Camp Curtin Y

Let me give you a little history lesson:

During the American Civil War, over 300,000 soldiers passed through Camp Curtin, making it the largest Federal camp during the Civil War. The camp officially opened on April 18, 1861, and was named in honor of the Governor Andrew Curtin. Harrisburg's location on major railroad lines running east and west, and north and south made it the ideal location for moving men and supplies to the armies in the field.

- Wikipedia

Camp Curtin in my context, the YMCA at Camp Curtin. Three weeks ago I got this brilliant idea of checking out the YMCAs in my area. Workouts in my apartment gym were getting boring. That's when I discovered Camp Curtin Y, it is in a ghetto neigbourhood in a predominantly african american neighbourhood. And I was pleasantly surprised. It is housed in a building built in 1901 yet the gym is very modern. It reminded me of the rec center at school. There is also a Sauna, a steam room and a swimming pool. Not only that three days a week there is this aerobics class. And since I joined two weeks ago, I am there religiously everyday after work. The hour and a half I spend there is the most relaxing time of the day. The aerobics session is awesome, every session is different and the instructor is motivating and has been in the profession for more than 20 years. The gym is pretty good too, finally I get to do the elliptical. Its my favorite machine. I am yet to try the pool. Hopefully next week.

I am also hoping to volunteer there, maybe tutor kids. Filled out an application. That application was so long. There was background check, criminal history check...the whole nine yards. At one point I thought why bother. But then all the "Law and Order SVU" and MSNBC's "Catch the predator" put things in perspective. These elaborate checks are justifiable inconvenience if thats what it takes to keep kids safe. Hope I can inspire and help a few kids do better in school. It would be so special.