YMCA of Northern Colorado

Our birthday isn't officially until October... but when you turn 150, you get to celebrate and reflect all year long. Thanks to the Daily Camera for this great piece!

📸 from this weekend's Boulder Y grand reopening as well as our Hall of Fame and Memorial Garden Event. A big shout-out to all the donors, community leaders, staff and volunteers who have championed the Y and continue to make a difference.

On Saturday, more than 150 volunteers ventured up to YMCA Camp Tumbleson Lake for Rotary's Epic Day of Service. Thanks to the support of Boulder Rotary and the energy and enthusiasm of our volunteers, we were able to tackle several major indoor and outdoor projects at our new mountain camp property. Thank you to everyone who helped with this work day!

It's National Volunteer Week, an opportunity for us to thank our volunteers for their support and spirit of kindness. Each day, their time, talent and energy become a force of compassion, generosity and progress. Through small acts and big efforts, they make a world of difference in the lives of our neighbors. “Thank you to all the many volunteers who accomplish so much for the YMCA in so many ways… helping with childcare programs, pitching in as front desk greeters and ambassadors, working on facilities projects or coaching sports. We appreciate you!” — Darla Schueth, Chairperson, YMCA of Northern Colorado Board of Directors

Oh baby! Our early childhood education and childcare center is officially open at the Boulder Y—welcoming little ones 6 weeks to 6 years.

This week, the YMCA of Northern Colorado finalized the purchase of the 300-acre Camp Tahosa property, a beautiful lakeside mountain camp 40 minutes from Boulder. Camp Tahosa was previously run by the Boy Scouts, which has owned it since the 1930s. We are calling the property YMCA Camp Tumbleson Lake after the spring-fed lake that is the centerpiece of this mountain retreat. YMCA Camp Tumbleson Lake will be home to day camps beginning June 10 of this summer as well as overnight camps beginning the summer of 2025. YMCA Camp Tumbleson Lake will provide outdoor adventure and nature-focused programming, including paddlesports and water play, climbing, bouldering, high ropes courses, archery and ax throwing, mountain biking, hiking and backpacking, arts and crafts, fishing, nature education and rocketry. It'll be unlike any other camp in Boulder County! This acquisition will ensure that local children have access to outdoor adventures, education and exploration for decades to come. We are so excited to welcome campers, parents and the community to this magical place. We will continue to share more about our plans in the coming months. In the meantime, learn more about YMCA Camp Tumbleson Lake Day Camp at https://brnw.ch/21wHHwL.

Today is Colorado Gives Day! Because of the generosity of our donors today and beyond, more people have access to the support they need to thrive. Here are some examples: • Local Ys serve thousands of kids with childcare and early childhood programs annually, giving peace of mind to working parents. • In 2023, the Y will provide $2 million in financial assistance to those in need. This assistance helps our neighbors overcome barriers, including health disparities, loneliness, food insecurity and more. • More than 45,000 members walk through the YMCA doors each month, enjoying the Y as a refuge for wellness and self-care. Nearly 1 in 3 of those members receive financial assistance. Give to the Y on Colorado Gives Day, and imagine the possibilities: https://brnw.ch/21wF16E

This week, members of the Johnstown YMCA aquatics team — Marina Runco, John Burks (not pictured) and Noah Dunn — as well as Y member Joseph Timmermeyer and a number of first responders were recognized by Front Range Fire Rescue for their quick actions, professional response and willingness to help during an aquatics incident at the Johnstown Y in September. Because of their efforts, a life was saved. Please join us in thanking these incredible individuals!

A team from the YMCA of Northern Colorado attended the 2023 YMCA General Assembly this week in Atlanta, Georgia. This event only happens every 3 years, so it's a special opportunity for Y people from around the country (and beyond) to connect, find inspiration, learn about best practices, hear from national leaders and grow as Y staff and as people. There were more 3,000 attendees and, of those, 600 were volunteers. Here are some highlights for the YMCA of Northern Colorado team: • US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy spoke to Y leaders about how “the epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been an underappreciated public health crisis that has harmed individual and societal health. Our relationships are a source of healing and well-being hiding in plain sight – one that can help us live healthier, more fulfilled, and more productive lives." • Kal Penn, actor, author and former White House staff member in the Barack Obama administration, encouraged Y leaders to unite and inspire to make a difference. • Dr. Bernice King, lawyer and daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., gave powerful advice to the audience: "Substantial change comes from the collective coordination to affect impact." #ymcaga2023