YMCA Staff Story: A Place Where I can Have Impact

By: Zach Gurmankin | Tuesday, July 16, 2024 | Youth Programs

Zach Gurmankin, on right, as a counselor at Y camp.

Zachary Gurmankin started his journey at the Y as a camp counselor at Pioneer Trails Day Camp, one of many camps run by the West Essex YMCA. During his time as counselor, he developed lifelong friendships - in fact, it was there that he met his wife, who also works with him at Pioneer Trails. He advanced from camp counselor to specialist and now his current role as Assistant Director of Youth Development. 

He shares his experience as a YMCA staff member:

“The Y has provided me with countless memories and lifelong friendships and for me it's more than just a workplace, it's a family. One of the more rewarding aspects has been seeing former campers and School Age Child Care participants grow through our Counselor-in-Training program and return as staff members themselves (myself included). I always had goals and expectations that I had set for myself. Out of college, I was unsure of what I wanted to do full time but because of my experiences at camp I knew that I wanted the Y to be a big part of that. I was finally given that opportunity and it has opened so many different doors for me. This demonstrates the lasting impact the Y has on individuals and the community as a whole. 

The Y has been a place that I know I can always count on people for support no matter what. It is a place that I feel can have an impact, no matter how great or small, in a positive way. The Y has provided me with opportunity after opportunity, and I can't begin to say how grateful I am for everything that I have been able to experience here at the West Essex Y to this point.”