Dear Camp Friends,

As we stand on the brink of another summer, I find myself reflecting more deeply than usual. This year feels different, but this tradition has been a constant. I’ve been looking forward to this email - my own special annual tradition of sharing some words of gratitude for my favorite people.

In the last twelve months, I’ve moved to a new state, a new city, and stepped into new camp opportunities and challenges. With every shift, I’ve carried with me a deep sense of purpose and a hope that I’d find my place again - and I have. But only because of you.

This year, I’ve been fortunate to attend five different camp conferences, each one filled with people who pour their hearts into this work - into youth, into staff, into each other. I left every one of those spaces feeling inspired, grounded, and more connected than ever to this beautiful community we call camp. In a time of great personal change, the camp community reminded me who I am.

I say this every year, but this time it carries even more weight: thank you. Thank you for the work you do. Thank you for showing up for kids, for your staff, for your peers. Thank you for being a constant source of joy and inspiration in a world that often feels like it's shifting beneath our feet.

My network has grown this year, and I’m so grateful that this message is reaching more incredible humans than ever before. I want every person receiving this letter to know: you are a gift. In a world full of change, you are a constant - an anchor for so many.

Please know that I’m always here - whether you need a cheerleader, a listening ear, a new idea, or just someone to vent to on a long camp day. Don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re in this together.

Wishing you a summer of magic, growth, laughter, and peace. You deserve every bit of it.

With deep gratitude,

Eddie

EDWARD D. NORGARD, MBA, SHRM-CP (he/him)

District Executive Director 

YMCA OF METROPOLITAN FORT WORTH

512 Lamar Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102

M: 908-947-8130 | O: 817-332-3281 x2037 | enorgard@ymcafw.org | ymcafw.org