Grand Opening of North Community Youth and Teen Enrichment Center

The North Community YMCA Youth and Teen Enrichment Center proves that it is indeed unparalleled and distinctive. Hundreds of children and families turned out for the official Grand Opening at the Center on Saturday, May 2.


Thanks to the hard work and support of many, the dream of the Youth and Family Enrichment Center became a reality as we cut the official grand opening ribbon. Andrea Walsh, YMCA of Metropolitan Minneapolis past chair, emceed the ceremony. We also heard from Harold Mezile, YMCA President and CEO; Fred Friswold, "Commitment to Community" campaign chair; Michael Miller, North Community YMCA Board Chair; Don Samuels, Minneapolis City Council, Ward 5; Jake Spano, Deputy State Director; Jonathan Roberts and Lupita Sherrod, YMCA program participants and part-time staff. Mayor Rybak also attended to show his support.

The YMCA also recognized its Advance Gifts donors, who demonstrated their tremendous support early on, such as: Best Buy, Cargill, General Mills, Medtronic, Jane and John Mooty, the R.M. Schulze Family Foundation and UnitedHealth Group. Of course, everyone involved in the project is grateful for every donor who contributed, because it was a true community effort to make this dream a reality on the city's North Side.

Following the ceremony, everyone enjoyed Dilly Bars from International Dairy Queen; Kemp's milk; cookies from the Cookie Cart; popcorn from Northeast Bank; and lemonade and sweet tea from Hawthorne McDonald's. Youth also participated in all the exciting activities available through the North Community YMCA Youth and Teen Enrichment Center, including the XRKade and swimming.

It was an exciting day for everyone involved. The North Community YMCA Youth and Teen Enrichment Center was rebuilt, rearranged and revamped with the strengthening and enrichment of youth in mind, and it shows!

Pictured, from left to right: Minneapolis City Council representatives Diane Hofstede (in red) and Don Samuels, North Community Board Chair Michael Miller, YMCA President and CEO Harold Mezile, Jane Mooty (seated), and North Community Executive Director Henry Crosby.

Qwest Announces Support of YMCA Beacons

On Tuesday, February 3rd, Qwest presented the YMCA of Metro Minneapolis a check for $7,500.00 to support the YMCA Beacons sites in leadership development. Six Qwest employees, from all aspects of the business, including line workers and the main office, attended a short check ceremony and a went on an extensive tour of the Beacon sites.

Employees interacted with youth and shared their job responsibilities, years of service, and personal testimonies on the importance of graduating, looking for career opportunities in areas where your passion lies, and the importance of volunteering in your community.

Needless to say, Qwest and the Beacons students had a terrific and memorable time together!!

Thank you John Stanoch, President of Qwest and Minneapolis General Board member, for supporting community service and financially supporting the local community.

Ron Goldser - Downtown Community Hero!

The Downtown YMCA is proud to recognize Ron Goldser as Community Hero for February.

Until his retirement at the end of 2008, Ron was a lawyer at Zimmerman Reed, PLLP. He’s now enjoying a well-deserved break, but that hasn’t slowed down this member-since-2003 – he’s a regular at the Monday through Saturday morning classes.

A wine expert par excellence, Ron’s efforts on behalf of the Downtown Y’s 2008 “Wines of the World” gala were outstanding. “He brought this event to a premier level, and we couldn’t have done it without him,” says Cassie Rood, Executive Director of the Downtown Y.

In addition to his time and talent, he also gave generously to the 2008 Y Partners campaign at the Roundtable level, and also persuaded his firm to give at the same level! And his gift was the first Roundtable gift for 2009.

We appreciate Ron Goldser, Downtown’s February Community Hero!

Exergaming Comes to the YMCA

It’s the latest in exercise technology. It’s an investment in the fitness of the young video game-loving generation known as the “millenials.” And it’s coming to the YMCA. So just what is “exergaming”?

Exergaming is the latest fitness activity that uses the human body as a “joystick” to physically drive, and compete with others if one desires, on computer-assisted games, simulating activities such as snowboarding, upright or recumbent bicycling, kick-boxing and dancing . It’s done using handheld remote control devices, or by standing on special electronic mats and directing movements toward a wall screen or console. In the bicycling game, for example, riders control options and track performance while speeding like a race car or experiencing bumpy off-road and mountainous terrain.

The blog PETER (Physical Education Teacher's Exergaming Resource) has several articles on the benefits of exergaming, including this piece that points out how exergaming is breaking link between video games and childhood obesity (one of the five critical community needs that are addressed by the Minneapolis YMCA through our Y Partners annual support campaign).

The Y has already introduced exergaming at the new Elk River branch, with plans to be up and running at the Blaisdell and North Community locations this winter. The goal is to promote fitness and physical activity particularly for children ages eight through ten – an age group considered a critical audience for the Y.

It's another example of how the YMCA continues to invest in the needs of our communities. A big thank-you goes to United Healthcare, whose financial support makes installation of the equipment possible.

The New Elk River YMCA Makes a Difference

Elk River Y Partners campaign pulls in $54,180
Tuesday, 20 January 2009
by Jim Boyle
Editor

The Elk River YMCA reached its goal of raising $50,000 in its first Y Partners fund-raising campaign.

But under the direction of its fearless leader, Ron Touchette, there are no plans to stop there.

“That’s only a start,” Touchette said of his confidence in an ability to raise even more in the future and the community’s willingness to care about people in their community.

Dressed in shorts in hopes of bringing back summer, the YMCA community board chairman directed the board to go out and be ambassadors of the Y. He delivered a message of hope, and said it’s time to go out and distribute a message of hope.

“We need to make sure that our community knows that the Y is here, has programming for the entire family, and will not turn anybody away just because they have fallen on hard times,” he said.

Touchette admitted his goal of bringing summer back wasn’t reached, as the mercury continued to drop, but he says summer-like conditions exist within the walls of the YMCA.

Especially for the 5,000-plus people that the facility is serving. The Y Partners campaign pulled in pledges totaling $54,180 that will be available for scholarships to potential members of the Elk River YMCA. Every single dollar raised in Elk River will stay in Elk River. The campaign was led by Kim Reichel of the YMCA Community Board.

Touchette, a real estate broker by trade, relayed a story of a man who said the YMCA wasn’t an option for his family, as it was struggling to pay the rent. “We can give people hope,” he said.

YMCA staff members laid out the Personal Pricing Plan that makes the Y affordable to many families who may consider membership out of reach. They showed in concrete terms how potential members could be eligible for discounts of up to $75 down to $10 a month, depending on their financial situation.

The plan assigns a membership fee discount based on household income, the number of adults (maximum two) and the number of dependents.

And the Personal Pricing Plan does not require an appointment or even a sit-down meeting to go over financial information. Instead, it comes down to having a valid photo ID and a person’s most recent tax return to show their adjusted gross income.

Under the pricing plan a family of four with a household income of $35,000 would qualify for a discount of $75 a month.

A family of six with an household income of $60,000 would qualify for a $50 reduction. A family of three with a household income of $30,000 would qualify for a $75 discount. An individual with an income of $25,000 would qualify for a discount of $45.

“Nobody gets turned away,” Touchette said. “It’s easy and appropriate. There’s a place here for everyone and their family.” Elk River Star News

Community Hero Sheila Oliver on FOX9

Last week FOX9 Vice President Sheila Oliver was named a Community Hero by the YMCA of Metropolitan Minneapolis. Sheila has been tireless in her support of the Y, and in her leadesrhip of the citywide Y Partners campaign. And to top it all off, the presentation was featured on FOX9's 5:30 news.

You can see the presentation at the FOX9 website by clicking here. And thanks again to Sheila, a deserving Community Hero!

Above: Community Hero Sheila Oliver (center), with Minneapolis YMCA President and CEO Harold Mezile and VP of Financial Development Christa Getchell.

Tim Hyde, YMCA Community Hero!

We're pleased to present Tim Hyde, the most recent YMCA Community Hero!

Tim is the Promotions Director at KFAN AM-1130 and was instrumental in the establishment of the KFAN/YMCA Celebrity Poker Tournament. The inaugural tournament was held last August 11th at Canterbury Park.

(And let's take a moment here to point out what a terrific event last year's tournament was. The FAN was well represented in the tournament with the like of Paul Allen, Chad Hartman, Dan Barreiro, Mike Morris, Sludge, Tenna-B, Phil Mackey, the Common Man Dan Cole and many others. Former Minnesota Timberwolves player and current front office member Fred Hoiberg joined in the fun. Fellow listeners and poker players came out to play and support the event. It was the "Battle for the Golden Bracelet" Great prizes were awarded and a good time was had by all.)

In making the presentation, Robie Wayne, Senior Vice President of Financial Development, praised Tim for his involvement with the YMCA. "Tim is typical of the people we work with here at the YMCA - people who want to make a difference, and who want to give back to the communities we serve. We are so very pleased to have Tim and KFAN on board with the Y, and we look forward to continuing our partnership."

Tim has been at The FAN for 5 years, beginning as a promotions intern and through hard work (and, he added with typical humility, surrounding himself with great people) moved up to Promotions Director.

For him, the the partnership between KFAN and the YMCA was a natural. He recalled as a child that many neighborhood kids were highly involved with YMCA activities. "It's all about reaching out and helping kids and a great organization that is the YMCA," he said. "We look forward to organizing the Celebrity Poker Tournament again in 2009."

Thanks again to Tim Hyde - a true YMCA Communty Hero!

Operation Holiday Basket 2008

First of all, a Happy New Year to all of you from all of us here in the Financial Development Department. We wish for the best for you and your family in 2009.

You may remember a piece we did last year on Operation Holiday Basket, a community service project held at the Hiawatha YMCA. We wanted to give you an update on that program, which had its 39th edition on December 19 of last year. About 300 needy families received a turkey meal basket, courtesy of our corporate supporters Cub Foods and SuperValu.

In the picture at left, you can see some of the volunteers gathered at the Hiawatha YMCA, ready to provide a helping hand for those in need. As Gedric Merritt, an Intervention Specialist with the YMCA, put it, "I love helping folks."

Below, we offer a couple of pictures demonstrating the scene at the Y, as volunteers prepare to assemble the baskets of donated food. In looking at this, one is struck not only by the dedication of the volunteers, but by the generosity of those who donated to this cause.

Once again, we offer our appreciation to our corporate partners, and to all those who gave freely of their time and efforts to make Operation Holiday Basket a success once again!

Does My Contribution Really Make a Difference?

Sometimes it's hard to tell, until you get a note like this:

THANK YOU so much! I really appreciate your help and this program as a whole! The YMCA organization does great things! My kids really like going to SACC [School Age Child Care] and I'm so glad I don't have to worry about their care. I would not be able to afford it if it weren't for this assistance. Thanks again for everything!

Let this be encouragement to you - your efforts do make a difference!

Youth in Government - Your Y Partners Contributions In Action!

For those of you who wonder if your Y Partners contribution really makes that much of a difference, check out this testimonial from a parent whose child recently received a scholarship to Youth in Government:

I just received word that my daughter received a scholarship and I am so very thankful for the help. I am recently divorced and am struggling to keep life "normal" , as much as possible, for my daughters. I truly truly appreciate this wonderful Thanksgiving Gift! Your generosity means very much to me. I know I will be
offering a prayer of Thanks for this and for this program. My daughter is learning so much already and I am very impressed with the way it is run.

Again, I thank you so very very much for your help. I have been blessed beyond measure. I pray that your kindness will be returned to you 10x!

The Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government program is among the top programs, nationally, in terms of quality and number of students. 60% of participants and 55% of youth program leaders are girls. Additionally, nearly two-thirds of all eligible students return the next year.

Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government builds a sense of responsibility and passion for issues, the desire to make a difference, citizenship skills, and values in the lives of teens. Ultimately, Youth in Government programs help mold character in students with a strong focus on leadership development and citizenship-building.

Check out more about this program here. And remember that your contribution to the YMCA of Metropolitan Minneapolis really does make a difference!

John R. Mott - Living the Mission of the YMCA

One of the great leaders in YMCA history is John R. Mott. During the late 19th and 20th centuries, Mott was a living representation of both the work and mission of the YMCA, and his legacy unsurpassed. Here is a brief excerpt from the Rev. Tom Welch's "Spiritual Legacy Series" biography of Mott:

In September of 1888 he began a service of twenty-seven years as national secretary of the Intercollegiate Y.M.C.A. of the U.S.A. and Canada, a position requiring visits to colleges to address students concerning Christian activities.

From 1915 to 1928, Mott was general-secretary of the International Committee of the Y.M.C.A. and from 1926 to 1937 president of the Y.M.C.A.'s World Committee. During World War I, when the Y.M.C.A. offered its services to President Wilson, Mott became general secretary of the National War Work Council, receiving the Distinguished Service Medal for his work. For the Y.M.C.A. he kept up international contacts as circumstances allowed and helped to conduct relief work for prisoners of war in various countries. He had already declined President Wilson's offer of the ambassadorship to China, but he served in 1916 as a member of the Mexican Commission, and in 1917 as a member of the Special Diplomatic Mission to Russia.

The sum of Mott's work makes an impressive record: he wrote sixteen books in his chosen field; crossed the Atlantic over one hundred times and the Pacific fourteen times, averaging thirty-four days on the ocean per year for fifty years; delivered thousands of speeches; chaired innumerable conferences, and received dozens of awards. At 81, the Nobel committee awarded him one of the highest honors given on earth - the Nobel Peace Prize. He died at his home in Orlando, Florida at the age of eighty-nine.

Jolee Molitor - Andover Community Hero!

Jolee Molitor received the Andover YMCA’s Community Hero Award at this morning’s Andover YMCA Community Board Meeting. Jolee joined the Community Board last winter, and proceeded to jump right in to Chair Andover’s Y Partner’s Wine Tasting event. This “Signature Event”, held on October 24th, attracted over 140 participants and netted over $11,000 in support of Andover’s Y Partner’s campaign. Jolee facilitated the efforts of 7 volunteers as Chair of the event.

Jolee’s commitment to the Andover YMCA, and Y Partners, became even more evident when she volunteered to Chair the event again in ’09!!

Thank you, Jolee for your dedicated service to the YMCA!!

Pictured from left to right: Raquel Berg (community board chair), Jolee Molitor and Greg Voss (Executive Director)

Confessions of a Mom on the 1st Day of YMCA Camp

Kim Heiar, one of our Financial Development Specialists, shares her "confessions" of the first day sending her daughter to YMCA Camp. For those of you who've been there before, this should bring back happy memories. And for those who've yet to experience it, it's a wonderful story of a child growing up!

As a former day camp and resident camp counselor, I was more then excited as I got my almost four year old daughter Ellie ready to attend YMCA Day Camp Streefland this morning. She was certainly more then ready and had a huge smile on her face as I put her new, mammoth backpack on her shoulders-filled with all the camp necessities (bug spray, sunscreen, swimsuit, towel, lunch, water bottle etc.).

We headed to the camp bus stop, conveniently our place of worship and waited with the older, bigger kids. Gracie came with and of course had to have a backpack on her shoulders too. As the bus came I saw Ellie moving up in line, trying to cut ahead of the bigger girl in front of her. As I reminded her that she needed to wait her turn, I marveled at how ready she was for this experience-not at all frightened but wanting it to start as soon as possible. The counselor found Ellie’s name and as I snapped photographs furiously, I noticed that other then almost tipping over from the weight of her backpack when she took her first step on the bus, Ellie did not look back. Not once. Not to give me a reassuring smile or perhaps to question the experience of a first bus ride. She put one foot in front of the other and got on the bus.

I could not see Ellie from the outside, so when another mom with a camera came off the bus, I gave myself permission to go ahead and board the bus and take a few shots myself. Ellie had found a seat with an older boy and looked up and smiled at the camera. (Yes, she is well trained!) I joked with the male counselor watching me take photos of Ellie that it would not be the last time that her mother embarrassed her in front of other kids. Gracie and I walked off the bus and away she went. Gracie cried, I think because she wanted to go with and that she would miss her big sister and I think comforting her was the only reason I did not cry myself. It seemed such a right of passage-almost like kindergarten.

That’s when it hit me. The role I had always sought to understand as the provider of youth services, I was now in. The parent. This was different then the YMCA swimming lessons and YMCA soccer Ellie has already participated in-I was not allowed to be a spectator. I needed to trust that the camp staff would take care of my baby and keep her safe, protect her and help her grow. WOW. I work for this amazing organization-other parents do this without even knowing us that well. What a privilege we have!

Making a difference…providing transformational experiences and opportunities to grow every day.

How can you not love the YMCA?

Taryn Buehring - A Giant YMCA Hero!

The Northwest YMCA has chosen Taryn Buehring as it's Community Hero! Taryn has volunteered for the Licensed Childcare once a week for many years without fail! He really knows how much the staff and kids appreciate his help at the end of the day when the kids are preparing to go home and staff is done for the day. He always has a positive attitude and really has a love for the Y and the lives it touches. He has also become very involved in the Y Partners and Capital Campaign over the past couple of years as well. Says Stephanie Thomas, interim Executive Director at the Northwest Y, "We love his sense of humor and positive spin he puts on all that he is involved with. Taryn will always make time for the Y and helps raise the funds needed to continue to support our community."

Once again, hats off to Taryn Buehring - a real Community Hero!

(Pictured: Taryn and friends)

Building Young Lives Through Camping

This is a first-hand story from Ben Stenhaug, one of our youth camp counselors at YMCA Camp Streefland. Ben's story shows the effect YMCA camps can have on young lives. As you read along, remember back to when you were that age, and see if a smile doesn't cross your face!

John is respectful, responsible, honest, caring, and his main goal at camp is to have as much fun as he possibly can. As his counselor my job is to assist in this quest for fun while still ensuring his safety. John makes balancing that line difficult; being the adventurous type, he’s been seen up to his knees in the lake, known to run off chasing a frog, and tackling less aggressive players in our group's weekly football game. During the three weeks I’ve been with John, I’ve become more understanding of his behavior and more able to connect with him.

On a routine Thursday afternoon, John broke Camp Streefland’s primary rule: he ran away from his counselor. He didn’t run away from me to make me worry or to make my job more difficult. He ran away because chasing frogs is fun. A few minutes later when I tracked John down I was prepared to scold him, but looking at the situation through John’s eyes reveals his innocence. Of course I had to make sure he didn’t run away from me again, but I didn’t feel like being too harsh when he was simply trying to have a little fun at Camp. After all, that’s what Camp Streefland is all about. Instead of yelling at him I pulled him aside and had a valuable conversation with him. “John! Why did you run away from me? You know that’s not okay.” I asked. “I caught a huge frog, sorry, I knew right where you would be,” he responded. John was right. Being a veteran camper he knew right where the pool is and there is no doubt that John would have showed up in his swim suit a few minutes later if his detour went unnoticed. After a few unimportant questions I arrived at a compelling response. “Do you act up like this at school,” I asked. “Yeah, I’m a bad kid at school, my teachers don’t like me - I got six detentions last year” he responded. “But you’re such a good kid at camp. How come you listen to me but not your teachers?” I asked. His response still warms my heart, “You’re cool, you are way better than my teachers, you are the best.” That’s the moment it occurred to me that if I am simply helping my campers have a fun time a golden opportunity has been missed.

These kids look up to me, they listen to everything I tell them. I have an opportunity that parents and teachers don’t have. It comes from being “cool” in the campers eyes. I’m “cool” in the campers eyes because parents are attempting to raise a good kid, while teachers are trying to force feed education to these kids, I’m simply trying to have fun with them. It may also stem from my long white Nike shorts and 18 year old physique, but regardless of the reason, the opportunity remains. My words, the messages I send, mean much more than anyone else’s. So I explained to John that his teacher isn’t trying to make his life difficult, his teacher is trying help him. I explained to him that his teachers are trying to make him smarter so he can truly be whatever he wants to be. I explained to a second grader the importance of education. I don’t think he really understood the implications of my thirty second message, but I do know that he was listening and that he trusts me. To make sure that my message was received I asked, “Will you try to be a good kid at school?” The conversation ended with John responding “It’s hard, I can try.” I tapped him on the shoulder and he ran excitedly towards the pool. From then on I’ve had two goals at camp. The primary goal is always safe fun, but the second and more important goal is make my campers better people outside of camp. That is what Camp Streefland means to me; an opportunity to enrich the lives of the campers in as many ways as possible. In the short run it means fun, in the long run it means making them better people.

Not too long ago I was a camper. I wish my counselor would have sent that message to me. I’ve lived in Apple Valley, Minnesota my entire life. I attended Greenleaf and Echo Park elementary where I caused my share of havoc. I continued on to Falcon Ridge Middle School and eventually through Apple Valley High School where I did well enough to be accepted at the University of Wisconsin Madison. Next week I will be starting a new adventure as I move to Madison.

Through the years I’ve played tennis, basketball, badminton, and football. I enjoy reading, and my intended major is economics. The best investment in our future is education. If I can help my campers be a little bit better students and better people I’ve done my job as a Camp Streefland counselor.

Building a Downtown Community!

On June 25, 2008 at Joe’s Garage the Downtown YMCA showed people that it is more than just a fitness facility, by hosting the first annual “Wines of the World, the World of the YMCA” wine-tasting event. Proceeds raised went to support the YMCA’s mission to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. Last year, the Downtown YMCA gave $280,000.00 in membership financial assistance, $22,000.00 in child care financial assistance and $5,000.00 in Youth leadership financial assistance.

What else did we do that night? A community was built- a community of new friends that share a common interest. Healthy people taking time to learn the names of people they see everyday. People who they may not have known have children, long hair or learned to swim at a YMCA. People they see now and can greet by first name. Relationships were taken to a new level…friendships with common interests were formed. A new swim partner, runner partner or coffee date. This was just a few of the things that happened that night.

A successful first annual “friend”raising event...we raised $17,000.00 + dollars. We raised awareness of the mission of the YMCA, and we built a community of philanthropy at the Downtown YMCA.

Please join us for our second annual Wine-Tasting event next year, June 25, 2009 from 4:30-8:00 p.m. at Joe’s Garage. I guaranteed this year’s event to be the event of the year and it was. I will guarantee it again for 2009! See you there!

Jim Cook - Blaisdell Community Hero

The Blaisdell YMCA celebrates Jim Cook as this week's Community Hero. Cook (pictured in the middle, with Blaisdell Executive Director Mike Melstad, left, and John Meegan, Vice Chair of the Community Board, right), a member of the Community Board for three years, has been a pivotal volunteer for his neighborhood Y.

"Anything that needs fixing, Jim can find a solution," says Mike Melstad, Executive Director of the Blaisdell Y. "Jim is the most known guy on the South side. He's a wonderful ambassador and he can always find the right path."

Jim retired as Director of the Sabathani Community Center in 2006, and is still building on the great relationships he developed during his nearly 30 years with that organization. His solid community connections have helped generate even more support for the Blaisdell Y. A member of the Y since 1980, Jim was more than willing and able to step into a board member role.

"It's because of my experience at Sabathani that I have developed relationships with people of means and people with needs," Jim explains. "I help them connect the dots. The Y is an important dot and a catalyst for building this wonderful community we all see."

Jim, a quintessential team player, assisted Blaisdell in meeting its 2008 Y-Partners goal of $143,300. These funds help the Blaisdell Y maintain its charitable mission of ensuring that no one is turned away from Y programs or services because of an inability to pay a fee. Dollars raised also support other Y initiatives designed to help kids, adults and seniors develop healthy spirits, minds and bodies.

John Meegan, Vice Chair of the Blaisdell Board, says Jim is a great example to other volunteers. "This has been the best board I ever served on and it's because the whole board is as committed and as high-caliber as Jim."

Southdale YMCA + World Harmony Run= Great Story!

Two weeks ago, the Summer Power program at Southdale had an exciting opportunity to take part in a community outreach event with a group called World Harmony Run. World Harmony Run is an international torch relay devoted to advancing friendship and harmony between individuals and nations. This year, diverse international teams of runners will carry a flaming torch over 30,000 miles/48,000 km through more than 100 countries around the globe.

The kids learned that “harmony begins with me” and that everyone makes a difference to build a strong team. The group told the kids that they ran from Shakopee this morning and try to run 100 miles per day. The group sang their theme song and each child was able to hold the torch.

Pictures were taken of the kids by World Harmony Run and are now posted on their website at http://www.worldharmonyrun.org/. Once you click on their website, scroll down to USA and click on 18 July, Mankato to Minneapolis. You can also view more pictures that Jenna took on her camera while they were here in the hallway by the Summer Power classroom.

Another YMCA Success Story!

The following is a testimonial from a participant in our YMCA Multicultural Achievers program. It shows once again the kind of impact the YMCA makes in the lives of young people in our communities. It comes to us from Fatima Muhammad, who referred Bre'Andra to an aviation camp. You can just feel the excitement and enthusiasm in Bre'Andra's words when writing about the camp. Enjoy!

Ms. Fatima,

This week at aviation camp was so much fun! It was a really organized camp so we were never bored. Everyone was great and all of the counselors were in college studying aviation except for two adults who had already graduated. The leader was a woman who flies an Airbus for NWA. The other lady was an air traffic controller. We were able to go into the air traffic control tower, where they explained to us how everything worked and how to talk the pilot about things like how to avoid storms.

I had the opportunity to fly a glider, airplane, helicopter, and a 747 simulator! We even got to fly in the C- 130 with the Air Force and were allowed to go into the cockpit while they were flying! They also had a Tuskegee Airman come in and talk to us, and he was my favorite speaker.

These are only some of the things we did. We also went to the airport where the planes flew and watched their departures. That was the first time I've ever seen a 747 and that thing is HUGE!!!! We went to where the mechanics made airplanes and where they created models of the airplanes. We saw the 3M office and went on their private jets that can fly up to 5100 feet – they even had leather toilets!!! We got to see where the flight attendants do their training, and also went to where the airport's firefighters stayed at, where we got in a simulator that fills up with smoke and you can’t even see your hands in front of your face! The trainer let me put out a fire, but I had to put on this astronaut-looking thing that holds in fresh air.

Yesterday was our graduation ceremony and we met even more pilots! This camp gave us so much information and I have so many cards - the lead counselor gave me her card and said I could call her whenever I need her help - even if it's 5 years from now she'll be glad to help me out. But overall it was really fun and I thank you so much for helping me out with this. I either will go to North Dakota, St. Cloud or go into the Air Force ROTC program, but whatever I do I know for sure I want to be a pilot. On July 28th I’m going to Oshkosh for an event for all women who love aviation. They're trying to get 3,000 woman pilots from all over the country to come!! If all of them come, it would be in the book of world records! If you want to check it out go to www.eaa.org, then go to the Women Soar icon.

Again thank you so much and I'll continue to keep you updated!
- Bre'Andra Beamon

YMCA Scholarship Recipient Nidal Kram

Nidal Kram, one of this year's recipients of the YMCA Laxson Scholarship, was the subject of a recent interview on Minnesota Public Radio. You can read all about Nidal's remarkable story (including a link to the radio interview) here!