E M Downer Family YMCA 263 South 20th Street, Richmond, CA 94804

"I was just reading the review with the sad mother who didn't get the chance to get in. I took my grandson there in 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade. It was great for him and a break for his Grandmother and I get get some things done at home and have some personal time for ourselves. He loved it. All the counselors were just great! There was lots of activities and they were all very engaging. They also had themes. And what ever theme they had for that week, there was a field trip on Thursdays to follow it up. For instance, my grand son's favorite theme camp was Superheroes. They had a dress up day where they wore anything from Superhero costumes to Superhero pajamas. And the field trip that week was 6 Flags Marine World where a lot of there rides have a Superhero theme. And a water show where you might see Batman in his Bat Boat chasing the Riddler. The teach arts and crafts, play basketball. They go on Nature walks at the parks. They teach friendship and respect. And there is storytime and Naptime to wind down. And my favorite was Family Movies on Friday evenings where you could watch a great family movie, have some snacks and meet new friends in your community parents and kids alike. It's a gem in the neighborhood. We moved away, but he has some great memories and souvenirs, his camp t-shirts, signed by counselors and all the friends he made at each session. I know we're in the middle of a pandemic now. But this neighborhood gem, should never ever shut down permanently. I hope the community won't let it. Did I mention there's a great art class there for adults? It's not just for kids, it's a "Family Thing." Jacqueline Martin and Joseph Durant"

"I went here a couple years back my experience here taught me so many things that I carry with me everyday .I made a couple of long lasting friendships . Good staff I know a couple til this day .It's missing a star because I had a couple of bullies but that's me .Still a place I'd go back to!"

"The best"

"I am so despointed because I have my kid on sumer camp from the beginning to the camping and I was paid every week because I dont have the money to paid 630 from the beginning at the week 6 they said is full and they just let my kid out to the camping I am a worker mom I ask when I rolling my kid if I can paid week to week they said is fine and now they said is full just like that what I am goint to do whit my kid the rest to the sumer , whay they dont said nothing about I can borrow money for some one and paid the all camping but is not fair Beacuse now I don't have someone to see my kid and I can't work anymore"