Sometimes, something small can turn into something incredible.

Two years ago, the YMCAs in Boothbay and in Damariscotta began working together toward program development. In doing so, there has been an increase in services. Both YMCAs have been able to offer more to strengthen the communities they serve.

The Boothbay Y has a strong lacrosse program and there wasn’t one in Damariscotta. Instead of starting a new program at the CLC Y, the YMCAs partnered and regional, competitive teams were formed for both girls and boys.

Competitive gymnastics is a strong suit at the CLC Y. However, the Boothbay Region Y didn’t have a program. In healthy partnership both YMCAs agreed to extend member rates to the Boothbay folks and allow them to join the program in Damariscotta.

Likewise, the Boothbay Y extended member rates to Y members from the CLC YMCA to take swim lessons and join the Y Dolphin Swim Team as the CLC Y doesn’t have a pool. From there the collaborative spirit grew.

In the fall of 2013, the Boothbay Y contracted with the CLC Y, and tennis once again began to thrive at the Boothbay Y under the leadership of CLC Head Pro Lisa Gilbride. In addition, Boothbay Region YMCA Y-Arts Director Emily Mirabile provided Y-Arts programming at the CLC YMCA.

Most recently, volunteers and staff from both YMCAs have developed a Camp Strategic Plan. This summer nearly 60 summer campers at the CLC YMCA have spent days in Boothbay on Y Camp Knickerbocker’s 60 acres of woods, trails, play space and waterfront.

Last week, the board of directors at the Boothbay Region YMCA and the Central Lincoln County YMCA agreed to commission a task force to explore and evaluate further sharing of resources, services and programs.

The task force comprises members of both boards of directors with a simple goal in mind: to strengthen the communities of both YMCAs while enhancing services that focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility today and into the future.