A Letter to YMCA Camp Piomingo: Tallie's Story of Friendship and Growth

Following YMCA Camp Piomingo’s 2025 summer season, Executive Director Christopher Cassada received a letter from a grandmother whose words captured the heart of what camp truly means.

That letter—and the story behind it—reminds us that every camper’s experience has the power to change a life. Watch the video to see her story brought to life.

Getting to Camp Piomingo

When Christin Crofoot’s 10-year-old granddaughter, Tallie, first learned she’d be heading to Camp Piomingo, she was nervous but excited. Tallie is a sweet, loving girl who has faced challenges with severe ADHD and ODD. Building friendships and confidence hadn’t always come easily—but her love of horses sparked a hope that camp might be a place where she could truly shine.

Christin shared, “When I learned about YMCA Camp Piomingo’s equestrian program, I hoped it might be just what she needed—even though I worried about the cost and about how she would handle being away from home.”

Those worries eased quickly, thanks to the support and care of Camp Piomingo’s team—and to Executive Director Christopher Cassada, who helped make camp possible through the Y’s financial assistance program.

Because Christin and Tallie had known Christopher from their time at the Oldham County Family YMCA, she said she already trusted the compassion and leadership that make the Y feel like family.

The Impact of Summer at Camp 

By the end of camp, everything had changed. Tallie found friends, confidence, and a deep connection with a horse named Willie. Christin wrote that it was the first time she’d seen her granddaughter come home with that kind of light in her eyes.

After camp, Tallie celebrated her birthday with three new friends—something she’d never done before. She’s already making plans to return to Camp Piomingo next year and can’t wait to see Willie again.

Stories like Tallie’s remind us why YMCA Camp Piomingo has been a place of belonging for generations. Camp isn’t just about cabins, trails, or horses—it’s about discovering who you are and feeling accepted for exactly that.

At the YMCA, we believe every child deserves the chance to grow in confidence, friendship, and joy. Through community support and financial assistance, we make sure every family has access to experiences that can shape a lifetime.

Learn more about YMCA Camp Piomingo and how you can make a summer of growth possible for a child you love.