Y's Words for Parents
Little ‘Einsteins’ Love Thingamajig
On a breezy beautiful Thursday in July, twenty-eight students, aged 5 to 13, tumbled out of a bus into the mammoth Prince George Equestrian Center for the 21st Annual YMCA Thingamajig convention. If they seemed a little awestruck, there was good reason. Inside, the scene was a giant kaleidoscope of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities, active fitness play, creative eco art, children’s gardening and a huge display of student inventions. The two weeks of “Thingamajig Camp” that the twenty-eight students were part of, YFS provides free of charge at two of its community centers. The campers produce more than cardboard inventions and brightly painted fantasy creations. They open a world of creativity and innovation that help students consider STEM skills in the future. (more…)
Y Stories
DONOVAN’S PLAN
CARE AND TEAMWORK FOR A YOUNG MAN’S FUTURE 
Donovan was referred to YMCA Youth & Family Services (YMCA-YFS) following a series of school suspensions and multiple behavioral concerns. Though bright, Donovan’s grades were suffering due to his negative behaviors and interactions with peers and teachers. Thanks to Montgomery County’s Collaboration Council, YMCA-YFS was able to assist Donovan and his family though the Wraparound program. Y staff helped facilitate communication between Donovan’s family members and his school to figure out a plan for the best way to improve his grades and decrease/eliminate school suspensions and the number of times he was asked to leave class due to his behaviors.