YMCA of Central New Mexico
Grants Awarded
The YMCA, in partnership with the Optimist Club, intends to offer an overnight camp experience to 40 underprivileged youths annually at Camp Shaver, enabling them to engage with nature, learn leadership skills and build lifelong relationships. It will involve services like lodging, transportation, meals, outdoor equipment, supervision, and environmental education, providing an equal opportunity for outdoor learning and leadership development. Through this initiative, the children will gain increased outdoor confidence, knowledge about environmental conservation, improved leadership and communication skills, and a positive influence toward a healthier lifestyle. Additionally, it will enhance the long-term relationship between the participating families and YMCA youth development programs, contributing to community building.
The YMCA of Central New Mexico is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening our community through Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. Serving Central New Mexico through wellness centers, early childhood education programs, youth sports, childcare, and community initiatives, the YMCA creates opportunities for individuals and families of all backgrounds to thrive. Guided by the belief that everyone deserves the chance to reach their full potential, the YMCA provides programs that build confidence, foster belonging, and remove barriers to participation. Camp Shaver, the YMCA’s overnight camp located in the Jemez Mountains, has been serving youth since 1945. For more than 80 years, Camp Shaver has provided a safe and inspiring outdoor environment where children develop independence, resilience, teamwork, and an appreciation for the natural world. Through activities such as hiking, archery, outdoor exploration, campfire programs, and environmental learning experiences, campers gain confidence while building meaningful connections with peers and trusted adult mentors. Camp Shaver’s philosophy emphasizes Accomplishment, Belonging, and Character, ensuring that every child leaves camp with new skills, stronger self-esteem, and lifelong memories. Each year, Camp Shaver serves approximately 500 youth through overnight camp experiences supported by experienced year-round leadership, highly trained seasonal staff, low camper-to-staff ratios, and comprehensive health and safety practices, including 24-hour access to a registered nurse. The YMCA has both the operational capacity and the proven experience necessary to expand access to Camp Shaver for underserved youth.