“Where there’s a will there’s a way” might best describe Boxerwood’s ongoing partnership with the Rockridge Area YMCA. That partnership was forged several years ago as our two organizations realized a common passion: youth development. We also shared exactly the same Rockbridge kids. Why not come together for the benefit of those children?
That’s how several years ago Boxerwood began offering nature-based experiences otherwise unavailable to the YMCA-enrolled youth. The partnership worked out so well that in time that collaboration grew to include special Boxerwood-YMCA afternoons or even summer camp days.
When the pandemic struck, the Rockbridge Y immediately pivoted to provide emergency child care, later renamed as learning enrichment centers. Would Boxerwood provide nature-connect opportunities for these children? Yes we would, could, did, and do. Through creative cost-sharing and grants secured by both partners, those opportunities flourish.
This spring, the Y invited us to three afterschool programs each week at its sites. This summer we’ve worked out a plan to welcome Y campers to Boxerwood each Friday for nature-based STEM adventures. Next fall: who knows? But as the saying goes, “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” And that is always true with our partner, the Rockbridge Area YMCA.
P.S. Special shout-out to Rockbridge YMCA Child Care Director, Ms. Annie LePere, for her path-breaking work for this partnership. Alas, Annie and her family will be relocating to Richmond later this spring and that is a loss for us all. Annie has been a tireless advocate for connecting children with the natural world. We treasure our friendship and salute her!
