Help Send a Kid to Camp: Your Gift Builds Summer Memories
Every child deserves the chance to explore, connect, and grow—and YMCA Camp Weaver is where that magic happens each summer. Thanks to the Send A Kid to Camp Annual Giving Campaign, children from families facing financial hardship can enjoy the life-changing experiences of summer camp.
Removing Barriers to Camp Through Financial Assistance
As one parent shared, “With the help of the YMCA Financial Assistance Program, Camp Weaver was the first summer camp that my kids have ever experienced. They experienced activities they've dreamed of doing and created new friendships and a sense of community with the YMCA. Thank you to all donors, for giving my children core memories that will last a lifetime.”
This heartfelt sentiment is shared by many families, reflecting the meaningful and consistent value that YMCA Camp Weaver brings when access is expanded for all youth.
At Camp, youth ages 7-16 participate in enriching activities like archery, horseback riding, canoeing, ziplining, swimming, nature hikes, and arts & crafts—all in a safe and supportive environment! More than just fun, these experiences build confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging.
Summer 2025 at a Glance
In summer 2025, YMCA Camp Weaver provided a transformative camp experience to a total of 1,690 youth, including 879 day campers and 811 overnight campers. This included 10 participants in the new Day Camp Leadership program and 53 youth engaged in Overnight Leadership Camps—reflecting a growing investment in youth development and future leaders.
Thanks to the generosity of donors and the strength of the Financial Assistance Program, 115 campers received financial support: 40 for day camp and 75 for overnight camp. These numbers highlight not only the camp’s broad reach but also its commitment to ensuring access and belonging for all.
The Cost of Missed Camp Experiences
While we celebrate the successes of YMCA Camp Weaver, it's also important to recognize what’s at stake for many youth who don’t have access to summer camp or structured programs.
Daily structure—like the kind provided by summer camp—helps kids stay engaged, stimulated, and on a path toward positive social and emotional growth.
Summer programs help kids heal emotionally, connect socially, and catch up academically—especially after the pandemic. Unfortunately, for every child in a program, another was waiting for a spot.
- In 2019, only 26% of North Carolina’s K–12 students joined a structured summer program.
- That means more than 400,000 kids missed out, even though 33% of families wanted to enroll their child.
- 43% of families cited cost as the main reason they couldn’t enroll their child.
- 97% of NC families with youth enrolled in camp were satisfied with their child’s summer experience.
Summer camp helps kids recharge emotionally, build friendships, and discover new passions. One family who benefited from YMCA financial assistance support shared how powerful that experience was for their child, saying, "Our oldest son has graciously passed up many opportunities that were outside of our financial means so that we could focus on his younger brothers needs. Over the years, we have been fortunate and able to involve him and many clubs and things during the school year, but many of those opportunities end at the end of the school year. Last year, with financial assistance we were able to send our oldest son to a week at Camp Weaver and it was a highlight of his summer. Not only did he make many new friends, but he gained several new interests and came back with a new light and very excited about the year ahead. We were in our extremely grateful for the opportunity."
How You Can Help Send a Kid to Camp
Every dollar raised for the YMCA Camp Weaver Send A Kid to Camp campaign ensures that more youth experience the joy of s’mores by the fire, the thrill of a new adventure, and the warmth of a community that believes in them.
Want to help send more kids to Camp? One impactful way to get involved is by joining us for the Send A Kid to Camp Golf Tournament! This exciting annual event directly supports our Annual Giving Campaign (AGC), which ensures that no child is turned away from the joys of summer camp due to financial barriers.
Whether you're swinging a club, sponsoring a hole, or simply cheering on the teams, your participation helps fund scholarships that make life-changing camp experiences possible for local youth.
Learn more about how you can tee up for a great cause and help build brighter futures—one swing at a time!