09/25/2026
Every Y Story Matters: Meet Kadijah! When Kadijah first arrived at Plainfield YMCA's Camp RISE, she wasn't sure camp was the place for her. Having recently moved to a new school in Plainfield at the end of the school year, she was entering another new environment with all new faces.
In the beginning, Khadijah kept her distance from the other campers and counselors and wasn't interested in participating or making connections. But little by little, things began to change. As she spent more time with her group and counselors, she began to open up and let her personality shine. She started participating in camp activities, laughing with her peers, and forming friendships with campers she could continue talking to when she returned to school.
What was especially exciting was watching her confidence grow into leadership. Kadijah began volunteering to help with breakfast and lunch, setting up sports and games, and assisting counselors with camp activities. Her biggest transformation was seen during our Family & Friends Day, when she confidently stepped up to help run the henna tattoo station. She wasn't just participating anymore she was helping create a memorable experience for others.
Her Camp RISE journey shows that sometimes, young people just need a little time, patience, encouragement, and a welcoming community to discover where they belong. From a camper in a new environment and didn't want to talk to anyone, to a camper who built friendships, connected with counselors, participated in activities, and stepped into a leadership role—her growth is exactly what the YMCA experience is all about.
Share your Y Story here: www.gscymca.org/share-your-y-story.