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Energizing Communities: Our Partnership with the YMCA in Ohio

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Jane Harf

Jane Harf, Community Coordinator Consultant

 
 
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At National Grid Renewables, we believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back. That’s why we make it our mission to truly become a part of the places in which we work. This past summer, our collaboration with the YMCA of Lancaster and Fairfield County, Ohio, was a shining opportunity to act as a member of the community and lend a hand to those who provide so much for so many.

By supporting local families and sharing our passion for renewable energy, we had the chance to spark curiosity about solar power while sustaining programs that make a difference.

Supporting Local Families Through YMCA Programs

The YMCA is a cornerstone of the Lancaster and Fairfield County community. While many may think of the YMCA as a place for fitness and recreation, it provides so much more—from childcare to family programs and educational opportunities. One of its standout offerings is its summer camps, which provides a safe, nurturing environment for kids of varying ages and relieves some of the burden on parents who continue to work through the summer months.

This year, National Grid Renewables donated to the YMCA’s summer camp program, helping to fund lunches for the campers and provide additional safety equipment. These funds help the YMCA enhance the services it provides to families throughout the region.

Kid with hard hat and glasses

Connecting with Campers: A Lesson in Solar Power

One of the most memorable aspects of our partnership was getting a chance to meet some of the campers. Chris Snider, a National Grid Renewables developer and I delivered an interactive presentation on solar power to a group of middle school campers, creating an engaging experience for everyone involved.

We brought large visual boards to explain how solar power works—from sunlight hitting the panels to energy being converted to electricity. We also handed out data sheets showing solar power statistics for Ohio, helping to give the kids a better sense of the scale and impact of renewable energy. To make it a little more fun, we brought our signature “swag” hard hat squeeze balls as prizes for answering various trivia questions about our presentation correctly—which the campers loved.

“The session wasn’t just about explaining solar energy; it was about sparking a sense of possibility.”

A Field Trip to Yellowbud

Taking our demonstration of renewable energy a step further, we also had the privilege of inviting the same class of campers to our Yellowbud solar facility for a firsthand look at renewable energy in action.

The tour provided a deep dive into the ins and outs of a large-scale solar farm. The kids explored the administrative building where they learned about the technology behind solar panels. Out in the field, they were able to witness the vast scale of the operation and saw how the panels rotate to follow the sun to maximize energy capture.

“It was wonderful to be able to provide the kids with an opportunity to explore the site and see the possibilities of renewable energy up close and in person.”

Building Connections for the Future

Working with the YMCA has been a tremendously rewarding partnership, and we’re already discussing how we can expand our involvement next year, like creating interactive activities tailored for younger children to make solar power concepts more accessible and fun for all ages.

“It’s inspiring to see how the YMCA serves young people and supports families in our communities. Its programs—from summer camps to preschool to family activities—create a space where kids and families can thrive. We’re proud to support its mission.”

Our work with the YMCA is one of the many ways we strive to uplift the communities we serve. We feel lucky to be a part of this journey and can’t wait to see what’s next.

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