This summer, 23 kids who live in Solid Ground residential programs enjoyed overnight camps thanks to the generosity of the YMCA.

YMCA provided full scholarships to campers,  which allowed youth currently or previously experiencing homelessness an enjoyable getaway in nature at stunning Camp Colman on the Kitsap Peninsula.

The kids report their favorite parts were “the big, huge swing … I mean the zipline!” They also love meeting new kids and bonding with their fellow campers around the campfire.

One child fondly remembers the Polar Bear Swim, which consists of jumping into the freezing Puget Sound!

One mother shares, “With all the stress in our lives right now, I’m so thankful my daughter had a week away to just be a kid. Two weeks ago, she was calling 911 on her abusive father – but last week she just got to be a kid and enjoy s’mores around the fire. I can’t express how much that means to me.”

We’d like to extend a big thank you to YMCA for helping create positive memories in the lives of children.

Summer scenes from Camp Colman 

All photos are used with permission, courtesy of the YMCA.