Renae

Renae is an 11-year-old camper who has been attending Camp Hiawatha for the past three years. When she first arrived at camp, she was very nervous, shy and anxious. Making friends did not come easily, and trying new things often felt overwhelming. Like many first-time campers, she was unsure of what camp would be like and whether she would fit in.

From the very beginning, YMCA camp staff worked closely with Renae to help her feel welcomed and included. Counselors intentionally connected her with other campers, encouraged her to participate in activities and helped her discover that camp was a place where she could be herself. Through the patience, encouragement and support of the staff, Renae slowly began building friendships, stepping outside of her comfort zone and learning how to have fun in a new environment.

One of Renae's biggest challenges came when she climbed the climbing tower for the first time. After reaching the top, she became scared and was unable to come back down. For more than 45 minutes, staff members stayed with her, offering reassurance and encouragement. Several staff climbed up to support her, helping her work through her fears at her own pace. Eventually, with their guidance and a great deal of courage, Renae made it safely back to the ground.

That experience became a turning point. Over the years, Renae continued to challenge herself, try new activities and build confidence. The same staff who once helped her overcome her fears continued to encourage her growth, celebrate her successes and remind her that she was capable of more than she thought.

Today, Renae is often the one cheering on other campers as they climb to the top of the tower and face their own fears, just as she once did. She has grown into a confident leader among her peers and is always willing to encourage someone who may be feeling nervous or unsure.

Renae shared, “Without camp, I would never get to try new things and build my confidence.”