The COVID-19 pandemic impacted another rite of summer passage for many children and teens: overnight residence camp at YMCA/APYC Camp Kekoka, 1083 Boys Camp Road, Kilmarnock.
During typical summer months, Camp Kekoka would have been alive with the bustling sounds of laughter coming from children and the cries of excitement and joy during a thrilling ride down the zip line after conquering the climbing tower or while tubing on Indian Creek.
But unfortunately, all of that was put on hold with the onset of the pandemic earlier this year. In the name of child safety, weekly overnight camp wasn’t possible.
That didn’t stop camp executive Cassie Leichty. Despite COVID-19, she envisioned and planned for an opportunity for service at camp. Instead of the traditional outdoor overnight camp experience for youth, Leichty designed a series of weekend Family Camps.
“We wanted to do everything possible…
