John Bolding – More Than Volunteering

At the YMCA, volunteering is about giving your time and talents to strengthen our community and invest in the next generation. Through volunteer coaches and mentors, the Y creates spaces where values are passed from one generation to the next. John Bolding’s experience coaching alongside his dad, “P-pa,” is just one example of how YMCA volunteers help bring our mission to life.

P-Pa once coached John when he was a child, teaching him not only the fundamentals of the game, but also the values of teamwork and encouragement. “I learned the game from my dad,” John shared. “Now getting to coach my children with him has been really special.” For John, volunteering at the YMCA is about more than basketball it’s about giving back to a place that helps so many. “Volunteering is about being present and giving your time to children who will grow up to make a difference.”

For P-Pa, watching his son step into the role of coach has been just as meaningful. “Coaching John when he was young was something I’ll always remember,” P-Pa said. “Getting to now stand beside him and coach his children at the YMCA has been a blessing.”

Stories like John and P-Pa’s happen every day at the YMCA because of volunteers who step up and serve. Like John and P-Pa you too can make a difference. Whether it is coaching a sport, becoming a mentor, or teaching a child to swim, there are countless ways to serve and strengthen our YMCA family.