Finding Home at Camp Frank A. Day: Clance’s Story

When Clance took the stage at the 2025 West Suburban YMCA Annual Gala, their story reminded everyone in the room why the Y’s mission matters and how the experience of camp can truly change a life. 

“Hi, I’m Clance,” they began. “I’m honored to be here with you all today and so grateful for the chance to share my camp story.”

 Clance has spent the past two years working as a counselor at Camp Frank A. Day, but their connection to camp goes back much further, to a time when they were a shy, uncertain 14-year-old searching for a place to belong. 

“My first official year on the shores was possibly one of the hardest years of my life,” Clance shared. “I had just freshly moved; it was my third time moving, so I was no stranger to the endeavor, though that didn’t make it any easier. On top of that, I was starting my first year of high school.” 

With few connections in a new community, Clance and their mom decided camp might be a good way to meet new people. But like many first-time campers, stepping into that new environment was daunting. 

“I had never been to a sleepaway camp before, and being without my mom still seemed like a foreign idea,” Clance recalled. “I remember how nervous I was walking into the cabin, eyes low, mouth shut, worried I’d feel the same exclusion I’d felt so many times before.” 

Then came a moment that would change everything. 

As Clance sat on their bunk, their counselor, Michaela, looked up and cracked a joke while helping Clance’s mom unpack. The ice broke, and then came the words Clance would never forget: 
“This is gonna be a good summer.” 

“I’m not sure why that meant so much to me,” Clance said. “Maybe it was being recognized by someone I looked up to. But at that time, to a little 14-year-old me, those words meant the world.” 

And Michaela was right—it was a good summer. The laughter, the friendships, the long nights spent talking in the cabin, those memories would become a source of strength for Clance long after camp ended. 

“Camp Frank A. Day fostered an environment where not only I could grow, but where I could truly be myself,” they said. “Everyone at camp was so different, but somehow, we all got along anyway. It became my second home, somewhere I knew I would continue to come back to for years.” 

But none of it would have been possible without the support of the YMCA community. 

“We didn’t have a lot of money, but receiving the Steven Stein Scholarship from the Y allowed me to attend,” Clance shared. “We didn’t have stability, but camp gave me a predictable, welcoming place to spend the summer. That’s why I really needed a place like Camp Frank A. Day.” 

Looking back, Clance credits three things for shaping their journey: the financial support that made camp possible, the community that embraced them, and the kindness that was modeled every single day. 

“Without the experience I had at camp, I know I wouldn’t be the same person I am today,” they said. “That’s why I became a counselor, to give kids like me a chance to experience that same support, community, and kindness.” 

Clance closed their speech with gratitude for the donors, staff, and community members who make the Y’s mission possible every summer. 

“Thank you all,” they said simply. “Because of you, kids like me get to find their place in the world.”

For more information about the West Suburban YMCA and its programs, including how to support or apply for financial assistance, visit wsymca.org/donate or contact Sara Pollock DeMedeiros at 617-244-6050.