A Real Confidence Builder

My Y Story: The Vadney Family

Kaitlyn

Kaitlyn is on the bottom right.

Tim Vadney and his family have been long time members of the Y of Greater Nashua since 2004. They started utilizing the Y when their two children, TJ and Kaitlyn, were born for childcare. From there the kids were involved in just about every activity including swim lessons, afterschool care and summer camp at Camp Sargent. Today, their oldest child, TJ, plays basketball while their youngest, Kaitlyn, participates in dance and the inMotion dance team 4-5 days a week. This past summer, Kaitlyn expanded her YMCA experience when she enrolled in the Y’s new overnight camp, YMCA Camp Spaulding, located in Penacook, NH.

After spending two weeks at camp, Kaitlyn has a number of great memories she taken home with her along with the excitement to go back to camp next summer. “My favorite camp memory was the night of our camp fire where we got to have s’mores and participating in the talent show. The girls in my cabin performed and we sang and danced to a song in front of the entire camp. I have made many new friends and I got their contact info the last day so I can keep in touch with them throughout the year.”

Kaitlyn also had the opportunity to participate in the Girls at Work program which is a regional program that empowers girls by teaching them woodworking skills and how to safely use power tools to build with a team of girls. This program helps them discover their inner power tools of strength and courage, tools that can help them tackle any challenging situations. “What I want other kids to know is that is really fun at camp. I want to go back for three weeks next year,” Kaitlyn said.

Vadney said the biggest takeaway as a camp parent is that Camp Spaulding is a really great and safe environment. The kids can meet other kids that they wouldn’t normally meet in school. They can also enjoy being away but not too far from home. It is truly a great experience for any child and overnight camp really helps children build confidence. “I learned really how independent and outgoing Kaitlyn is. The experience of staying overnight was a real confidence builder for her. I could see that. She used to be a little shy staying over for an overnight but now she really has a lot of confidence. She wants to go back to camp even longer next summer,” he said.

– Tim and Kaitlyn Vadney
Camp Spaulding Parents

Stay up to date on what's happening in your community! Subscribe to our blog for events, announcements, and stories.

If it's not what you expected, unsubscribe at any time.