As part of a mission-driven commitment to youth and Christian values, the Y of Central Florida recently sent 80 promising teens to the YMCA’s Christian Values Conference in North Carolina.
Set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the week-long conference gives kids a chance to deepen their faith, develop positive values, and network with peers to create a better world.
During the conference, we also proudly honored Tracy Sullivan, a Y of Central Florida volunteer whose compassionate heart for youth has touched generations of kids. This was Tracy’s 43rd year representing our Y at the event. In recognition, the assembly presented her with the first annual Tracy Sullivan Award, honoring outstanding volunteer contributions that make this gathering possible.
Every year, we see teens’ lives changed by what they experience during this incredible week. Here’s a letter from one attendee’s parents, which really sums it up:
This was our daughter Allison’s first time to go to Blue Ridge, and she came home feeling rejuvenated, inspired, encouraged and spiritually fed. As parents, we couldn’t have asked for a better experience for our child. Upon arriving home, she talked non-stop all weekend about the amazing experience she had on the mountain. She told us about the daily devotions, “family” time and activities, new-found friends from all over the Southeast, and the constant encouragement she received from Y adults and leaders.
We can’t thank you enough…and we couldn’t have sent her without the help of a generous YMCA scholarship. Allison is already planning on how to save money to attend next year’s conference. And our family is praying about how we can give back and hopefully sponsor future teens. We can’t wait to see how God answers our prayers!!
God Bless,
Vicki and Randy Dooling