“It was really cool suddenly knowing I could change my own flat tire or pitch a tent in under five minutes. I definitely think my skills were developed during this program.”
-TLS Camper

“Another amazing BCCYMCA summer. I think I learned more about myself and about other cultures this summer than I’ve fully realized yet. Thank you for this experience.”
-REACH Camper

“What can be said [about living on a reservation]? We were there to experience Native American culture and each activity was special… Every service project was important and needed to be done.”
-REACH Camper

“The people were amazing and it was really fun to just be teenagers with other teenagers. I feel like I made lifelong friendships with [the Swedish campers].”
-ICEP Sweden/ Russia Camper, on her time at YMCA Camp Brevik in Sweden

“[The Russian hosts] were amazing people, fun to be with, who treated us so well. It was great to see how people really live and not just be a tourist.”
-ICEP Sweden/ Russia Camper

“All of my goals were met. I made awesome friendships with the group, learned a lot about Chile, and maybe improved my Spanish a little.”
-ICEP Chile Camper

“Our group made so many friends with Chileans. We loved hanging out with the teens and the people from the YMCA [in Valparaiso]. We all appreciated the cultural differences in Chile.”
-ICEP Chile Camper

“At Shoiya, we had American day where we planned out and ran all of the day’s activities.”
-ICEP Japan Camper, on leadership opportunities

“Whether it was in Ballarat or Alice Springs, everyone had their chance to shine, and all the others listened.”
-ICEP Australia participant, on leadership opportunities

“Titjikala was outstanding, I have never been anywhere like it. I loved the kids and their sense of community. It was great to see this part of the country.”
-ICEP Australia participant, on service work in the Aboriginal community of Titjikala.