Last summer at the YMCA of Greater Toronto’s Summer Club, two new educators stepped into their first major leadership opportunity. Though Aderonke Onipede and their colleague had been working together for less than a year, they shared a commitment to creating a meaningful experience for the children, ages 4-5, and families in their care.
With the guidance of their supervisor, Agnes Dei Dumaran, they combined their strengths, embraced their different cultural perspectives, and approached the summer with intention. Careful planning and collaboration shaped a program designed not just to keep children engaged – but to help them grow.
Through hands-on experiences like tie-dye projects, baking from scratch, and activities celebrating cultural identity, children explored creativity, built confidence, and learned to appreciate one another’s backgrounds. Each activity encouraged teamwork, independence, and pride in who they are.
The response from families was powerful. One parent shared, “This was the best experience my child has ever had – they still talk about it every day.”
At its heart, the Summer Club became more than a seasonal program. It was a space where educators and children learned alongside one another—demonstrating that when a community comes together with care and purpose, everyone not only grows, but shines.
