Like most kids his age, Trevor spends much of his school year surrounded by screens. Between computers, tablets, and phones, digital connection has become the norm. Real connection, however, is harder to come by. That’s why every year, Trevor looks forward to something different: YMCA Camp Seymour.
A Different Kind of Connection
“In everyday life, we have phones and social media,” Trevor says. “But at Camp Seymour, no one’s using their phones. The friendships are stronger because everyone is being true.”
That sense of unplugging is becoming more and more rare. As screen time continues to rise, so do rates of teen depression and loneliness. Experts link heavy digital use to anxiety, poor sleep, and low self-esteem, especially in teens and preteens. Camp Seymour offers something they don’t get much of at home: the space to slow down, look up, and connect.
Friendships That Don’t End at the Campfire
And it works. Trevor’s made friends at camp who truly get him. “Camp friendships are just different,” he says. “You’re not distracted. You’re really talking and listening.”
Some of those friendships have even followed him into the school year. When he recognized a few cabinmates in the hallway during his first week of middle school, it made the transition feel a lot easier. Those familiar faces helped make it feel like camp never really ended.
Growing Up, One Challenge at a Time
But it’s not just friendships that make camp meaningful; it’s the growth. Each summer, Trevor returns home more confident, more independent, and more grounded.
From flying down the zip line to earning his Whale Swim badge, he thrives on new challenges. Trevor remembers the first time he tried the zipline. “I was nervous, but I told myself I had to do it. And I did. I felt so proud after.” That sense of accomplishment stays with him long after summer ends.
What Confidence Looks Like at Home
His foster mom, Adrienne, sees the change too.
“He comes back with more confidence, more stories, and more connections,” she says. “Camp helps him grow in ways that stick.”
For Trevor, Camp Seymour is more than a summer break. It’s a place where he feels seen, safe, supported, and where friendships and confidence grow side by side.
A Community of Campers, A Lifetime of Benefits
Trevor’s experience isn’t unique. In 2024, 3,223 kids across Pierce and Kitsap Counties attended Camp Seymour and Camp Lake Helena, forming friendships, gaining life skills, and building confidence in a distraction-free environment.
Camp Seymour’s programs are built to help kids grow physically, socially, and emotionally. Campers try new things like archery, canoeing, or drama. They learn teamwork on the ropes course, responsibility during cabin chores, and confidence from caring staff who cheer them on every step of the way.
These aren’t just fun summer memories. They’re building blocks for resilience, connection, and growth.
Thanks to Donors, Camp Is for Everyone
And thanks to generous donor support, these transformative experiences are accessible to all. In 2024, more than 350 kids who attended Camp Seymour and Camp Lake Helena received financial assistance, which helped them enjoy a summer of fun.
Whether it’s a first time away from home or a long-anticipated return to a favorite summer tradition, camp gives kids like Trevor the space to grow beyond the screen and into themselves.