A Space to Breathe
New Mural Transforms Camp Grom's Adaptive Room into the Chartway Chill Zone
A pair of smiling sea turtles now welcomes children into the YMCA at JT’s Camp Grom's adaptive room, thanks to a new mural created by Hampton Roads artist Troy Summerell, better known as OnieTonie.
Funded by Chartway Promise Foundation, the mural transforms the space into the Chartway Chill Zone, creating a warm and welcoming environment where children can take a break, regulate their emotions and return to activities feeling ready to participate. The adaptive room is a sensory-friendly space designed to support campers who may become overwhelmed or simply need a quieter environment before rejoining the fun.
For Summerell, the project represented exactly the kind of work he hopes to do.
"I wanted to put something up these days that my kids are proud of," he said about painting the mural. "Life's hard enough as it is. I really feel like trying to make a positive difference with this stuff is kind of my purpose."
That philosophy has made OnieTonie one of Hampton Roads' most recognizable artists. His colorful, optimistic murals have become a familiar sight throughout the region, bringing smiles to schools, neighborhoods and public spaces. While his work is instantly recognizable, Summerell says the art itself has never been the end goal.
"It's less about the art for me," he said. "It's about taking something and adding some color and positivity to it. Putting something like this in a room that helps kids is exactly the kind of work I want to do."
The project was a natural fit for JT's Camp Grom, where every aspect of the campus is designed to help children of all abilities feel welcome, supported and included.
"The space will provide a welcoming, engaging and inclusive environment where children can learn, play and thrive," said Michele Catalano, Chief Development Officer for the YMCA of South Hampton Roads. "We believe the artwork's vibrant and uplifting nature creates an inspiring atmosphere for the children and families who utilize the room."
Sam Smith, Executive Director of the YMCA at JT's Camp Grom, said the mural reflects the camp's commitment to creating spaces where every child feels like they belong.
"Every detail at Camp Grom is designed with our campers in mind. The Chartway Chill Zone gives children a place to pause and reset when they need it, and OnieTonie's mural fills that space with joy. We're incredibly grateful to Chartway [Promise Foundation] for making this possible."
The mural took approximately 30 hours to complete and was the first concept Summerell proposed for the space.
"I was stoked because this is the first thing that I proposed," he said. "I thought it was a great design for the space, and I wanted to do it."
The hand-painted mural now greets every child who walks into the Chartway Chill Zone, adding another thoughtful touch to a space designed with inclusion in mind.
The YMCA of South Hampton Roads extends its sincere thanks to Chartway Promise Foundation for making the project possible. Their investment has helped create a space where children can feel safe, supported and inspired, one that will serve Camp Grom campers for years to come.
