A CHALLENGE FOR YOUTH

By participating in the 2023 YMCA Challenge, you are not only engaging in invigorating physical activity but you are also helping your kids integrate movement into their lives.

The YMCA Challenge is a fundraising event that supports the mental, physical, and collective health of kids and teens

The goal of the YMCA Challenge is to support accessibility and inclusion to the Y’s programs, including : 

  • providing financial assistance to youth and children who would not otherwise be able to afford Y programs and facilities, particularly for camps and swim lessons.
  • providing companionship for children with special needs in our day camps.
  • introducing youth to the joy of movement and adopting healthy lifestyle habits.

“Kanawana changed my life.”
Marine, former camp counsellor and camp participant

At the age of 7, Marine, who is from a single-parent home, received financial assistance so she could attend Camp YMCA Kanawana. She spent 13 summers at camp, eventually becoming a camp counsellor. Today, she is a lawyer and helps fundraise so other young people, whose families may not have the means to send their kids to camp, can enjoy the camp experience.

“My years spent at Camp YMCA Kanawana allowed me to acquire leadership skills, especially once I became a counsellor and started taking care of kids. I learned to have confidence in myself by taking on different responsibilities, which is amazing for the young woman I was at the time,” explains Marine.

Today, Marine volunteers for the YMCAs of Québec Foundation and is involved with the Sam Lazarus Fund, which was created in memory of this former camp counsellor who passed away from malaria while volunteering in a daycare in Ghana.

Since the fund was created, $455,751 was raised, thus allowing hundreds of kids from disadvantaged backgrounds go to camp.

Donate today and give the magic of camp to a child.

Providing Financial Assistance to Families

We firmly believe that going to the YMCA is an incredible opportunity that promotes the overall development of children. The Y’s financial assistance program allows all children to have an enriching experience, regardless of their family’s financial situation.

Support for Our Companion Program

Every day in the news, we hear about children and adults alike facing exclusion. By participating in the YMCA challenge, you are making YMCA programs accessible to as many people as possible. And you are making a huge difference not only in the lives of the children themselves, but also with their entire families, families just like Clara’s.

A Helping Hand for Our Physical Literacy Program

Learning how to move is just as important as learning how to read and write. Our society is increasingly exposed to sedentary activities, and our kids spend too much time sitting. Let’s show them how to enjoy being active again! The Y’s physical literacy program teaches kids how to swim, throw, and jump using educational tools and fun games.

How to Participate?

Visit the Participant Zone or Company Zone to learn how to join the movement.

Join the YMCA Challenge Facebook group!

Discover the challenges of other members and share your successes!

YMCA Holiday Raffle

Support youth in your community and get a chance to win fabulous prizes!