2024 was a wonderful and increasingly busy year at the YMCA of Martha’s Vineyard. We remained focused on meeting the needs of our growing island community by supporting families with quality childcare and programming. The MVYouth classroom continued to provide valuable licensed space for after school care to support working island families. Our curriculum included developmentally appropriate activities and learning experiences that fostered the spirt of inclusion and helped kids grow socially, creatively, and academically. This year, the MVYouth classroom allowed us to increase our community collaborations to help meet the unique needs of our special island. The classroom was utilized to host among others, HeadStart and The Martha’s Vineyard Community Services Family Center to deliver diverse, impactful programming for parents, caregivers, and children. This summer, while still remaining home to our mini-library and Buddy Read program started in 2023, the MVYouth classroom was thoughtfully transformed into a space used by summer campers to explore and participate in mindful movement classes. In addition, the classroom was home this summer to a newly created gratitude journaling program. Staff delivered weekly prompts to encourage young campers to think about what they were thankful for. The MVYouth classroom provided a welcoming space for campers to sit down, reflect and meaningfully convey their feelings of gratitude through writing and drawing. In our YMCA gratitude journal, we continue to hold MVYouth both in our hearts and on our list of things we are so thankful for.