Carolyn Patenaude, a single mother with four daughters, including one living with cerebral palsy, has always been determined to provide her children with a fulfilling childhood.

Thanks to the subsidies made possible by the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, Carolyn could send her four daughters Jeanette, Emily, Nicole and Rebekah, to YMCA Camp Chippewa as they grew up.

The experiences gained at YMCA Camp Chippewa transformed the young Patenaudes. Not only did they gain self confidence and social skills through outdoor activities and sports, more importantly they found positive role models and mentors from making friends with fellow campers, camp counsellors and caring YMCA staff.

Nurturing activities such as summer camps are important to children’s development. They need guidance and activities to keep them engaged, particularly during the summer months and after school. For financially challenged families, such activities are often beyond their reach. The funds raised by the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign give children in need access to these opportunities.

The investment made on the Patenaude sisters in turn helps build strong communities in the Hamilton area. Jeannette, 17 and the oldest of the four children, was so inspired by her experience as a camp counsellor that she is pursuing a teaching degree this fall.