Celebrating the Spirit of Summer: 2025 YMCA Values Awards

The 2025 YMCA Values Awards honored hundreds of incredible campers for their respect, caring, honesty, responsibility, and passion for excellence — reminding us how the Y helps every young person grow with confidence and character.

On Saturday morning, nearly 800 youth, families, and staff filled the Seattle Convention Center’s ARCH building — and it felt just like camp, only indoors! From the first notes of the Jellyfish Song to the final round of applause, the 2025 YMCA Values Awards were bursting with laughter, energy, and that unmistakable YMCA spirit.

Hosted by youth leaders Kiran and Julian from Camp Colman, Rei and Brighton from Camp Orkila, and Gabby from BOLD & GOLD, the show celebrated everything that makes summer at the Y so special — friendship, growth, and the values that guide it all.

Each value came to life through inspiring youth speakers — Kingston Intawong, Suean Hosch, Sam Valle-Knobbe, Sal Wagner, and Theo Khosravi — who shared stories of courage, kindness, and community.

Between the awards, the emcees led games, songs, and even a few camp challenges that got everyone clapping, laughing, and connecting (because at the Y, the audience always participates!). 

As photos from summer programs lit up the big screen, Jason Lane, Senior Executive for Camp and Outdoor Leadership programs, and the youth hosts reminded us what makes these moments matter: when kids get outside, they discover who they are — confident, capable, and connected.  

Thanks to the generosity of donors, the Y is helping ensure every child has access to life-changing outdoor experiences. Even if you couldn’t attend the event, you can still be part of that impact — by giving, volunteering, or sharing the message so more kids can explore the outdoors and grow with confidence.

The morning wrapped up in true Y fashion: big cheers, smiling faces, and a reminder that the camp spirit doesn’t end with summer — it carries on in every act of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility all year long.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this unforgettable celebration. Here’s to another year of adventure, growth, and values in action!

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