YMCA Camp Chingachgook - Alumni Association

Hello fellow Alums,

Another year is upon us and I’m delighted to hold the title as the President of the Camp Chingachgook Alumni Association again in 2011. 

For over 30 years, I’ve been involved with camp in some capacity.  I began as a camper, an aide, and then moved on to become a staff member.  I spent my staff years working in the Program Office; first as a Peon, Assistant Program Director and finally Program Director.  Presently, I’m a proud alumnus.  My camp code is: 78, 4, 4. For those who need a refresher, my first year was 1978; I spent four years as a camper and 4 years on staff. 

I am proud to report we’ve had continued success at YMCA Camp Chingachgook.  As YMCA Camp Chingachgook continues to grow, so do our goals and initiatives.  We have set the 2011 Plan of Action and we’re excited to accomplish our goals.  The plan can be found on the website, but here are a few of our goals for 2011: 

• Meet our membership and budget goals to best support camp;
• Support a Capital Campaign for:
  • Waterfront development
    • New waterfront headquarters building w/ YKNOT accessible deck.
    • The Steve Draper memorial trail, benches and gazebo.
  • Restoration of Cedar Lodge (the infirmary).
• Plan Camp Chingachgook’s 100^th anniversary in 2013;
• Look out for a book and DVD to commemorate this milestone.
• Launch the new Camp Chingachgook alumni website.
• Produce the Buck Mt. Bugle in early April/May.
• Continue the Phelps Farm program.

 I’m most excited to report the progress of the waterfront and to watch the development in 2011.  Permits and approvals are in for the construction of a new handicap accessible deck and waterfront headquarters structure.

 Chingachgook Alumni continues to offer financial aid to nearly 2,000 kids each year through the Reach out For Youth scholarship fund.  Please consider supporting our efforts at http://www.cdymca.org/give/rofy.aspx.

 With alumni help, the YMCA has invested over $4 million to improve the programs and facilities at Chingachgook in the last 20 years.  Let’s see those numbers grow!

 We’d like to have more regional ‘friend-raisers’ to keep past and present alumni connected to camp.  Are you interested in hosting one in your area?  Please drop me a line if you are interested or set something up and we’ll help spread the word.

 We hope you will join us for some of the alumni sponsored celebrations in 2011:

• Annual Winter Staff Reunion, Camp Chingachgook, January 8, 1PM
• Over 75 staff attended and enjoyed a winter day at camp.
• Please join us for a great slide show and appetizers. 
• Annual Winter Staff Reunion, Camp Chingachgook, January 7, 2012
• Ski GORE Mountain, March 5th
• Annual Work Weekends, Camp Chingachgook, April 23-24, November 5-6
• Friend-raiser in NYC, TBA
• Annual Summer Alumni Reunion, Camp Chingachgook, July 30

The Alumni Association has a lot to be proud of and a lot to celebrate.  We will continue worthwhile projects at camp and continue to reach out to more alumni that have a heartfelt connection with Chingachgook.  

With alumni help, we can pass Chingachgook from one generation to another, stronger and healthier than ever before.  It is a legacy worth preserving – and one that depends upon the accomplishments each one of you has helped us to achieve.  Give back to the camp that gave you so much. Won’t you please join us in helping Camp Chingachgook?  Your involvement through time or money is greatly appreciated. 

I hope to see you at a Chingachgook event SOON!

Deborah Katz

President

Camp Chingachgook Alumni Association

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