Every day throughout Central Ohio, someone is positively impacted through a YMCA experience. With a friendly smile, positive reinforcement from a coach or a first lap in the pool - we are committed to making a difference in the communities we serve.
Healthy Communities Pillar - OhioHealth
In April, the YMCA of Central Ohio and OhioHealth officially announced the formation of a new initiative aimed to transform the overall health and wellness of individuals and communities we serve.
The multi-year, multidisciplinary strategic partnership is the first of its kind in the region and utilizes the reach, resources and capabilities of two trusted organizations to bring unparalleled services and programming to the people of central Ohio.
YMCA Camp Willson
Each week of every summer for the last century, 400+ kids from all over the world experience the beauty of nature, new friendships, character building and fun of overnight camp.
When I was a kid, I got to go to YMCA Camp Willson for four years. We looked forward to it every summer and would count down the days. Songs around the campfire, singing by the flagpole each morning, swimming...camp was a place you could be whoever you wanted to be.
In August, 250+ campers past and present, community leaders and staff gathered to celebrate Willson’s 100th anniversary with a Farm-to-Table dinner and camping weekend to celebrate this milestone birthday.
Among them were Rupert “Twink” Starr and Colin Meyer, representing our oldest and newest campers, respectively. Twink, 96, is Camp Willson’s oldest living alumni, going to camp as a young boy in the 1930’s. His camp experience was so impactful that he has continued to support the Y and Camp Willson ever since.
Colin is a current camper at YMCA Camp Willson, will return in 2019. Colin loves his counselors, fellow campers and his favorite camp theme - fishing camp.
I love everything about camp. Because of camp I have learned confidence that I otherwise wouldn’t have. I love fishing camp the most because it has taught me patience… it’s worth the wait to catch the fish!
Red Cross Emergency 24-Hour Shelter
In April, Grove City was in the path of a destructive F1 tornado that struck early in the evening. The Grove City YMCA lost power for a short time and experienced little damage, while surrounding neighborhoods were not as lucky. The Y sprang into action to help.
Knowing that hundreds of households were without power, needed showers, food and a warm place to rest, the Y opened its doors. With the help of the Red Cross, the facility was turned into an emergency 24 hour shelter providing cots, food, diapers, showers, charging stations and other essentials.
The Y really stepped forward to help Grove City. Part of our roof was destroyed and all of the windows in the house were blown in. Overall we consider ourselves lucky compared to the damage some folks had. A situation like this really makes you appreciate what the Y actually does and means to our community.
The Grove City YMCA and Red Cross operated the emergency shelter for three days as residents began the long task of clean up and rebuilding.