Our hosts today are joined by Y leaders Kim Nelson and Drew Hullinger who design a multitude of youth programs which include many options to keep children active this summer. The Y operates day camps throughout metro Atlanta and overnight camps at Camp High Harbour Lake Burton and Lake Allatoona. They share how and why it is so important that they make these opportunities accessible to everyone and how they infuse social-emotional learning with all the fun. Tune in today and hear how these camps are transforming today's youth into tomorrow's leaders.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[06:01] Kim compares summer at the "Y" to the Olympics. She shares the various activities available for families and talks about the 18 different day camps that will be offered across metro Atlanta
[08:38] Drew shares the numerous activities at overnight camps; Camp Harbour at Lake Burton and Camp Harbour at Lake Altoona.
[12:28] Kim explains how they implement social-emotional learning into the afterschool programs and the day camp.
[16:37] Drew outlines the Advanced Leadership Academy and explains why that is the "secret sauce" of camp
[20:03] There are scholarships available to families who may not be able to afford programs at the Y, and Drew shares how alums continue to come back and contribute to the camp in various ways
[22:53] Drew explains what Bold and Gold (Boys Outdoor Leadership Development and Girls Outdoor Leadership Development) programs are and how they can do this without electronics and devices
[26:34] Kim and Drew share their Y stories
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
The "Y" is a perfect place for families to gather during the summer. There are activities for all ages, and after several hours of fun, the family can gather back together for an outdoor swim.
The overnight camps the "Y" sponsors have all the activities you expect to see at a 5 Star camping mecca.
Kids learn life skills at the overnight camps in addition to playtime.
RESOURCE LINKS:
BIOGRAPHIES:
Kim Nelson is the Senior Vice President of Program Development for the Y. She began her YMCA career in 2000 at the Ed Isakson-Alpharetta Family Y as the children's services director. She was later promoted to many different roles in afterschool, day camp and teen programs. In 2007, Kim took on the role of Associate Executive Director at the Alpharetta Y and became Executive Director of the JM Tull-Gwinnett Family Y in 2012. She was promoted to Group Vice President until her role today as SVP of Program Development. Kim is active in many community organizations like the Rotary Club, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta – Gwinnett Advisory Board, and the GSAN Committee. Kim is a graduate of the 2016 Leadership Gwinnett Class. She and her husband have been married for more than 20 years, and they have three boys, ages 17, 15 and 12, who have grown up in the YMCA.
Drew Hullinger is the Vice President of Residential and Outdoor Programs for the Y. Drew's passion for serving youth propelled him into his current Y career of 24 years. As a seasonal camp counselor at the Y's Camp High Harbour during his college years, Drew realized his mission to invest in the next generation of young leaders. Throughout his career, Drew has served in various roles at five resident camps and has led service trips for teenagers to Alaska, Costa Rica, Prague, and South Africa. As Executive Director, Drew built a board team from zero participants to 26 active members. Currently oversees the Y's two resident camp locations and provides strategic thought partnerships to Y branches with outdoor spaces.
