Rep. Dykema and YMCA Host Second Annual “Camper For A Day” Event in Hopkinton

This week, Representative Carolyn Dykema (D-Holliston) and the MetroWest YMCA hosted the second annual YMCA Advocacy Day at the MetroWest YMCA summer camp in Hopkinton. Legislators, board members, and volunteers toured the camp and learned about the work of the Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs with youth and families all across Massachusetts. The MetroWest YMCA provides programs and services aimed at building healthy bodies and minds to the greater MetroWest region, including Holliston and Hopkinton.
Representative Dykema and the MetroWest YMCA hosted the event and were joined by Congressman Joe Kennedy III (MA-4), Congresswoman Katherine Clark (MA-5), State Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland), and staff from the office of Representative Jack Lewis (D-Framingham). The group toured the Hopkinton summer camp facility and participated in activities alongside campers from the MetroWest region.
“The camp experience offered by the MetroWest YMCA benefits countless children and families in our area, including many who would not otherwise have access to summer programming,” said Rep. Dykema. “The opportunity for personal development and building relationships allows young people to acquire critical lifelong skills in a healthy, creative environment.”
“The MetroWest YMCA is doing terrific work to help all kids in our community succeed,” said Senator Karen Spilka. “The summer experience provides kids with a safe place to continue to learn, grow and have fun, away from the structure of the school day. It was great to see this impact firsthand as an honorary camper for the day.”
“Special thanks to Rep. Carolyn Dykema for Hosting the 2nd Annual MetroWest Y Camp Advocacy Day,” said Rick MacPherson, CEO of the MetroWest YMCA. “I was proud to have so many wonderful community leaders make the time in their busy schedules to visit with over 900 campers and 200 talented Y staff to see first-hand the impact the Y is making for MetroWest kids and families.”
The MetroWest YMCA has served families from Framingham and the surrounding towns for over 50 years. Rep. Dykema was the lead sponsor of the FY18 budget amendment to secure funding for the Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs’ youth at risk grant program, which was funded at its highest level ever in this year’s final budget.