Next Generation of YMCA Family Embraces Summer Camp Tradition

By: Mollie Shauger | Monday, October 21, 2024 | Summer Camp

Left, Malakhi Fields; Center, Storm Giles, third from left, in a photo from the 2012 Greater Bergen County YMCA’s Summer Camp publication; Right: A young Felicia King, at right, pictured in a YMCA camp publication dated 1996

For the last three decades, the YMCA has been a cornerstone for Christine Nunn’s family. Raising her own two children, who are now adults, she counted on the Greater Bergen County YMCA for programs like early childhood care, after school care, and swim lessons. It was at the Y’s former Main Street location in Hackensack that her older daughter started preschool. Her children, and now grandson, learned to swim at the Y. Her younger daughter even went on to become a lifeguard.

In the summers, the Y became their destination for camp. Nunn recalls the independence her oldest daughter, Felicia, gained while spending a whole summer at the Y’s sleepaway camp, Michikamau. Similarly, her daughter Storm got to interact with other girls her age from other areas of the NJ/NY region at the Y camps.

Most recently, Nunn’s grandson Malakhi, 11, attended four sessions of sleepaway camp at Camp Michikamau, at Harriman State Park in New York. It was his first summer attending Michikamau, after two years of attending the Y’s day camp, Oratam, at the same location. 

Camp Michikamau’s campus, situated amidst the serene woods surrounding Lake Kanawauke, offers the campers the opportunities to participate in activities like swimming, boating, hiking, outdoor sports, and much more. Every evening after dinner campers have opportunities to socialize with themed events, dances, talent shows, and campfires. 

Recounting the impact of camp that she’s witnessed, Nunn said: “I can’t even begin to tell you how I watched my grandson open up. He came out of his shell.”

He tried new foods - egg sandwiches and grilled cheese. A month later, he is still talking about memories from camp, Nunn noted.

To make camp possible for Nunn’s family and so many others, the Y provided financial assistance to help cover the weekly costs. 

The Y raises money for its Financial Assistance Program, or “Y for All” Fund, through donations and pledges made to the Annual Support Campaign each year. Approximately one in four campers rely on the Y’s support to attend camp. In 2024, the Metro YMCA of the Oranges, which includes New Milford YMCA Program Center/Greater Bergen County YMCA, provided more than $374,000 in camp scholarships.

Nunn said the Y’s impeccable values and integrity are reasons why her family continues its connection with the Y. She appreciates that many staff she met from her earlier years at the Y are returning to work at the Y.

“There are so many other camps they could have gone to, but it was the Y for us,” Nunn said. “Without the Y, my children and grandchildren would not have such fun memories being outdoors, challenging themselves, and learning to love nature.”