YMCA of Frederick County’s Post

😊 Rediscover the Power of a Smile 😊 In the rush of everyday life, it’s easy to forget that happiness isn’t something we chase—it’s something we create, moment by moment. My book, "Smile – Rediscovering Happiness," is a heartfelt invitation to pause, breathe, and find joy in the simplicity of a smile. This book is a reminder that no matter how busy life gets, there’s always time to embrace happiness as a way of being. It’s about appreciating the present, nurturing a positive outlook, and spreading joy wherever you go. 📚 Ready to rediscover the joy in your life? Get your copy of "Smile – Rediscovering Happiness" today! Amazon India - https://lnkd.in/dy5imSjt Amazon - https://lnkd.in/dQ9jeGZE Other Stores including Apple, Kobo - https://lnkd.in/drRz7WFF

Developing Love Through Service Our calf program has helped many teenagers to learn how to express love. Some of our students have expressed their innate desire to help the calves survive and thrive. The experience helps young people develop responsibility. After all, they must care for their calves no matter the weather, even on days they do not feel like doing it. Learn more about the benefits of our calf program by copying the link below. https://lnkd.in/g-PnMZu5

🤝 The foundation of a lasting legacy is a mutual relationship with your children. Join me in exploring how Cliff Locks provides practical exercises to strengthen your family bond. https://lnkd.in/g3qyrXvD

We don't really own that In her beautiful poem, The Moment, Margaret Atwood, contemplates all that has been achieved in life. She reflects that, "The moment when, after many years of hard work and a long voyage you stand in the centre of your room, house, half-acre, square mile, island, country, knowing at last how you got there, and say, I own this..." It is gratifying to think about what we have accomplished, whom we have met, what we have built, and what we "own." Even with that, though, we still spend time trying to find ways to "own" more "stuff". We somehow equate our worth with what we have built or bought—with our money, our time, and our energy. Atwood cautions us, though, that much of this really isn't ours. That, more likely, we belong to the "stuff" we think we own. In our pursuit of success, we have become beholden to the "things" we accumulated. "No, they whisper. You own nothing. You were a visitor, time after time climbing the hill, planting the flag, proclaiming. We never belonged to you. You never found us. It was always the other way round." When we consider how we are using and will use the 4000 weeks we have allocated to us, how do we ensure that we are focused on the important things rather than those to which we may have become slaves? #personaldevelopment #MargaretAtwood HT to Daily Stoic

Unleash the power of patience with our guide! 🐾 ✨ '4 Easy Steps to Teaching Duration Commands for Dogs' – because a well-behaved pup is just a few steps away. 📚 READ MORE TO KNOW: https://lnkd.in/g-kywtZY

🤝 The foundation of a lasting legacy is a mutual relationship with your children. Join me in exploring how Cliff Locks provides practical exercises to strengthen your family bond. https://lnkd.in/gSsMWepb

While many perceive summer camps as spaces where campers learn and enjoy themselves, with counselors merely providing assistance, the reality often reveals a different dynamic. In numerous instances, it's the camp counselors who emerge from the experience having gained profound insights into seeing people and embracing differences, often learning more than the campers themselves. In "Failing to See What They See," Christian Long recounts his transformative experience as a camp counselor at Camp Capella for a boy named Uriah, whose physical and neurological challenges made everyday activities difficult. Uriah found freedom and joy in swimming at Phillips Lake, where his limitations vanished, transforming him into a graceful, boundless being. Long reflects on his initial failure to recognize the profound impact of the lake on Uriah’s well-being and his own role in supporting Uriah's passion. Over the years, Long realized that true education and caregiving involve seeing and nurturing the individual joys and needs of those in our care. He emphasizes the importance of creating spaces where children can thrive on their own terms and encourages educators to embrace and support the unique passions and perspectives of their students, as exemplified by Uriah’s love for the lake. Don’t miss this inspiring read on how summer camps for individuals with additional needs benefit both campers and counselors by promoting acceptance, growth, and mutual understanding. "Failing To See What They See" by Christian Long https://lnkd.in/eursnqF #SummerCamp #AdditionalNeeds #Understanding #Joy #CampCapella #Maine #Acceptance #CampCounselor #Campers #Learn to #Fail because #Failing is #Learning

Did you know winter is a great time for tree service? In this video, we outline five key reasons why. At Drost, we offer year-round tree services for residential and commercial properties. Routine tree work doesn't need to interrupt your summer! Contact our team today and let us take care of your tree service now so you can put your focus on fun this summer. Narration by Vanessa Matelski with video of our team by Alex Childress.

During my three-week orientation in NYSC camp, I learned a lesson that has stuck with me ever since. For anyone who's been through the experience, you'll understand when I say that camp feels like an entirely different world. You're cut off from the outside, unaware of current events, and your day-to-day life is governed by the directives and instructions of camp officials. We would wake up as early as 3 a.m. to rush for a shower, and by 4:30 a.m., we were on the parade ground for meditation, drills, and march-past exercises. The NYSC had our schedules mapped out—there was no room for personal plans. In the midst of all the demands, many of us would flock to NCCF (Nigeria Christian Church Fellowship) programs whenever we could. It felt like a breath of fresh air after a day filled with physically draining activities. So, what's the takeaway from this? God already has a plan for each of us—a life designed by Him, with instructions and guidelines to follow. These are not meant to restrict us but to lead us toward a life He has prepared for us. Yet, why do we often resist Him and choose to disobey? In camp, we wouldn't dare disobey the officials because we knew the consequences—punishments that were anything but pleasant. We followed their commands despite the hardship and inconvenience. So, if we can respect the authority of camp officials, how much more should we trust and follow God's direction in our lives? #NYSC #FaithJourney #ObedienceToGod #LifeLessons #PurposeDriven #GodsPlan #ChristianLiving #NCCF #NYSCExperience #TrustGod #DivineGuidance #CampLife