MAKING AN IMPACT

When you volunteer at the Y, you not only enhance your personal well-being but also take an active role in bringing about meaningful, enduring change right in your own neighborhood.

A freshman at Plainfield North High School, Jonathan Shelby found that volunteering at the C. W. Avery Family YMCA in the summer camp program has not only helped his community, but it was also a fun experience that has helped to shape his future.

Jonathan has been involved at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA for many years which included spending numerous summers as a day camper and participating in many activities around the Y.

After finding out about the chance to volunteer at the Y through his parents, Jonathan instantly knew it was an opportunity he had to take.  He admits volunteering was a big step forward at first and it was an interesting transition going from a Y camper to a Y volunteer. However, it was the comfort from the Y and the home-like feel that helped Jonathan thrive. 

“The Y is like a second home,” he explained. “There are so many kids having fun; I enjoy hearing the laughter of the kids.”

While volunteering, Jonathan discovered that he was able to help with sports he grew up playing such as basketball and soccer.  Jonathan’s volunteer role involved assisting the Y staff with sports camp set up in the mornings and helping youth sports players, ages 6-10, with games and drills in their respective sports.  Even more importantly, Jonathan was able to see the campers he worked with grow as players and individuals.

As a long-time Y member, Jonathan looks forward to volunteering more in the future and encourages others interested to give it a shot.

“Volunteering is actually fun and it’s a good experience before starting a job,” he said.

On behalf of the Y and all the kids in the Avery Y’s summer camp program, we would like to thank Jonathan for being such an important part of our summer camp family!

Do you want to be a part of something bigger?  To learn more about volunteer opportunities at the Y, please contact Volunteer and Development Operations Manager Dori Fugate via email at [email protected] or by phone at (815) 267-8600, ext. 210.