5.00
Rated by 5 users
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Reviews
I first went to the YES when I was 16 years old. It was a large step out of my comfort zone as I had never attended a program like this before, and I was incredibly shy and nervous. As soon as I met other participants and staff members, I was welcomed to a space with open arms and a warmth I’d never experienced before. Attending this program at such a pivotal age has led to so much personal and professional growth in my life. The YES has taught me how to be a better leader, the beauty of vulnerability and the impact of positive connection. Through cooperative education and inclusive environments, The YES is a catalyst for empowering teens to recognize how capable and powerful they are, all while honing in on traditional summer camp fun: canoeing, hikes, campfires, yummy meals, swimming and more. This program changed my life, and I if I could find a way to get every young person to attend I would. I can’t thank The YES enough for being in my corner, and I hope they know I’m in theirs, always.
I would not be who I am today without this camp. I was very shy and unsure of who I was when I was first sponsored by my local Community Futures to be sent to YES camp. On the bus ride alone, I made 3 incredible friends who came from all across BC. One of which, despite living hours away, I am still close with almost 10 years later. The week that followed brought with it more connections than I could have ever imagined, each impactful in their own beautiful way. The support and encouragement from my new friends and the amazing staff allowed me to come out of my shell without fear of being judged or ridiculed. I developed a new sense of confidence and the impression lasted far past my week at camp. I enjoyed it so much that I practically begged to come back year after year. I even quit my job to come back for my final year because I couldn't get the time off. I fell deeply in love with this camp and the people that make it what it is.
Even after all that I still couldn't get enough, so I came back as a staff member the following year. I witnessed firsthand the mind-blowing commitment and dedication that goes into creating the magic of YES camp. I also had the privilege of seeing folks arrive looking the same way I felt on my first day, and watching them experience the week that changed their lives.
I've been to other summer camps in the past and there is nothing out there like YES camp.
My experience at the YES camp was truly transformational. I attended for the first time when I was 15 and now, nearly 10 years later, I continue my work with this inspiring organization. Using cooperative education, the YES provides leadership skills training to teens in the most encouraging environment. At 15, this program taught me the importance of community by fostering care and respect between both participants and staff. I received invaluable lessons in communication, conflict resolution and self-awareness. I have taken these foundational skills (and many more) into my adult life and am so thankful for the experience. If you're looking for a place that cultivates inclusion and acceptance among teenagers all while instilling valuable life skills, you've found it!
The YES camp changed my life when I was 13. This program taught me more than I could have ever imagined in terms of cooperation skills, leadership, self awareness, and healthy communication. My wish is that every teenager in BC gets the opportunity to learn and grow from this program. 5 stars are not enough!
When I was 14, I went to YES Camp for the first time. I was immediately embraced by acceptance and love, and experienced a truly inclusive community for the first time in my life. I also enjoyed the sessions that focused on communication and self awareness, which have both provided me with tools that I still use 6 years later. I went back to camp until I was 16 and now love going back each summer to give that experience to more youth.
