By Christy Pagans Brudin

“We are used to things being difficult. We are used to having to really try to make it work. But the Y made everything so easy,” recalls Christine Fleming.

Christine, a mother of three, is explaining the process of locating a summer camp that included swimming for her daughter Gabby, who has Down syndrome.

Gabby, a happy and active child, is prone to running away, and requires one-on-one supervision at all times, according to Christine. Shortly after the Fleming family moved from Israel to the Bethesda, Md. area, Christine started looking for aquatics summer camps for Gabby and her sister Kit. She never expected to find a camp that could accommodate both girls on such short notice.

“I called [YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase] and explained my situation. I explained that Gabby is a serious flight risk and has special needs. I was shocked when the person on the phone just said, ‘No problem. We’ll assign a volunteer,’” Christine remembers.

When Christine took Gabby and Kit for their first day at camp, she knew she had found a thriving community. YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase’s volunteer coordinator, Kim Harris, greeted the Flemings at the door.

Layla Seward, a teenager who loves working with children, was one of several volunteers who helped make camp possible for Gabby.

Recalling her experiences with Gabby, Layla admits that there were challenges. She remembers chasing Gabby more than a few times. But most of all she remembers Gabby’s vibrant personality. “Gabby was always happy, and she just kinda made your day,” Layla says.

Now that camp season is over, the Flemings are looking forward to spending time at the Y as a family. Christine, a former editor of a health and fitness magazine, notes that the YMCA offers something different. “The Y is really, really special because of its commitment to community. I have seen some fabulous health clubs, but I’ve never seen anything like the Y,” she explains.

She continues: “The Y is so much warmer than other places. It is the difference between going to a black tie event and a backyard BBQ. There are places that you just feel more welcome, and you will stay longer.”

The Flemings are certainly welcome at the YMCA, and they are planning to stay.

The Breakdown: Aquatics in 2008

14,612 children, teens and adults participated in an aquatics camp at the YMCA last summer.

The YMCA has been teaching America to swim for more than 100 years.

To learn more about our aquatics programs, click here. To learn more about our camp offerings, click here.