Many kids are able to block out the world and be kids once they touch down at YMCA Camp Cory and the Y at Watson Woods. Recently, a group of Rochester youth were granted the opportunity to have fun and be kids by visiting these locations through the Boys and Young Men of Color (BYMOC) Initiative.
The BYMOC Initiative is described by the YMCA of the USA as building on, and investing in, pathways to success to help boys and young men of color reach their full potential. It is designed to help ensure equitable outcomes for boys and young men of color ages 11-17 by removing systemic barriers, providing relevant services and support systems, and creating nurturing environments that promote confidence and growth.
This programming came to life for the YMCA of Greater Rochester with recent visits to Cory and Watson Woods, as a cohort of Rochester teens and preteens spent time at these locations for the first time ever. From zip lines to bounce pillows, participating in these experiences was one that these youth cherished.
“It’s a great experience because we're seeing so many people from our community trying to help the next generation become great people; it means a lot for me to be a part of that,” said Chrishton Wester, 18, one of the young mentors who spent time at Watson Woods with the group. “And I want to do as much as I can, from my experience, to shed a little bit of that to people that are younger than me that are in the same group that I am.”
Of course, being able to explore the grounds of camps was a major part of these experiences. But there was a personal development component too, as discussions led by the likes of Boys and Young Men of Color National Coordinator Devin Anglin were implemented to provide an all-encompassing experience for the kids.
Anglin, a Rochester native and former YMCA of Greater Rochester staff member, became a mentor to Wester while working as an Arts Enrichment/Teen Program Coordinator from 2019-2022. Being in a mentor role now, Wester’s admiration for Anglin has only grown over time.
“I’ve become really close with Devin. Seeing him, the way he operates when it comes to stuff like this, I realize so much about this,” said Wester. “So me seeing the way he does things, it uplifts me.”
Malcolm Haskins, 11, was fortunate enough to attend both weekend festivities at Camp Cory and Watson Woods. Seeing new places and meeting new people has been a treat for Malcolm, and he’s appreciative of being granted these opportunities.
“I’m thankful to George Warren for letting me come on these trips,” said Malcolm of the YMCA of Greater Rochester’s Vice President of Urban Services. “It was fun going into Keuka Lake (at Camp Cory) and seeing people get together.”
Malcom said that going on trips like these shows the power that young men of color have when they come together for positive causes. But he knows it’s even more important for all people to come together across the community.
“One thing I like about the YMCA is that we all come together,” said Malcolm. “Having Black and white kids come together.”
Shandan Jones, Site Coordinator at the Lewis Street YMCA Neighborhood Center was also in attendance at both locations. He was able to chronicle just what he saw from being a part of the BYMOC Initiative while visiting Penn Yan at Cory:
I recently spent the better part of a week with some fantastic kids at Camp Cory during Week 8. By this time, the young camp counselors were well into their groove, expertly leading a variety of enriching activities like parasailing, aqua fun, paddle boarding, and more.
The camp brimmed with activities, from traditional sports like basketball and soccer, to STEM learning, outdoor cooking, and even archery, where two of my kids emerged as budding prodigies. Despite being one of the very few groups from the African American community, the kids acclimated well.
The camp staff, mostly teens and young adults, brought an infectious energy that made the experience unforgettable. Their passion was evident, and it’s no surprise that the large majority were former campers themselves.
Highlights included the boys’ appreciation for the camp’s gender balance (normal for their age) and their enjoyment of basketball, which dominated their free time. Actually, their engagement extended beyond sports. Without their phones, they learned to be truly present, connecting over meteor showers on the basketball court and solving a camp-wide murder mystery that honed both judgement and problem-solving skills.
One quiet camper found his happy place on the bounce pillow, laughing and engaging more than ever before. And my personal favorite, the Sunset Swim Party — while I stayed dry, the kids had a blast in the lake, and on the lakeside playing a variety of games. A perfect end to the day without a single phone in sight.
Though my time at camp ended sooner than expected, I had the time of a lifetime. And I’m sure the kids did as well. I’m already looking forward to next year, hoping to bring back my campers and welcome new ones to join the adventure at Camp Cory.
Gaining new experiences can be vital to advancing in life. And through the BYMOC Initiative, we hope to see the growth of many more kids getting their first experiences of things they've only dreamed of.