Breaking Barriers: Reflections from Campacity Germany

By Bobby Thomas, Executive Director, YMCA Camp Cullen

Recently, I had the honor of attending my third YMCA Campacity event—this time in Germany. What began just a few years ago as a small gathering in Volo, Illinois, has grown into an inspiring international initiative, thanks to the leadership of Y Europe. The goal? To build stronger, more impactful camps by sharing knowledge, fostering global partnerships, and learning from one another—so we can reach more youth, in more meaningful ways, around the world.

While much of the trip was spent in thoughtful, collaborative conversations with YMCA leaders from 16 different countries, it was the beginning of the experience that left an especially deep impression.

A Powerful Visit to the Berlin Wall

On our first day, YMCA Germany staff guided us through the remains of the Berlin Wall. We spent hours reading, learning, and reflecting. The experience was so moving, I returned the next day to continue processing what I had seen and felt.

I couldn’t stop thinking about the concept of walls—not just physical ones, but the emotional and social barriers that divide people, limit potential, and keep individuals from feeling like they belong. That reflection stayed with me throughout the trip and continues to shape how I see our work at YMCA Camp Cullen.

Camp as a Bridge, Not a Barrier

In 1989, the world witnessed the fall of the Berlin Wall—a powerful symbol of division, fear, and separation. When that wall came down, it wasn’t just concrete that crumbled. A mindset shifted. It was proof that barriers, no matter how imposing, can be overcome.

At YMCA Camp Cullen, we may not be tearing down physical walls, but every single day we work to break through invisible ones—walls built from fear, self-doubt, past trauma, and social exclusion. We believe camp is more than a place—it’s a bridge. A bridge between backgrounds, between “I can’t” and “I did,” between isolation and connection.

That belief drives everything we do. Our team works year-round to eliminate barriers to accessing camp—offering more than $750,000 in financial assistance annually, and constantly finding new ways to make activities more inclusive and welcoming.

But some of the most profound barriers are the ones campers bring with them.

What Happens When Walls Come Down

Every summer, we see young people arrive with invisible walls—uncertainty, fear, or voices in their heads telling them they don’t belong. But something incredible happens at camp. Through shared experiences, encouragement, and a community that genuinely sees and believes in them, those walls start to come down.

Sometimes, it’s a camper who’s afraid of the water but finds themselves paddling confidently across the lake. Other times, it’s a teen volunteer who once thought, I have nothing to offer, only to discover they can make a real difference. Or maybe it’s a young staff member realizing that leadership isn’t about standing above others—it’s about walking alongside them.

These moments don’t just create memories—they build confidence, connection, and a stronger sense of self.

Why This Work Matters

The barriers young people face—whether due to circumstances, self-perception, or lack of access—are real. But they are not permanent. With encouragement, opportunity, and belonging, they come down. Brick by brick. Moment by moment. And what’s on the other side? A world of growth, connection, and possibility.

That’s why YMCA Camp Cullen exists: to create a space where everyone belongs. Where every camper, every volunteer, and every team member can show up fully and authentically—and be met with open arms.

Because in the end, our work isn’t just about programs or facilities. It’s about breaking barriers and building bridges. One human. One life. One moment at a time.