A Place to Grow:

As a single mom navigating the rising cost of living, Charlene has worked hard to give her son Hunter the chance to grow, play, and experience the joys of childhood. The Y has helped her make that possible.

“Without the Y, Hunter wouldn’t be able to go to Camp Stephens,” says Charlene. “But he loves it—and looks forward to it every year.”

Charlene has been connected to the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg since Hunter was just a baby, starting with parent-and-tot swim classes. Over the years, he’s taken part in everything from basketball and gymnastics to taekwondo and painting nights. He even learned how to swim at the Y—now confidently diving into the deep end without a life jacket.

But Camp Stephens is the highlight of every summer.

“There’s kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, water trampolines,” says Hunter. “And sometimes we stay up late and play games on the island—like scavenger hunts.”

Charlene calls it his space. His time.

“I don’t even drive up there,” she says. “He’s safe, he’s happy, and he’s making memories that last a lifetime.”

For Charlene, the Y has also been a place of peace—offering stability and support through financial stress, limited work hours, and the challenges of raising a child alone.

“It gives me peace of mind. The Y helps me take a break from what’s going on outside. It’s clean, it’s safe, and it’s familiar. A lot of the staff have known Hunter since he was a baby.”

She’s deeply grateful for the Strong Kids program, which has supported her family through subsidized memberships and annual Camp Stephens sponsorships.

“Without Strong Kids, so many kids would be stuck at home in front of an iPad—if their families could even afford one,” she says. “The Y gives them a chance to be social, curious, and active. It helps them grow.”

Hunter’s growth is easy to see. He’s outgoing, confident, and already chasing big goals—like playing professional soccer. He’s currently a midfielder with Phoenix FC Winnipeg and will soon travel to Edmonton with his team.

Charlene volunteers as the team manager. It's a full schedule—but thanks to the Y, they’ve always had a place to return to.