A new life began at summer camp | YMCA Strong Kids Campaign

When 14-year old Matthew joined the Forest Glen Integrated Summer Camp, run by the YMCA of Saint John, NB, he found a new and healthier life.
As a child with severe autism growing up in a single parent family, Matthew had a lonely childhood. His condition and related health issues prevented him from making friends easily. His mother Angela struggled to find an affordable daycare centre that could meet Matthew’s needs and allow her to work.
After trying seven different daycare centres over 12 years, Matthew and his mother found respite at the Forest Glen Integrated Summer Camp in 2007.

With the supervision of the staff at the summer camp, Matthew’s personality gradually shone. For the first time he began to participate in group activities and made friends with other children in this safe and caring environment.

By exercising and playing with other children, Matthew also began to tackle his weight issues. Each summer after camp Matthew became more physically fit – one summer he was able to lose 12 pounds.

Matthew’s experience was made possible by the funds raised by the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. The money enabled the Forest Glen Integrated Summer Camp Program to provide assisted memberships for families like Matthew’s.

“Matthew found friends and got healthy, thanks to the YMCA. He became so much happier,” said Angela. “It also helped us tremendously as a family. Without the support, understanding and partnership of the integrated summer camp, my ability to work and support my family would be compromised.”