President's Message 2010

Hello Alums,

Hello fellow alums,

I’m delighted to be continuing this year as the 2010 President of the Camp Chingachgook Alumni Association. I’ve been involved with camp in some capacity (as a camper, staff, and alumni) for over 30 years. My camp code is: 78, 4, 4. If you 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 things have never been better at YMCA Camp Chingachgook. A new bridge over Butternut Brook is under construction in the girls unit, the girl’s KYBO had a remodel and an addition; it looks like a barn with a top floor being used for much needed maintenance storage. The Phelps Farm program continues to develop, new administration offices will be added below the dining hall, and we’re awaiting dock permits for the construction of a new, handicap accessible dock.

Chingachgook Alumni also offers financial aid to nearly 2,000 kids each year through the Reach out For Youth scholarship fund. Each year the Alumni Association support ensures each camper goes home with a commemorative patch of their time at camp. With alumni help, the YMCA has invested over $4 million to improve the programs and facilities at Chingachgook in the last 20 years.

Most recently your alumni dollars finished Baxter Park which was dedicated in August 2009. What a place! If you haven’t seen it, come to camp and play some ball. Summer Camp Director, Aaron Cantor, is so happy to have the field and always talks about how much the kids love it. Thanks again to all of you who were a part in seeing this vision, in memory of George Baxter, come true.

The Alumni Council has been planning ‘friend-raisers’; local alumni gatherings to get and keep folks in touch with camp. This October we had one at the home of Harry Gray in Boston. On February 27th we’re going to Ski GORE Mountain and socialize in the Northwoods room. An event in the spring in NYC is in the works so keep an eye out for more information. We’d like to have more ‘friend-raisers’, are you interested in hosting one in your area?

Please check out the 2010 plan of Plan of Action on the website but here are a few of our goals for 2010:
• Meet our membership and budget goals so we can best support camp;
• Continue our Waterfront Development Plans;
• Plan camp’s 100th anniversary in 2013;
• Enhance the alumni website. (The website can be accessed at www.chingachgook.org and clicking on the Alumni Association logo).
• Produce the Buck Mt. Bugle in early March.

I hope to see you at one of the Alumni Sponsored 2010 Reunion Events:
• Annual Winter Staff Reunion, Camp Chingachgook, January 2, 1PM
• Over 75 staff attended and enjoyed a winter day at camp.
• Ski GORE Mountain, February 27th
• Please join us for a great slide show and appetizers. You should have received a flyer by e-mail, if not, please contact the camp office.
• Annual Work Weekends, Camp Chingachgook, April 24-25, November 6-7
• Friend-raiser in NYC, TBA
• Annual Summer Alumni Reunion, Camp Chingachgook, July 31
• Annual Winter Staff Reunion, Camp Chingachgook, January 8, 2011

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. We hope you will join us for some of the celebrations we have planned.

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 so much to you. Won’t you please join us in helping out our 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