YMCA Helps Camper Thrive

By: Mollie Shauger | Monday, October 2, 2023 | Summer Camp

Shawn Banks

Over the summer of 2023, the Sussex County YMCA was able to support a camper who is on the autism spectrum and nonverbal. The Y worked with Amazing Strides of NJ to arrange to have his aide attend camp with him, helping him with swim lessons and setting up a tour before camp. His parents, Leon and Jamie Banks, told the Y:

“Thank you for working with us and Amazing Strides earlier this year in getting everything in place for my son's 4 camp weeks. Shawn had an absolutely amazing time and it was a success all around! This is no small thing for him (or his nervous parents!) - we really weren't sure what to expect or whether he was ready, but the staff, other campers and programming were absolutely fantastic, helpful and supportive of his needs. We learned that Shawn had an absolute blast in the pool, and will be looking into getting him some swim lessons and getting him back in there. For a kid with very limited interests, this too was huge! Huge thanks to you and your staff - I just wanted you guys to know that you all made a hugely positive impact on our Summer!”