This summer, the YMCA in Okmulgee is transforming lives, one child at a time – and thanks to generous partnerships and scholarships, the opportunity is more accessible than ever.

In a recent conversation with Paige Westover, Educational Initiatives Director, and Ashley Suddarth, GO Program Site Coordinator, I got a firsthand look into the dynamic, heart-driven efforts powering the YMCA’s Go Club and the all-new YMCA Okmulgee Summer Day Camp. With a focus on academic support, physical activity, mentorship and now cultural inclusion, these programs are planting deep and lasting seeds in the lives of Okmulgee’s youth.

— Go Club: Afterschool Support with Heart Once a grant-funded initiative, the Go Club – short for Graduate Oklahoma – is now a paid afterschool program, priced at $310 per month per child. But Paige emphasized that financial support is readily available. Families can access DHS or tribal subsidies, and many qualify for full scholarships that eliminate out-of-pocket expenses entirely.

“If you’re under a certain income threshold, the program can still be completely free,” Paige explained. “We don’t want cost to be a barrier to any child’s success.”

The Go Club runs during the school year and focuses heavily on academics. Students are tested using the same tools as local schools – like AR for reading and STAR for math – and grouped accordingly. Homework always takes priority, followed by targeted curriculum and plenty of physical activity.

The club also includes a unique mentorship component, with oneon- one guidance provided through partnerships with the Okmulgee Education Foundation’s PAWS program. Students struggling with classroom behavior, emotional regulation, or simply in need of extra attention are paired with compassionate mentors from the community.

— Summer Day Camp: Open to the Entire Community In a major shift this year, the YMCA Okmulgee Summer Day Camp is now open to all children ages 5 to 12, regardless of school district or background. From May 27 through Aug. 15, campers will experience full days (7 a.m. to 6 p.m.) packed with fun, food and themed learning.

At a weekly rate of $310 per child, the camp offers full day care, including breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks. And here’s where it gets even better: DHS and tribal subsidies are available – and for many families, this means summer camp will be completely free.

Thanks to a Muscogee Nation grant, tribal members who apply are seeing even their copayments covered. As of now, the camp has room for about 50 more students, and applications are being accepted on a rolling basis even up to the week camp begins.

Paige and Ashley worked hard to ensure no child goes hungry during their time at camp. While the Oklahoma Food Bank provides shelfstable lunches, the YMCA took things a step further. Through outreach to local churches – including Clearview Baptist, Eastside Baptist and Second Baptist – students will now receive hot, home-cooked meals every day of the week. One day remains open for sponsorship, and Ashley is confident it will be filled.

— Themes, Field Trips & Cultural Growth This year’s camp themes include “The Magic of Camp,” “Mad Scientist Week,” “Gooey, Slime Week” and more. Kids will get hands on with science, art, social/emotional learning and outdoor play – plus field trips to places like the College of the Muscogee Nation’s horticulture program and a working farm.

The YMCA team is also making a conscious effort to weave cultural diversity and community partnerships into the experience. From lessons on the Three Sisters Garden to conversations about Native history and Juneteenth, Paige and Ashley are actively seeking community leaders and educators to bring culturally rich programming to both Go Club and the summer camp.

“We love youth voice. We let our kids vote on special activities and really get involved in shaping their experience,” Paige said.

— How to Enroll & Apply for Scholarships

Families can register for either Go Club or the Summer Day Camp by visiting the YMCA Okmulgee location. Those needing assistance can apply for DHS subsidies online at [okdhslive.org](http://okdhslive.org) or by visiting the local DHS office. Be sure to bring:

• A recent pay stub

• Your child’s Social Security card

• YMCA’s contract number: 29959 This number works for both DHS and tribal subsidies.

Have questions? Want to offer a volunteer class or mentorship? Call Paige Westover directly at 918-992-2752.

— Volunteers Welcome: Be Part of the Village The YMCA welcomes volunteers, mentors and educators from all backgrounds to enrich their programming. Whether you’re offering a special class, want to support family nights, or hope to mentor a child, your time is valued. Information and applications are available at the front desk or by phone.

At its core, the YMCA Okmulgee’s Go Club and Summer Camp are about love, learning and lasting impact.

“This program is all about planting seeds,” Paige shared. “Seeds of confidence, curiosity, compassion – and we believe they’ll grow into something beautiful.”

For more information or to enroll your child, visit the Okmulgee YMCA or call 918-992-2752 today. Scholarships are available – don’t wait!