To register a child for spring break camp, certain qualifications were required.
“One of our criteria was that they had to be 4 [years-old] by the beginning of the school year, last year in September,” said adventure camp coordinator Susan King.
“We looked for E-5s and below; it’s our focus.”
Site leaders, Gardner and junior Skylar Morris, both agree that donating their time is one of the “highest forms of service.”
“Spring break for me now is service,” Gardner said. “I’ve always really like to go and see other communities and learn about other people.”
On Friday, senior Chi Him Ng, showed emotions as she was handed an “I’ll miss you” card from a preschool girl.
“It’s bittersweet,” Ng said.
Preschooler Tyler Arnone, 4, had a positive change after camp.
“I think it helped him become more open with people he didn’t know very well,” his mother Jennifer Arnone said. “[He] was excited to go to a camp that his older brother and sister weren’t going to.”
Before the students left Saturday, they helped hide eggs for the ASYMCA egg hunt at Camp Hinsch.
“We probably had about 800 people; we hid over 10,000 eggs,” West said.
Spring break camp taught preschoolers new activities and discipline while giving UM students a chance to mingle with the Fort Campbell community, experience Soldiers’ homecoming and personally see how children deal with deployments: a lesson they will never forget.
“Every night we have reflection,” explained Gardner. “I think for a lot of us it’s been really awesome… [being here] put into perspective, what a lot of these kids are going through.”
A Night in the Spotlight
SAN DIEGO (Feb. 16, 2013) Servicemen and their daughters hit the dance floor at the San Diego Armed Services YMCA Father and Daughter Dance. More than 450 military fathers attended the 7th annual event, themed “A Night in the Spotlight.” (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James R. Evans/Released)
Jack Daniel’s Operation Ride Home with the Armed Services YMCA
Click on the Map Below to Learn More and See
if We Sent A Military Family Home to Your Hometown.
Updated 12/12/12
View Jack Daniel’s Operation Ride Home with the Armed Services YMCA 2012 in a larger map
JACK DANIEL’S “OPERATION RIDE HOME”: HELPING
REUNITE SERVICE MEMBERS AND FAMILIES FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Announces Increased Nationwide Effort in Partnership with
Armed Services YMCA of the USA
LYNCHBURG, Tenn. (Nov. 8, 2012) – For the second year in a row, the Jack Daniel Distillery will donate more than $100,000 to help service members and their families travel from bases to homes across the U.S. through “Operation Ride Home” this holiday season.
And as with last year’s effort, the famed distillery will be asking its friends to visit www.jdoperationridehome.com and contribute what they can to help in the campaign. Through travel vouchers for plane tickets and pre-paid debit cards for gas, lodging and food, the distillery hopes to surpass the overwhelming success of last year’s effort that helped send 721 Fort Campbell soldiers and their families home last year. In addition to Jack Daniel’s contribution, more than $24,000 was collected from the general public through the donation site.
Increasing the national effort, Jack Daniel’s also announced its partnership with the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) of the USA – a top-rated military charity that makes military life easier for junior enlisted military families nationwide. The Armed Services YMCA will partner actively with military commands and committed volunteers to identify those service members and families in most need of financial assistance and to assist them with travel.
“There is nothing like being home for the holidays, and we hope that Operation Ride Home this year will generate an outpouring of support to help those junior enlisted soldiers and their families make it to see their loved ones,” said Jennifer Powell, Senior Brand Manager for Jack Daniel’s. “We saw the success of the campaign last year and particularly how it provided a mechanism for folks to give just a bit, that when added up with other contributions, made a tremendous difference in these families’ lives. We want to do even more this year.”
“The Armed Services YMCA is proud to partner with the Jack Daniel’s Distillery for their second annual Operation Ride Home campaign to reunite deserving military with their families for the holidays,” said Capt. Mike Landers USN (Ret), CEO of the ASYMCA. “Last year, in partnership with the Fort Campbell ASYMCA, 721 Soldiers and family members were given the opportunity to travel home and be with family for Christmas. Thanks to the generosity of Jack Daniel’s and their friends, we will be able to make military life easier for even more military families this coming holiday season.”
Country music star and 10-year Army veteran Craig Morgan will serve as national spokesperson for the campaign in an effort to help spread the word about the financial strain so many of the junior enlisted service members and their families are under during the holiday season.
“Having been there, I know that empty feeling in your gut when you want to travel from your base home for the holidays but just don’t have the money to do it,” Morgan said. “There are so many of these heroes who have served multiple deployments overseas and haven’t seen their families for years. Our nation’s military does a wonderful job getting them back to their bases, but it’s just not home.”
Through Operation Ride Home, identified junior enlisted (E-4 and below) single service members, military families, and families of deployed who might not otherwise have the funds or opportunity to travel home, will be eligible to receive vouchers and financial assistance for travel by air or vehicle, depending on the distance of their family homes from their current base or installation. Interested military can check below to see eligibility, participating locations and Frequently Asked Questions.
Military is welcome to give feedback on the program at feedback@asymca.org. We look forward to helping military and their family members get home this holiday season!
Section A:
ELIGIBILITY
Section A: Participating Locations
1. Hampton Roads, VA
The Hampton Roads Branch of the Armed Services YMCA of the USA is honored to be selected as a participating partner of Jack Daniel’s Operation Ride Home. The Hampton Roads ASYMCA serves the following military installations: Oceana Naval Air Station, Naval Air Station Dam Neck Annex, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek and Fort Story, Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads and Northwest Annex, Naval Station Norfolk, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Coast Guard Fifth District, Joint Base Langley-Eustis. Operation Ride Home is open to active duty E-4 and below, both single and married, and they may apply for this program thru the appropriate Service Representative listed. To request the form (one per family) for consideration please contact:
Army, Ft. Story: Donna Marie Atol, donna.atol@navy.mil, 757-422-7311
Army, Ft. Eustis: Army Community Services 757-878-3638
Coast Guard: CMDCMC Stephen Dykema at 757-398-6492 or e-mail stephen.r.dykema@uscg.mil.
Marine Corps: MGySgt John Cordero at 757-836-1581 or e-mail john.cordero@usmc.mil
Navy: We are working to implement this program with the Navy, the site will be updated when approved by the Navy.
Air Force: Master Sergeant Toya Moore, Toya.Moore@langley.af.mil; 757-764-9582
2. Killeen, TX
The Killeen Branch of the Armed Services YMCA of the USA is honored to be selected as a participating partner of Jack Daniel’s Operation Ride Home. The Killeen ASYMCA serves the following military installation: Fort Hood, Texas. Operation Ride Home is open to active duty E-4 and below; both single and married, and they may apply for this program thru the Post Chaplin’s Office. To request the form (one per family) for consideration please contact Chaplain (LTC) Mark Thompson at (phone number (254) 287-1546) or (email at mark.thompson@us.army.mil) or pick up at the following location on Fort Hood at III Corps Chaplain’s Office, 761st Tank Battalion, Bldg 1001, Rm. C122, Fort Hood, Texas 76544.
3. Fort Bragg, NC
The Fort Bragg Branch of the Armed Services YMCA of the USA is honored to be selected as a participating partner of Jack Daniel’s Operation Ride Home. Operation Ride Home is open to active duty E-4 and below, both single and married, and they may apply for this program thru the FORT BRAGG ASYMCA. To request the form (one per family) for consideration please contact Lynne Grates at Lgratesasymca@earthlink.net .
4. Fort Leonard Wood, MO
The Fort Leonard Wood, MO Branch of the Armed Services YMCA of the USA is honored to be selected as a participating partner of Jack Daniel’s Operation Ride Home. The Missouri ASYMCA serves the following military installations: Fort Leonard Wood. Operation Ride Home is open to active duty E-4 and below, both single and married, and they may apply for this program thru the their chain of command. To request the form (one per family) for consideration please contact the ASYMCA at 573-329-4513 or email ymca@cablemo.net.
5. Fort Campbell, KY
The Fort Campbell Branch of the Armed Services YMCA of the USA is honored to be selected as a participating partner of Jack Daniel’s Operation Ride Home. The Fort Campbell ASYMCA serves the following military installations: Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Operation Ride Home is open to active duty E-4 and below, both single and married, and they may apply for this program thru their Unit CSM. To request the form (one per family) for consideration please contact your unit CSM.
6. San Diego. CA
The San Diego Armed Services YMCA is honored to be selected as a participating partner of the Jack Daniel’s Operation Ride Home. The San Diego Armed Services YMCA serves the following military installations:
Naval Base San Diego, Naval Base Coronado, Naval Base San Diego and Naval Medical Center San Diego
POC:
Stephanie J. Du Bose
Education Services Facilitator
Ombudsman Coordinator
Fleet & Family Support Center
Naval Base San Diego
COMM: 619-556-7422/DSN 526-7422
Marine Recruit Depot San Diego
POC:
Mellissa Trevino
MCRD San Diego/WRR
Family Readiness Officer
619/524-8241
Coast Guard Section San Diego
Primary POC
Jennifer C. Conole
Coast Guard Base LA/Long Beach ~ Detachment San Diego Work-Life Division Transition and Relocation Manager
2710 North Harbor Drive ~ San Diego, CA 92101 Building C (Tracy Hall)
619-278-7117 (o)
619-278-7127 (f)
Secondary POC:
Chief Naomi Dennis
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and 3d Marine Aircraft Wing Miramar
POC
Abby Crespo
3dMAW Family Readiness Officer
858-577-7397 – office
858-336-7391 – cell
Operation Ride home is open to active duty, E-4 and below, both single and married may apply for this program thru their command Ombudsman or Command Family Readiness Officer.
To request an application form (one per family) for consideration, contact the San Diego Armed Services YMCA at 858-751-5755/ 3293 Santo rd, San Diego, CA, 92124 or from your command Ombudsman or Command Family Readiness Officer.
7. Whidbey Island, WA
The Whidbey Island Washington Branch of the Armed Services YMCA of the USA is honored to be selected as a participating partner of Jack Daniel’s Operation Ride Home Program. The Whidbey Island WA ASYMCA serves the following military installation NAS Whidbey Island WA and all the tenant commands attached there. Operation Ride Home is open active duty E-4 and below, both single and married.
The Whidbey Island Washington Branch of the Armed Services YMCA of the USA is honored to be selected as a participating partner of Jack Daniel’s Operation Ride Home Program. The Whidbey Island WA ASYMCA serves the following military installation NAS Whidbey Island WA and all the tenant commands attached there. Operation Ride Home is open active duty E-4 and below, both single and married, and they may apply for this program thru the NAS Whidbey Island, Commander Electronic Wing Pacific, and Commander Patrol Wing Ten CMDCM Chiefs. To request the form (one per family) for consideration please contact;
NAS Whidbey CMDCM Gino Wolfe, gino.wolfe@navy.mil (360) 257-6262
Commander Patrol Wing Ten CMDCM Maurace Clark, Maurace.Clark@navy.mil (360) 257-0353
Commander Electronic Wing Pacific CMDCM Daniel Sligh, Sligh@navy.mil (360) 257-6624
Depending on which major command your command is attached to.
8. Camp Pendleton, CA
The Camp Pendleton Branch of the Armed Services YMCA of the USA is honored to be selected as a participating partner of Jack Daniel’s Operation Ride Home. The branch serves military families at Camp Pendleton, California and the surrounding communities. Operation Ride Home is open to active duty E-4 and below, both single and married, and they may apply for this program. Applications for consideration are available at the branch office, Bldg 16144 on Camp Pendleton from 9 AM to 2 PM. Only Camp Pendleton application forms will be accepted.
9. El Paso, TX
The El Paso, Texas Branch of the Armed Services YMCA of the USA is honored to be selected as a participating partner of Jack Daniel’s Operation Ride Home. The El Paso ASYMCA serves the following military installations: Fort Bliss, White Sands Missile Range, and Holloman AFB. Operation Ride Home is open to active duty E-4 and below, both single and married, and they may apply for this program thru the unit chaplain’s office or the Junior Enlisted Family Center on Fort Bliss. To request the form (one per family) for consideration please contact Nina Carey at (915) 564-0009 or email asymcajefc@elp.rr.com or pick up at the El Paso Armed Services YMCA, 7060 Comington St, El Paso, TX.
10. Altus, OK
The Altus Branch of the Armed Services YMCA of the USA is honored to be selected as a participating partner of Jack Daniel’s Operation Ride Home. The Altus ASYMCA serves the following military installations: Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma. Operation Ride Home is open to active duty E-4 and below, both single and married, and they may apply for this program thru their First Sergeant. To request the form (one per family) for consideration please contact your First Sergeant or email Joan Wilcoxen at wilcoxens@sbcglobal.net or pick up at the Airman and Family Readiness office in Building 52, AAFB.
11. Fort Sill, OK
The Armed Services YMCA of Lawton Fort Sill is honored to be partnering with Jack Daniels for their Operation Ride Home program. Operation Ride Home provides financial assistance to military E4 and below assigned to Fort Sill, single or married, so they and their family may go home for the holidays. Travel distance to home must be over 350 miles from Fort Sill. Military E4 and below or their spousal members may apply for this program through Lawton Fort Sill ASYMCA, one application per family please. Application forms may be picked up at the ASYMCA 201 SW 4th Street Lawton, OK or by emailing Bill Vaughan at bvasymca@sbcglobal.net.
12. Fort Riley, KS
The Junction City Family YMCA| ASYMCA, an affiliate partner Branch of the Armed Services YMCA of the USA, is honored to be selected as a participating partner of Jack Daniel’s Operation Ride Home. The Junction City Family YMCA|ASYMCA serves the following military installations: Fort Riley, KS. To request the form (one per family) for consideration please contact Ted Hayden or Amber Stanley at 785-762-4780 or email_jcymca@1703.kscoxmail.com. We are working to implement this program with the various schools, the site will be updated when approved.
13. Fort Stewart, GA
The Liberty County/Armed Services YMCA, Branch of the Armed Services YMCA of the USA is honored to be selected as a participating partner of Jack Daniel’s Operation Ride Home. The Liberty County/ASYMCA serves the following military installations: Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Air Field. Operation Ride Home is open to active duty E-4 and below, both single and married, and they may apply for this program thru the Liberty County/ Armed Services YMCA. To request the form (one per family) for consideration please contact Donna Waite at (912) 368-9622 (114) or email donna.waite@ymcaofcoastalga.org or pick up at the Liberty County/Armed Services YMCA at 201 Mary Lou Drive, Hinesville, GA 31313.
14. Twentynine Palms, CA
The Twentynine Palms Branch of the Armed Services YMCA of the USA is honored to be selected as a participating partner of Jack Daniel’s Operation Ride Home. The Twentynine Palms ASYMCA serves the following military installations: Marine Base Twentynine Palms CA . Operation Ride Home is open to active duty E-4 and below, both single and married, and they may apply for this program thru the ASYMCA. To request the form (one per family) for consideration please contact Sadie Fisher at 760-830-7481 or events.asymca@cd.twcbc.com or pick up at Bldg 192 Mineral and DelValle.
15. Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base, NORAD, US Air Force Academy and Schriver Air Force Base
The Southeast Family Center & Armed Services YMCA Branch of the Armed Services YMCA of the USA is honored to be selected as a participating partner of Jack Daniel’s Operation Ride Home. The Southeast Family Center & ASYMCA serves the following military installations: Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base, NORAD, Schriever Air Force Base and the United States Air Force Academy. Operation Ride Home is open to active duty E-4 and below, both single and married, and they may apply for this program thru Army Community Services on Fort Carson. To request the form (one per family) for consideration please contact Army Community Services at (719) 526-8747.
Section B: Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Who qualifies for Jack Daniel’s Operation Ride Home with the Armed Services YMCA?
A: This program is for junior enlisted service members who might not otherwise be able travel home for the Holidays. The program is open to single and married E-4 and below active duty members and their immediate family members.
Q: What Armed Services YMCA locations and/or Military Installations will be part of the program?
A: Please see Section A for eligibility and participating military locations.
Q: My installation is on that list and I am E-4 or below, so I qualify! Who do I contact to sign up?
A: Please see Section A for the appropriate contact information. Jack Daniel’s and the Armed Services YMCA will not be nominating, selecting or choosing who will participate. Jack Daniel’s, its Distributors and the general public are funding the travel and the Armed Services YMCA is using their staff and volunteers to book the travel. Our Military partners will prioritize the need.
Q: I am not on the list, how come my military installation or Armed Services YMCA location is not included by this opportunity?
A: This program is funded by the generous contributions of Jack Daniel’s, Jack Daniel’s Distributors and the general public along with support from the Armed Services YMCA. As you can imagine, booking travel for hundreds of military families when hundreds of thousands would like the opportunity, we appreciate that our military families understand that it is a very time consuming, expensive and labor intensive program to be able to implement in addition to our other Holiday programs. We appreciate our participant’s attitude of gratitude and the recognition while we would like to be able to support every military member and their family, funding and other factors have to be considered. We hope to continue to grow the program in future years.
Q: Who qualifies for flights and who qualifies for driving assistance?
A: In general, Military families must travel at least 350 miles from their installation location to qualify for travel assistance. The option to drive or fly is based on individual circumstances.
Q: Will you be distributing cash as part of this program?
A: No, the ASYMCA will be booking flights and travel directly with the family to ensure the proper use of donated funds.
Q: Can I call or email to ask questions?
A: Due to our small non-profit staffs at the ASYMCA who are trying to run other no-cost holiday programs for military families, calls or emails about Operation Ride Home cannot be returned, but all information will be available online. You will find answers, dates and contact info for all participating locations on www.asymca.org and in this FAQ. Please do not call or email POCs multiple times without giving them time to get back to you since this program will be in high demand.
Q: What if I have Feedback or comments on the program?
A: We welcome feedback and comments in line with our YMCA core values of caring, respect, honesty and responsibility. Feel free to share your comments with us so we can continue to evolve the program via email to feedback@asymca.org. Please respect the donors and volunteers who are giving their time and funds, and do not post negative comments publicly or on social media. Comments that reflect poorly on the donor, sponsors, or military in general will be erased and the user might be blocked from future ASYMCA programs and events. Donations are always appreciated, not expected.
Q: How do I qualify for the program?
A: If you meet the eligibility criteria listed in Section A, you may contact the military leadership POC for an application. Applications will be prioritized based on need. This is also an ongoing fundraiser thru December, so if we receive additional donations, we will verify, notify and book travel for those military families before the deadline. Families will be notified as additional donations become available, but no later than December 4th, 2012 for flights, or December 11th for travel vouchers for drivers.
IMPORTANT DATES:
FLY: Last Program Day to Book Flights: December 4th
DRIVE: Last Day to issue travel vouchers for those traveling by car- December 11th.
Q: Is there pay grade restrictions?
A: Yes, E-4 and below.
Q: If I qualify for the program and fill out an application, am I guaranteed free travel home for the holidays?
A: No, based on the amount of applicants, and the requests for flights versus driving travel requests, applications will be prioritized based on need determined by Military Leadership. But all applicant families will know no later than December 4th for flights, and December 11th for car travel.
Q: How come this program is only at certain locations?
A: This program is funded by the generous contributions of Jack Daniel’s, Jack Daniel’s Distributors and the general public along with support from the Armed Services YMCA. As you can imagine, booking travel for hundreds of military families when hundreds of thousands would like the opportunity, we appreciate that our military families understand that it is a very time consuming, expensive and labor intensive program to be able to implement in addition to our other Holiday programs. We appreciate our participant’s attitude of gratitude and the recognition while we would like to be able to support every military member and their family, funding and other factors have to be considered. We hope to continue to grow the program in future years.
Q: Why is Alaska and Hawaii not included?
A: Due to the cost of flights associated with Alaska and Hawaii, we are unable to serve those locations in the first round of funding. Should additional donations become available, we will try to work with our ASYMCA locations there to serve those with the greatest need.
Q: Do you provide flights for family members to visit service members?
A: Due to limited funding, we cannot.
Q: My spouse is deployed, and I qualify at an existing location, can I still utilize the program?
A: Yes, please contact the appropriate POC listed in Section A to request a form.
Q: What if I cannot make it to a branch in person to sign up for travel?
A: The form must be dropped off in person with military/dependent ID to the POC listed in Section A. The POC will then prioritize the applications based on need. The Armed Services YMCA and Jack Daniel’s will not decide the greatest need. Forms cannot be dropped off directly to the ASYMCA location, but be vetted and approved in person, along with follow up instructions with the POC listed. Prioritized applications will be given directly to the ASYMCA from their military partner for implementation. The ASYMCA will call or contact applicants to come into a branch to book flights or travel on a rotating basis as funding becomes available. Both the sign up and travel booking have to be done in person by the qualifying service member and/or spouse.
Q: How can I help a service member?
A: You can donate to the program and help more families at this link:
A special thank you to Jack Daniel’s, their business partners, the general public, our military partners and Armed Services YMCA staff and volunteers for this amazing group effort!
DoD Military Outreach Initiative
Information and Guidelines on Free YMCA and Private Fitness Memberships for Eligible Military and their Families
The Armed Services YMCA has partnered with the Department of Defense (DoD) on a $31-million initiative to provide eligible military families and active duty personnel with access to youth development, family strengthening, and health and well-being programs through memberships at community YMCAs nationwide. Membership fees are underwritten by the DoD.
The ASYMCA-DoD Outreach Initiative responds to a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which requires the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan to support military family readiness and to ensure that military family readiness programs and activities are available to all military families, including those of the National Guard and Military Reservists. Due to the success and popularity of the program, the program has been extended thru 2013.
Here is a recent thank you note from an Army spouse on how the YMCA | DoD Initiative with Armed Services YMCA has made a lasting impact on her Military Family:
My name is Julie and I’m a mother of 2 girls age 4 & 10 and when their father was deployed overseas to serve in Iraq for a 12 month deployment I decided to move from Southern California to my moms in Oregon so me and my daughters wouldn’t be alone. This was the 3rd time my husband would be gone within a 3 year time span, and I was tired of being left all alone in southern California. After moving in with my mom, I began looking for new activities to do with my daughters and make new friends. I learned at a yellow ribbon pre deployment event that the YMCA had a military outreach program available to the families of deployed soldiers, so that’s where I went. I came to the Salem Family YMCA about a 15 mile drive from my hometown and signed up for my free membership in December of 2010. I have been involved in the fitness industry for the last 10 years, I have been to many gyms, been a fitness trainer as well as a health club manager. I was pleasantly surprised when I found out that all the group classes offered by Y, we’re included at no extra charge and childcare was included in my free family membership which was a complete blessing because I was now a “single” parent and greatly needed this service. What I loved about the Y was the overall feel of the gym itself, it’s layout of 3 stories make it so it never feels crowded and it is NOT your typical meat market atmosphere. I never felt this comfortable before at a gym, and After taking some classes I was so pleased to find that the instructors, trainers and staff were so welcoming and supportive and started to know me by name. I felt for the first time that I belonged to a new family………my Y family! I have never had such a supportive and friendly group of gym staff at any other gym in my life, and I have been a member of many gyms and health clubs. I began to have my own success with weight loss and a new healthier life. And to make things even better they offer so many sports classes and activities for children at a very reasonable cost, my daughters were both able to enjoy many activities because of these wonderful programs which were crucial to us for keeping my daughters busy and motivated so they wouldn’t be so focused on missing their dad. This benefit has been the most wonderful gift that my family has been offered as part of my husbands service to our country. We have been given many benefits to help the single parent and children left behind when the other parent is away serving, and this military outreach program has been the most beneficial, and enriching activity my family had been given during this difficult and challenging time in our life. It is amazing to feel like a part of the family when I come to workout and in turn I have become a happier and healthier army wife.
I particularly wanted to thank your trainer/instructor Tina, she has gone above and beyond to help assist me with advice and support that I would of never expected! I’m sure many people pay alot of money to have that kind of support from such an experienced professional. Not only has she given me tons of advice, but she remembers and welcomes me EVERYTIME she sees me! She is worth her weight in gold! My husband is home but is now in the wounded warrior program because of his injuries he sustained on active duty. He now attends the Y with me.
- An Army Family shares why they are grateful this program continues, September 2012.
Operation Outdoors- Camping Scholarships
Click here to learn more about the $200,000 donation by the Newman’s Own Foundation for 2013
“ The impact this funding will have on our military families and their children is immeasurable. These funds will provide hundreds of military children with learning and bonding opportunities, coping mechanisms to help them deal with the challenges of military life, as well as memories that will last a lifetime” – Mike Landers, President and CEO
Over the past four years, over 20,566 military children and their parents have received a camping experience thanks to generous grants from the Sierra Club, Newman’s Own, and other generous donors like the PenFed Foundation.
Overnight, day or specialty camps at the Y share one thing: they’re about discovery. Military children have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships and memories. And, of course, it’s fun too.
Camping, like many Armed Services Y programs, is about learning skills, developing character and making friends. But few environments are as special as camp, where kids become a community as they learn both how to be more independent and how to contribute to a group as they engage in physical, social and educational activities. Camping teaches self-reliance, a love for nature and the outdoors, and the development of attitudes and practices that build character and leadership—all amidst the fun of camp fires, bugle calls, canoeing, archery, talent shows, and meaningful relationships. Armed Services Y counselors are dedicated to making sure camp is an amazing experience for every camper.
We have more than 130 years of experience in providing a safe, thriving environment for young military children to explore personal interests, build self-esteem, develop interpersonal skills, discover the creativity and health benefits of the outdoors, cope with the challenges of military life, and make lasting friendships and memories.
Operation Holiday Joy
The holidays can be an especially trying time for the families or our service members currently deployed overseas. As hundreds of thousands of military families await their loved ones’ return, it’s our job to make their days a little brighter and their holiday season a little more joyous.
ASYMCAand Woman’s Day magazine, in partnership with the Military Channel, partner every November (Military Family Month) to sponsor Operation Holiday Joy, a national holiday drive to raise money for military families in need. All donations are used to purchase toys and holiday food baskets for military families in need. The drive has resulted in contributions totaling more than $720,000 from more than 6,900 generous donors.
