The YMCA plays a major role in strengthening the foundations of the communities we support. While the effort to secure a new YMCA in Stanwood-Camano is in the early phase of capital development, the YMCA of Snohomish County has had its feet on the ground with an office, support, and early activities for children and youth.
In conjunction with community outreach, several groups have teamed up to bring YMCA activities to our community. In 2012 we created dynamic relationships with the school district, senior communities, youth groups, service organizations and others to meet current demand. We collaborated with the school district to offer activities – including a weekly field-trip to the swimming pool at the Marysville Y – during the summer feeding program, the USDA-funded summer meals program operated by the Stanwood-Camano School District.
The Marysville YMCA also worked in tandem with The Spot, Stanwood Community Resource Center, Serve it Up, and Lincoln Hill High School to develop and implement several teen volunteer activities in Stanwood-Camano in 2012. The teens volunteered with the city and area senior centers for landscaping and yard work, as well as household chores.
2013 promises even more programming. Early this year more than 150 people – five times the expected attendance – were aided with detailed information on navigating the tricky federal college aid application process. In addition, the MLK Day of Service was held for the second year, this time with 30 youth participating.
During the remainder of the 2012-13 school year, 15 youths are participating in the teen Y-Achievers program. This group meets twice-weekly at Port Susan Middle School for social time, as well as assistance with their homework and career planning.
For more information, visit the links to the left, Like us at www.facebook.com/stanwoodcamano, or call 360 629 YMCA (9622).
