“Shaping a Legacy of Resilience and Inclusion”
The Catholic Youth Organization's (hereafter C.Y.O.) impact on myself, my family and friends, and the Hamilton community extends beyond anything words could describe. The C.Y.O. has been a steadfast pillar of positive change in the community, leaving a permanent mark through its commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. Through active participation, enriching summer camps, and the spirit of volunteerism, the C.Y.O. continues to impact youth across Hamilton, as it has since its inception.
My personal experiences with the C.Y.O. span over two decades. My first experiences with the C.Y.O. came from participation in sports and recreational class trips to the different camps offered by the C.Y.O. The C.Y.O. has played a pivotal role in breaking down barriers to participation, playing sports and recreational activities accessible to individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. The athletic and recreation programs offered by the C.Y.O. promote inclusivity in sports, create a sense of belonging, boost self-esteem, and foster a supportive community where diversity is celebrated. Sport has proven to be a powerful vehicle for positive change, and the C.Y.O. leverages this potential to its fullest. By promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and healthy competition, they have and continue to contribute to the overall well-being of youth in the community. Furthermore, the life lessons learned through sports – discipline, resilience, and teamwork – transcend the field and become guiding principles in participants' lives, including participants such as myself.
The latter half of my experiences with the C.Y.O. came in the form of volunteering and employment, and these experiences were nothing short of energizing and rewarding. The school and summer camps offered by the C.Y.O. are top-notch, and their notoriety exceeds the city of Hamilton. I remember participants sharing that they had come from Niagara, Halton, or over an hour away, all because they had loved our camp so much. Beyond these dedicated participants and campers, this legacy was carried through campers who returned year after year, even more so through those campers who would go on to become camp staff. Camp often had spots filled two to three months before camp was scheduled, and waitlists continued to sit hundreds of students long. I have lasting memories as a camper and staffer, and I cannot imagine my life without those experiences. It should also be acknowledged the number of campers who attend camp at no charge because of the work done by the C.Y.O. Those experiences mean so much to both the campers and their families, and the importance that continues to happen is paramount to the reason why the C.Y.O. needs support and funding from organizations such as the United Way.
The impact the C.Y.O. has made on the lives of so many people cannot be understated. Through tireless efforts, they are not just creating moments but shaping a legacy of resilience and inclusion, and I hope that will endure for generations to come. I will be forever indebted to the experiences provided by C.Y.O., from the life lessons, the lasting friendships, and the memories, which will forever be a part of my story.
Regards,
Cara Persia (She/Her)
Juris Doctor of Law Candidate, 2025
Bora Laskin Faculty of Law, Lakehead University