Thursday, June 18, 2026
Dear Friends,
Summer Camp is officially underway, and our YMCA is filled with energy and excitement! During these past few weeks, thousands of young campers have been building new friendships, staying active and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you to our YMCA staff and camp families for helping make this summer a special time for our area youth.
To kick off the month of June, we were pleased to host our friends and colleagues from Y Mexico. International partnerships provide a wonderful opportunity to exchange ideas and celebrate our shared commitment to serving communities. Opportunities like these allow us to learn from one another and further our collective impact both locally and globally.
One example of our partnership at work was when Kareem Kirby, Aquatics Director for the Bob Sierra Family YMCA, traveled to Mexico last month to provide aquatics education for Y Mexico swim instructors. Working alongside dedicated professionals focused on water safety and community impact, Kareem helped share best practices while building relationships with their staff. Reflecting on the experience, Kareem shared, "What made this experience special wasn't just the instruction, it was the connection. Seeing our shared mission come to life across borders is something I won't forget."
The recent exchange between our organizations highlights the power of collaboration and learning from one another. Whether hosting visitors here in Tampa or sharing expertise abroad, these experiences strengthen our YMCA family and expand our collective impact.
As we move through June, we also want to recognize National Cancer Survivors Month. Many of us have been affected by cancer through our own experiences or those of family members and friends. This month provides an opportunity to honor survivors, celebrate their resilience and acknowledge the caregivers, healthcare professionals and support networks who stand beside them every step of the way.
Last but certainly not least, we would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, mentors and father figures in our community. Thank you for the guidance, encouragement and positive influence you have on the lives of those around you. We wish you a well-deserved Father's Day weekend filled with family, love and celebration.
Thank you for being part of our YMCA community. Together, we continue to build connections that strengthen lives both locally and around the world.
With appreciation,
Matt Mitchell
President & CEO