Strong Kids Campaign

Strong Kids

Helping one child might not change the world, but it could change the world for that child.” The YMCA Strong Kids Fund gives underserved, at-risk youth and those with diverse abilities a Y experience through memberships, camps, sports and after school programs.

Strong Kids Programs

RYse and Shine

The Y provides a summer camp experience for children in District 186 who are in transitional housing. This camp includes transportation to and from camp, breakfast, lunch, tutoring and swimming lessons.

Saturday Strikers Bowling Program

Saturday Strikers is designed for persons with diverse abilities. It provides physical exercise, team building, self-confidence, and a path out of isolation. Each year individuals compete in the Special Olympics bowling.

Special Needs Aquatic Program (SNAP)

SNAP provides swimming lessons to individuals with mental or physical diverse abilities. The goal is to give people with special needs the opportunity to learn how to swim at their own pace. We also have a competitive swim team, the Snapping Turtles, to help prepare the athletes to compete in Special Olympics.

Strong Kids Video

Did you know?

  • $50 helps two children with special needs learn to swim.
  • $75 pays for a child to play a Y sport.
  • $150 pays for child’s Y membership.
  • Memberships fund the Y, Your gift changes lives.
Donate to Strong Kids

Frequently Asked Questions

The Strong Kids Fund supports underserved and at-risk kids and those with diverse abilities in our community.