Cameron Simmons may be the new kid in class, but his family is no stranger to the Peter Blum YMCA in Boca Raton. In fact, when the now-18-month-old son of Stephen and Monica Simmons joined the toddler preschool program in January, he became the family’s fourth generation to be part of the Y. That was no accident, his father says.
“My wife and I bought our house in the neighborhood about five years ago,” Stephen says. “The Y and its preschool was one of the reasons. We wanted our [future] child to have someplace to go.”
That sentiment is the same one that the Boca Y’s earliest proponents operated by as well. Dick Simmons, Cameron’s great grandfather, was a banker with Boca Raton Federal Savings starting in 1966. The one-time YMCA state wrestling champion of Pennsylvania worked with a contingent of other area bankers with the encouragement of Peter Blum, for whom the Y branch is named, in organizing the financial backing for the building. “There was a lot of enthusiasm,” Dick says.
Stephen notes that his grandfather, now in his 90s, was known for his one-armed pull ups into his 70s, and that Dick and his wife Carol are excited for what’s to come for Cameron. The youngster is already sharing a new knowledge of sign language with his parents as well as a growing Spanish language vocabulary and an affinity for basketball. The Simmonses are looking forward to enrolling Cameron in swimming lessons and community events at the Y.
“I grew up at the Y,” Stephen says, noting his first exposure was in summer camp. “I’ve played at that soccer field, and all of the Y’s [athletic] fields.”
Stephen also recounts the relationships made here including lasting childhood friendships. “The Y is a really safe place,” says Stephen who notes that other friends bring their children for various activities and that he’s looking forward to making new friends as the family’s involvement grows. “It’s a place that brings everyone together.”
Dick agrees. “The Y is a great institution for kids to grow up in,” he says. “They learn sports, how to get along with each other, how to participate, and how to contribute. It really helps us shape the development of children and grow them into better adults. And then they make better citizens.”
Giving the Y a try is not a decision you’ll regret, says Dick as he reflects that 50-plus years ago, he had no idea how far the reach would go across the community—and within his own family. “People who make a donation today might still be reaping the rewards 50 years from now,” he says.
Story by Kelley Marcellus