GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

YMCA camp offers many of the same benefits of a traditional camp, such as new experiences, skill building, a sense of community, and lasting friendships. However, the Y’s passionate summer day camp team makes Y camp second to none. Every day, our energetic summer camp crew works hard to give camp participants an unforgettable summer.  And, behind every great team, are great leaders.

Fearlessly leading the Morris Hospital YMCA’s summer day camp program, you will find Youth and Family Director Jordan Overton (pictured right) and Youth and Family Manager Maggie Fowler (pictured left.)

With the start of camp just a few days away, Jordan and Maggie’s amazing team of camp counselors are eager to welcome kids to camp! Get to know more about them in the Q&A below.

Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got started with the Y team?

Jordan: I have been working in youth programming, specifically in day camp and before and after school settings, for the past 15 years. For the last five years I have served as the Youth and Family Director in Morris and I have truly loved being part of this community. I have always been passionate about working with youth and creating fun, memorable experiences for them.

Maggie: I came back into the workforce in 2024 after taking some time off with two growing daughters at home. By assisting with Y summer camp,  I was grateful to find a way continue spending time around them while also enjoying a day-to-day work experience. I grew into enjoying the kids and families we work with, so I stayed on to work in the Y’s Kid Zone program. I started in my current role as Youth and Family Manager last winter and I’m so excited to begin my third summer at the YMCA! 

Q: Why do you have a passion for youth development work?

Jordan: I like helping young people grow in confidence and reach their potential. Being able to positively influence someone during such an important stage of life is very meaningful to me. I also believe our programs give kids a safe and supportive place where they can build friendships and discover new skills or activities they can continue to grow in.

Maggie: Watching kids grow is truly a blessing, they are creative, smart and resilient when providing them the supplies, skills and support to grow confidently. They will change and rule this world one day – we have to show them how. 

Q: What do you think makes YMCA summer day camp a special experience for kids? 

Jordan: I think YMCA summer day camp is a special experience because it gives kids a fun, safe, and supportive environment where they can try new things, build confidence, and make lasting friendships. We put a lot of thought into our activities and make sure we offer something that matches every child’s interests. Campers get opportunities to swimming four days a week and enjoy weekly field trips, which makes the experience even more exciting and memorable.

Maggie: I think it’s that we give kids the opportunity to be themselves. I see crafts come alive when children have the supplies to explore their artistic side. During gameplay, we encourage campers and camp staff to modify the rules when necessary to make sure everyone can play. It’s also important to see all the friendships that get renewed between children that might only be together at the Y because of summer camp. It’s so rewarding to have our local schools come together for camp.

Q: With summer camp right around the corner, what are some of the most exciting activities you have planned?

Jordan: I always enjoy planning our weekly field trips. Each year, I challenge myself to offer something new and exciting for the campers. The field trip I’m most excited about this summer is our onsite program with the Illinois Storm Chasers. They’ll be presenting interactive weather demonstrations for our campers, and I think it’s going to be a really fun experience.

Maggie: Each week brings a new theme for the campers and in Week 4 our theme will be ‘Celebrating the Decades’ for our YMCA’s Centennial Anniversary. That week will feature throwback costumes, STEM projects, crafts, and camper vs. counselor challenges.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do outside of the Y?

Jordan: I love spending time with my family – my husband, our two daughters, and our two dogs. We love playing outside, going for walks, and swimming in our pool. I also love reading.

Maggie: You will find me spending time with my husband and two daughters. If we’re not outside playing tag, we’re busy with the girls sports most weekends! I also like relaxing by diving into any and all Marvel movies. (Go web go!)

As a reminder, there is still time to register for YMCA Summer Day Camp at the Morris Hospital YMCA. Learn more and register today by clicking here.