Catching Up With CAT: WMCKA 2026

Welcome back to Catching Up With CAT, this is Fiinoh, and this week at CAT we traveled to Michigan for the WMCKA Symposium. Before the trip we spent a lot of time in meetings planning the kids program, packing gear, and talking about how to create an environment where the kids could have fun while also learning important leadership and teamwork skills. I think that preparation really showed throughout the week because the kids were able to step outside their comfort zones while still feeling supported and safe.

Throughout the week we coached the kids program, kayaked, went on scenic hikes, played games on the water, and even made a giant chalk walk and huge hopscotch course. One of my favorite parts was teaching the kids self rescues and then watching them grow confident enough to lead the group out on the water themselves. Seeing the kids encourage each other, be creative, and build confidence reminded me why CAT’s work is so impactful and why creating spaces like this for young people matters so much.

-Fiinoh