Last week, YMCA Calgary welcomed 33 youth to Camp Lombo, a summer day camp experience hosted by Calgary Flames forward, Ryan Lomberg. Held from August 12 to 14, the camp gave young people of Southern Alberta First Responders a chance to enjoy three mornings full of sports, games, and connection.
“I wanted local first responders to feel appreciated and to know their kids are being taken care of, just like how they take care of our kids,” says Lomberg. “All I want to get out of the kids is just a few hours a day where we come together to play games, laugh, and just have a good time.”
The camp offered a mix of activities led by Lomberg and YMCA staff, splitting participants into two age groups—6 to 9 and 10 to 13. While Lomberg led sessions in ice hockey, flag football, and ball hockey, YMCA staff guided youth through soccer, dodgeball, and capture the flag, ensuring a safe, fun, and memorable experience for everyone.
“Seeing the kids’ reactions to the NHL players like Ryan Lomberg and Justin Kirkland was such a heartwarming experience, especially when their eyes get all so big when they see them come in,” shared Sam Auger, head skate instructor and day camp counsellor. “This experience really put a smile on a lot of the kids’ faces and showed how much of an impact the Flames have on the community.”
Throughout the three mornings, participants built new skills, strengthened friendships, and had the unforgettable experience of learning from someone they admire in a supportive community environment. From on-ice instruction to dodgeball and capture the flag, every activity gave campers a chance to laugh, play, and grow together.
“To be able to have Camp Lombo here at Brookfield Residential YMCA with amazing staff, volunteers, and sports programming provided by the YMCA has been incredible,” said Lomberg. “Being an NHL player is a big responsibility, and I hope that I can continue doing these types of things for years to come.”
Thank you to Ryan Lomberg, the Calgary Flames Foundation, and to our dedicated staff and volunteers who made Camp Lombo possible. Your support and collaboration helped create an inspiring, fun, and memorable experience for our community.
Youth can continue to have fun into the school year through the Calgary Flames Grade 6 YMCA Membership. Thanks to the Calgary Flames Foundation, all grade 6 students can receive a free 13-month YMCA Calgary membership with access to sports, fun activities, and more. Click here to learn more about Calgary Flames Grade 6 YMCA Membership.