Youth Supporting Youth: YMCA Camp Cristina Runners Take on Turkey Gobble for Thriver's Club
While most youth cross country runners focus on personal records and race-day results, members of the YMCA Camp Cristina cross country team have an additional goal this fall: They're running to support their peers recovering from cancer.
This Thanksgiving, Camp Cristina's team of 16 middle school-age runners will run in the Tampa YMCA Turkey Gobble 5k, which supports the Y’s healthy living programs and funds the Thriver’s Club: a 12-week program designed to help childhood cancer survivors rebuild strength, endurance, balance and mobility through games, activities and low-impact exercise.
For participants in Thriver's Club, the program provides opportunities to regain confidence, reconnect with peers and continue their recovery journey in a supportive environment. Through movement-based activities and relationship-building experiences, youth are encouraged to discover what they can accomplish after treatment.
As they train throughout the season, Camp Cristina runners are learning that running can be about more than competition. It’s also about character development, teamwork and learning how to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Their participation in Turkey Gobble highlights how individual effort can contribute to a larger cause and support other young people in the community.
The connection between cross country and Thriver's Club is rooted in a shared focus on perseverance. Both programs encourage youth to set goals, build confidence and develop resilience through physical activity. While each participant's journey looks different the lessons learned through movement, determination and community support are universal.
As race day approaches, Camp Cristina's runners continue preparing for the miles ahead. But regardless of their finish times, they have already exemplified an important part of the YMCA’s mission: success is measured not only by personal achievement, but also by the impact we make in our communities.