The Magic of YMCA Camps: A Lifelong Impact
Recently, Team King, the Sudbury 5, and the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario teamed up for an event to help send kids to summer and day camp for the 2025 season! It was a collaboration for the ages—and way too much fun.
Growing up, some of the best times of our lives come when the school year ends for summer, especially for those who know the excitement of attending camp. Anyone who has been enrolled in overnight YMCA summer camps understands the magic that comes with it: the lifelong friends you’ll make and the chance to be thrown into a heightened reality that only those who have shared the experience can truly relate to. The memories are unforgettable, especially when you’ve had the opportunity to attend camps like John Island, or as campers and alumni call it, JIC.
John Island is a paradise nestled within Georgian Bay, a beach island filled with an absurdly diverse wilderness, its own private lake in the middle, and just a short drive from Sudbury, Ontario, in Cutler. While stories about summer camps are common, no matter the location or who has attended, John Island is something even more incredible. Ontarians are beyond lucky to have the opportunity to attend year after year, as the YMCA claimed this oasis for a dollar, or so the stories say, back in the 1940s. A deal that’s been paying off for decades!
Unfortunately, not every child has the financial means to attend camp. However, throughout the years, the YMCA and John Island Camp have consistently found ways to subsidize costs, ensuring that as many youths as possible get the opportunity to head to the island for the summer, an experience that keeps them coming back year after year.
Team King’s Commitment to Giving Back
Not only does the YMCA have an incredible paradise hidden within Lake Huron, but the day camps and programs it offers within the city are just as exceptional. Having worked as both a camp counsellor and a lifeguard at the pool, I can easily vouch for the excellence that defines the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario. It’s a life-changing community that stays with you for life, as seen in Team King’s strong partnership with the Sudbury YMCA and the annual Fill the Bus campaign. This initiative helps send kids not only to John Island but also to the YMCA’s day camps.
At Team King, we have a passion for giving back to the community—not just for charity, but to pass on the traditions and experiences that fundamentally shaped our lives when we were young. We want today’s youth to have the opportunity to share experiences that parallel what made our childhood so special. The impact the YMCA has within its day camp and summer camp opportunities is something that every youth should experience.
Team King & the Sudbury 5: A Winning Collaboration for a Cause
That’s why, on March 22nd, 2025, at the Sudbury 5 game, Team King jumped at the chance to collaborate on a fun 50/50 draw. Not only did it help us work toward our goal of filling the bus, but it also sent a lucky supporter home with some extra cash!
Major shoutout to Cindy for selling the most tickets—you crushed it, setting an incredible benchmark for next time!
Making an Impact: How Fundraising Helps Send Kids to Camp
The success of the 50/50 draw at the Sudbury 5 game brought the community together for an incredible cause. Thanks to the generosity of attendees and the hard work of our team here at Team King, we were able to raise $20,698 to support the Fill the Bus campaign. These funds will go directly toward helping kids attend John Island Camp and YMCA day camps, ensuring that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of unforgettable summer experiences.
Every dollar raised makes a difference, giving more children the chance to create lifelong memories, build confidence, and experience the magic of camp.
How You Can Support Future Fundraising Efforts
The Fill the Bus campaign is just one of the many ways Team King and the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario work together to support youth programs in our community. Whether it’s by donating, volunteering, or participating in future fundraising events, there are plenty of ways to get involved and help give more kids the opportunity to experience camp. So far, the campaign has raised over $121,000 across all verticals, ensuring kids across Ontario get the opportunity to experience camp with the YMCA.
If you’d like to contribute or learn more about upcoming initiatives, click here.
Team King’s Dedication to Community & Youth Development
At Team King, giving back isn’t just about business—it’s about strengthening the Sudbury community and creating opportunities for the next generation. Our partnership with the Sudbury 5 and the YMCA is a reflection of our commitment to making a lasting impact, ensuring that every child has the chance to experience the same life-changing programs that shaped our own youth.
We’re proud to continue supporting initiatives like Fill the Bus, and we can’t wait for the next opportunity to make a difference! Here at Team King, we believe that every kid deserves a YMCA camp experience!
If you’re interested in learning more about Team King and the impactful work our expert team does, don’t hesitate to call (705) 988-1022 or contact us here.