Strong Kids Campaign Run

Since the spring of 2005, I've lived on site at Phantom Lake YMCA Camp. Phantom is located in the southeastern Wisconsin, very near the Elegant Farmer ( http://www.elegantfarmer.com) in Mukwonago. I have called this place my home for some time as I coordinate Phantom Kids Club Program (PLYC's Before & After School Childcare). The year has helped my development as an adult, a leader, director, and most importantly as a human being. I have learned a lot about relationships, about children, and about who I am and what I aspire to become.

I countdown each sunset to the beginning of summer (...summer officially begins June 21, but more importantly PLYC Staff Training begins June 10 and the first summer session begins June 18). The children's energy, the beautiful lake, and the everlasting spirit are what I anticipate the most. PLYC is one of my prized gems and it offers so much in terms of opportunity and growth, while maintaining the fun loving tradition that it is known for.

A quality community is what I'll remember most about Phantom. Each summer is filled with great hearts and amazing souls that share a common interest - Phantom Lake YMCA Camp. They are people that will help you when you're in need and they are those who help, even when you don't ask. They are people that expect you to be true to yourself and act without worry of criticism. These people fill your hearts with memories and constantly define what it is to be a member of the Phantom Family. The Phantom Family is enormous. It is filled with Alumni, members of the Mukwonago Community, Board Members, Camp Executives, Office Staff, Maintenance Staff, Directors, Staff Development Personnel, Volunteers, Parents and Campers.

One hundred and ten years! This camp was founded in 1896, when a group of boys from a YMCA chapter in Milwaukee decided to explore what Wisconsin had to offer. They headed west in search of pristine landscape and camped on a site not far from Phantom's own Alford Lodge.

In commemoration of this historic event I, Tony Ayala will run from the shores of Lake Michigan, in Milwaukee to Phantom Lake YMCA Camp (~30 miles). I'm currently the co-director for PLYC's Staff Development Program (teen leadership/junior counselor program) and am excited to introduce this event that will fund raise for Phantom's Strong Kids Campaign. The Strong Kids Campaign will raise money and provide financial assistance for deserving children to attend Phantom.

My end goal is to give. If each of us can give a little (whether monetary, time, or with your heart) we will help a child experience a summer to remember. Please consider a donation to the Phantom Strong Kids Campaign, the cause is worthy and all proceeds will directly assist in a deserving child's development at PLYC.

I have a deep desire to share my experiences at Phantom with others, so feel free to call and ask me about this event and about camp [(608) 698-8798].

Please help make this event be a success (share the website : [ www.plycstrongkids.com) with friends and family - talk it up - have roommates donate - pledge yourself - plan to run - cook some brats - lead some songs - join in the celebration May 20).

If you do nothing at all, I ask you to pray and wish me luck as I go on my personal 30 mile journey.