In Praise of Practice - Celebrating the Little Things

This past week, we kicked off the first days of summer camp—and with it, a fresh wave of joy and energy. Despite the extreme heat early this week, campers arrived with wide eyes, eager steps, and parents in tow. Even the children who were a bit hesitant early in the week, arrived with confidence on Friday. It’s clear that this is more than just a place to spend the day—it’s a place where kids feel seen, known, and like they truly belong.

That sense of belonging doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built intentionally, day by day, through relationships and routines.  They have counselors who care about them and, thanks to your support, emergency grants from Hannaford and Downeast Credit Union, and a partnership with the Belfast Soup Kitchen, everyone who wants lunch gets it.  (And thank goodness for the heat pumps that were installed this May!  How did we survive the new heat of Maine without them?  I am grateful for everyone who contributed to the WCY last year and made those heat pumps possible!)

At the Waldo County YMCA, we’re always in motion.  But June also provides a short moment between school and camp to reflect.  With the end of school, first week of summer camp, and the repairs we are doing on the spa and the weight room AC, we have a lot going on.  Despite all the hubbub and challenges, perhaps because of it, life marches on.  We’ve seen our community show up again and again—for one another, for their families, and for their own growth. And in each of these moments, there’s been a common thread: not flash or fanfare, but steady, consistent practice.

In our world, practice looks like a teen lifeguard showing up 15 minutes early to prep the pool.  It’s a member who offers to help replace a motor in the pool mechanical room and sticks with it after the job extends to troubleshooting the entire pipe system.  It’s the parent who rearranges a busy week to get their child to every T-ball practice. It’s the older adult who comes to Lifetime Fitness class twice a week, determined to stay strong.  It’s the staff member who rallies members to beautify the flower beds and complete the memorial to Sandi Roman. 

Yes, we’ve had big moments too. The success of the River Races and Dan Horton Masters Swim Meet helped defray the costs of our youth swim programs, keeping them affordable for all. Hosting the Special Olympics Swim Meet reminded all of us about the importance of striving, gratitude, and persistence. Adding two youth members to our board of directors has injected a new perspective into our work.  Our personal training program expanded, welcoming new members ready to work toward healthier lives. And coming up, we have new cardio equipment arriving this month.  These are milestones worth celebrating. But even more meaningful are the small, repeated actions that made them possible.

At the WCY, we believe deeply in the value of practice. Whether it's physical fitness, learning a new skill, or cultivating leadership, true improvement doesn’t usually come from one transformative experience. It comes from returning—again and again—to the process. Showing up. Trying. Adjusting. Trying again.

This mindset is at the heart of how we serve Waldo County. We don’t exist just to host events or offer programs—we’re here to walk with you through the journey. We know that real change is built in the in-between: in the moments when no one’s watching, in the quiet decision to keep going.  You have been with me in those moments and we are here with you.

As we look ahead to the rest of summer and beyond, we’re excited to keep growing with you. Whether you’re joining your first group fitness class, volunteering to weed the gardens, or just stopping by for a cup of coffee and some conversation—we’re glad you’re here.

Thanks for practicing with us.

See you at the WCY.

Russell Werkman,

WCYMCA CEO