Turning Retirement into a Mission: Expanding Access to Camp
(Y) Connect
Today, we’re joined by Darrell Edquist, a member of the Community Engagement Board at the Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA, who has turned his retirement into something incredibly meaningful. Darrell set a personal goal to help 4,000 children—kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity—experience summer camp at the Y. And he didn’t just set the goal—he got to work. As of last week, he’s already raised enough support to send 74 kids to camp this summer. It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when someone decides to use their time, their relationships, and their energy...
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Fan Favorite: Dr. Lori Duckett on Inclusion & Impact at the Y
(Y) Connect
Today on (Y) Connect, we’re honored to welcome Dr. Lori Duckett—physician, advocate, and proud member of the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA. Dr. Duckett is a passionate supporter of inclusive sports and has been instrumental in introducing Special Olympics programming to the Y. Her leadership is helping to ensure that athletes of all abilities feel seen, supported, and celebrated. In today’s episode, we’ll hear how Dr. Duckett’s medical background, personal experiences, and unwavering belief in equity have shaped her journey—and how the Y community is growing stronger and...
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Y Member Trinity Smith Helps Teen Girls Thrive
(Y) Connect
Today, we’re joined by Trinity Smith, a high school senior and member of the East Lake Family YMCA who is already making an incredible impact in her community. Through her nonprofit Roots In Her Health, Trinity leads weekly wellness sessions for middle school girls at the Y, creating a space where they can slow down, talk openly, learn about their health and well-being, and build confidence in who they are. Her work was inspired by her own experience growing up with a chronic illness and learning how important it is for young people to understand their bodies and advocate for...
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Y Summer Camp Turns Into a Lifetime Together
(Y) Connect
Every now and then, we get to share a story that just makes you smile from the very beginning. And this is one of those. Back in the summer of 1989, at YMCA Camp High Harbour, two teenagers met on the shores of Lake Burton. Think mix tapes, handwritten notes in camp mailboxes, long days on the dock, and campfire songs under the North Georgia sky. They spent that summer leading, laughing, and becoming friends in the way only camp can create. Then life took over. They went their separate ways. College. Careers. Marriage. Children. Health challenges: big milestones and hard seasons. Nearly thirty...
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You Belong Here
(Y) Connect
Today we’re talking about something that sits at the heart of our new Strategic Plan’s PEOPLE goal: building community within the YMCA. We’re joined by three leaders who live this work every day: Timika Tucker from the Robert D. Fowler Y, Keeley Chester from the Forsyth County Family Y, and Shirene Sethi from the Carl E. Sanders at Buckhead Family Y. Each of them leads the membership experience at their YMCA. They’re the people thinking deeply about what it feels like when someone walks through our doors for the first time, when a member is struggling, when a family is trying to find...
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A Living Legacy
(Y) Connect
This February, as we recognize Black History Month and its 100th anniversary, we’re honored to be joined by brothers Andrew Young and Walter Young, namesakes of the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA. Ambassador Andrew Young’s life of service spans the civil rights movement, Congress, the United Nations, and the Mayor’s Office here in Atlanta. Throughout it all, his leadership has been grounded in dignity, justice, and a deep belief in the power of people and community. Dr. Walter Young has led with that same spirit through healthcare, education, and civic life, showing what...
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Lauren Koontz on the Next Chapter of the Y
(Y) Connect
When we launched Y Connect in November 2022, one of our very first guests was our President and CEO, Lauren Koontz. At the time, we were just beginning this storytelling journey, and the Y was navigating a world still finding its footing after the pandemic. Fast forward to today. Lauren has now served as President and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta for more than six years, leading the organization through moments of challenge, growth, and transformation. This month, the Y officially launches its new three-year strategic plan, a plan shaped by deep listening, data, and a clear belief in the...
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Fan Favorite: The Legacy of South Fulton Running Partners and the YMCA
(Y) Connect
Today on (Y) Connect, we're thrilled to highlight the story of a community rooted in strength, endurance, and an unwavering commitment to health and wellness. Joining us is Monte Fowler, a veteran member of the South Fulton Running Partners—the nation's oldest Black recreation running group. For decades, this remarkable group has shared a deep connection with the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA, fostering a space where individuals unite to run and uplift one another. Monte brings a unique perspective as someone who grew up at the Y served on the YMCA board, and has dedicated years to...
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YMCA’s New National Campaign: No Place Like This Place
(Y) Connect
The YMCA has launched a new national brand campaign titled No Place Like This Place. At its heart, the campaign captures something many of us instinctively know to be true: the Y is more than a building, a workout, or a program. It’s a place where connection happens, where people belong, and where lives are shaped in quiet and meaningful ways every single day. To help us tell the story behind the campaign, we’re joined by two leaders who play an important role in bringing it to life. James Reynolds, our Chief Marketing Officer, and Kristin McEwen, our Chief Experience Officer. Together,...
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What 2025 Taught Us at (Y) Connect
(Y) Connect
Before we jump into another year of Y Connect, we wanted to pause and look back. 2025 was a meaningful year for this podcast. We sat down with members, staff, partners, and community leaders who reminded us why the YMCA matters and how deeply it shows up in people’s lives. We heard stories of belonging, resilience, leadership, and impact that stayed with us long after the microphones were turned off. Today, we are reflecting on our favorite moments from this past year, the conversations that surprised us, what we learned about the YMCA that we didn’t fully understand before, and what...
info_outlineAt the Y, summer is our Super Bowl—a season of high energy, big moments, and unforgettable memories for thousands of kids in our summer day camps. Today, we’re joined by two incredible youth development leaders: Ashley Baker from the Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA and Aminata Lawton-Edwards from the Decatur Family YMCA. They’re not only shaping amazing camp experiences—they’re also listening closely to what families are telling us through surveys and using that feedback to make camp even better. We’ll talk about what makes Y day camp special, what we’re learning from families, and how that insight is helping us raise the bar each summer.
IN THIS EPISODE:
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(00:00) Intro: We’re back!
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(03:03) Summer camp is the Y's "Super Bowl"
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(06:48) Creating a "Disney World-like" camp experience
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(09:57) Importance of collecting family feedback
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(14:32) Using feedback to improve camp programs
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(18:32) Why parents should consider Y camp
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(22:08) How camp leaders stay motivated
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(24:54) The lasting impact of Y summer camps
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
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Summer camp at the Y is likened to Disney World for many children, providing a magical experience that may be their main highlight of the year. This perspective encourages staff to create unforgettable memories and relationships, even if everything doesn't go perfectly.
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The Y's summer camp program focuses heavily on social-emotional learning, incorporating daily discussions on core values and group projects that tie into weekly themes. This approach helps children develop important life skills while having fun.
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Feedback from families is used to make real-time adjustments to the camp experience, with staff meetings addressing both positive shout-outs and areas for improvement. This responsive approach helps maintain high-quality programming and shows families their input is valued.
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The Y invests significant time and resources into preparing for summer camp, with planning and staff training occurring year-round. This dedication to preparation ensures a safe, engaging, and well-organized experience for campers.
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Camp counselors are given opportunities for professional growth, including learning to recognize when they need breaks and how to handle challenging situations. This focus on staff development contributes to a positive camp environment and helps young employees build valuable skills.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Day Camp at Metro Atlanta YMCA
BIOGRAPHIES:
Ashley Baker began her career with the YMCA of Metro Atlanta as an after-school counselor in the fall of 2016. Working in a school-based after school program provided the opportunity to bring the Y to the community and the community to the Y. Ashley worked in both the after school and day camp programs for several years, eventually becoming an After School Site Director in the fall of 2020. She has served as Youth Development Director at the JM Tull-Gwinnett YMCA since April of 2022. In January 2024, the role expanded to oversee both Youth Development and After School. For Ashley, the best part of her job is the privilege of seeing 6-year-old campers grow into 16-year-old counselors. When she is not working, Ashley enjoys being with her family, reading, college football, and Broadway shows.
As an Atlanta native, Aminata Lawton-Edwards proudly embodies her roots and is passionate about the opportunity to give back to her community.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgia State University as well as a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education. She believes in the importance of addressing the needs of the whole-child academically, socially, emotionally and beyond. Her six years as a classroom teacher in the DeKalb County School District opened her eyes to the many challenges children face in their holistic development which encouraged her commitment to comprehensive program development. This led her to stepping out of the classroom and towards developing her own tutoring and coaching program for students of all ages.
Aminata's own experience as a child nurtured with the support of the Decatur Family Y through day camps and other youth programming paired with her extensive knowledge of supporting children and families strengthened her capacity to create enriching and engaging programs for diverse groups. Her goal is to ensure every child has a positive, rewarding experience and to have fun while doing it.
KEYWORDS: YMCA, YMCA, Metro Atlanta YMCA, Day Camp, Summer Camp, Campers, Day Campers, Youth Development, Camp Counselors, Role Models, social-emotional learning, staff development, youth development leaders, Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA, Decatur Family YMCA, feedback, YMCA summer camp, camp activities, family feedback, staff motivation, safe spaces for children, community impact, camp themes, specialty camps, child growth, camp leadership, summer programming, outdoor activities, camp traditions, team building, conflict resolution, parent communication, camp safety, diverse abilities inclusion, camp planning, professional development, camp memories, social skills development