Camp Wa Wa Segowea Fall Happenings!

As you may or may not know, Camp Wa Wa Segowea and the Capital District YMCA have been in a three year contract, which resulted in the camp re-opening in 2010 and continuing to serve children for the summers of 2010 through 2012.  We worked together those three years to give many children the opportunity to truly enjoy a Segowea camping experience. Now that our contract period is coming to an end in December of 2012, the CDYMCA has let us know they have decided not to renew with us, as they are planning to concentrate their efforts on other programs. 

The Camp Segowea Board of Directors, which is Smith Park of New York and Massachusetts, have already begun plans for a transition to new management going forward.  Smith Park board members participated in a four-hour strategic planning session last weekend with an outside facilitator to explore the options before us and develop action steps and timelines for moving forward. We will be sure to keep you informed as things progress. 

We feel confident in telling you that Camp Wa Wa Segowea will be open next summer for its 100th Anniversary year, and we are excited for this new opportunity for growth in our heritage!

Should you have comments or questions, please email us at campwawasegowea@gmail.com.

Thanks always for your interest in Wa Wa.

Sincerely,

Chairman John Fisher &

Smith Park of New York Board of Directors: 

 Mike Bruns

 Elizabeth Carivan

 Wyeth Drummond

 John Dunn

 Lily Easton

 Lou Falk

 Tom Harvey

 Beth Hodos

 Linda MacIsaac

 Amy McPheeters

 Michael Page

 Jeff Raymond

 Darlene Ward

 John Witter

Smith Park of New York Mission Statement

The mission of Smith Park of New York is to ensure the continued existence of Camp Wa Wa Segowea. We will do this by maintaining financial and administrative support; as well as upholding the vision and goals of Camp Wa Wa Segowea. 

The first work weekend of the fall is also taking place coming up on the 22nd and 23rd of September.  If you plan on attending for the day, for the weekend, or even just a few hours, please let us know.  You can contact us at campwawasegowea@gmail.com or sign in to the Facebook "Work Weekend Event". 

http://www.facebook.com/events/101550603332764/  

All are invited to attend as there's plenty of work to do!   We need to bring in the docks and the boats, pack up the books for the reading corner, paint cabin floors, pack up kitchen items and many other projects.

YMCA Camp Wa Wa Segowea completes Session # 5!

We're rolling right along with summer time fun here at YMCA Camp Wa Wa Segowea!  Session 5 has been completed and the weeks keep getting better and better.  There's only 3 weeks of camp left and we have just a couple slots open for those last minute campers.  Give us a call today if you have a child wanting to attend camp!  413-229-9110.  

It was a couple days of rain here at Camp Segowea, but we still managed to hike over to Umpachene Falls and enjoy the cool waterfalls for an afternoon.  We packed a lunch and enjoyed some swimming and a few games and a little relaxation.  We took the bus back to camp later in the afternoon, and started to prepare for the overnight.  But due to inclement weather, plans were changed and an indoor talent show took place instead.  That's the beauty of having the main lodge that fits quite a few campers!  

Other activities that took place this week were more skill classes as well as the Egg Drop, Skits and the Closing Chapel (also held in the lodge due to weather!)  We've also had cabin time all summer long, occurring just before morning activity.  Each cabin stays together and does an activity ranging from taking a hike on the property to making a peanut butter and jelly house!  It give the cabin an opportunity to begin and continue those close relationships that form throughout the summer with their cabin.  

Here's the wrap-up of the week in pictures. 

It's Let's Make a Deal!

Opening Night Campfire.

Hike to Umpachene Falls.

VP of the CDYMCA comes to visit us.

Water Games at Wa Wa

It was a great week!

It's time for the the Wa Wa Wally Waddle!

Now in its third year, the Wa Wa Wally Waddle has been an enjoyable event where participants get some exercise, volunteers keep things moving and winners get pies!  Camp Wa Wa Segowea Alumni, Josh & Lisa Perks organize the event and for them, the process begins well ahead of the race itself.  They've been working for months getting race sponsors, marketing the race, organizing volunteers and with the help of the Mid-Hudson Roadrunners Club, run things on the day of the event.  And there's so much more that they do!    As busy as they are, Josh and Lisa were nice enough to take some time and answer some questions about the race and as they are both runners, some questions on running too.

The Wa Wa Wally Waddle, When is it happening?   Can you tell me about it?

Josh Perks- The Wally Waddle will be held on May 13th at Vassar Farms in Poughkeepsie, NY and is run primarily on a gently rolling dirt road. In keeping with Waddle tradition, instead of medals, ribbons or trophies, overall and age group 5k winners will be awarded fresh-baked pies. There will also be a free pie raffle after the award ceremony with your bib number serving as your raffle number. In addition to the 5k race, there will also be 2 free kids’ races: kids 13 and younger can race the 1 mile and  kids 9 and younger can do the 100 yard dash. The kids' races will be held 30 minutes before the start of the 5k.

You can visit www.friendsofsegowea.org for details.









Where is it taking place?

Vassar Farm in Poughkeepsie NY.
http://www.google.com/maps/placeq=Poughkeepsie+Farm+Project&hl=en&cid=10564089147325576554

When do you register? How do you register?

Josh- You can preregister by mail or online until Friday May 11th for $15.  After May 11th you must register on race day for $20
Online Registration https://www.mhrrc.org/MHRRCshoppingCart/RaceOrder.aspx
Mail-in Registration Form http://www.mhrrc.org/MHRRCuploads/raceFlyers/wallywaddle2012flier.pdf
 
What if it rains?

Josh- We get wet and have even more fun.  There is no rain date.

How many runners are there? Is there a limit on runners?

Josh- Last year there were 150 registered 5k runners and 30 kids who ran in the kids' races.  This year we expect those numbers to grow to 200 and 50 respectively.  There is no limit on participants, but t-shirts are limited to the first 100 registered 5k runners.

Can kids run in it?

Josh- Kids can run in any of the 3 races (5k, 1 mile and 100 yard dash)  The 1 mile is for kids 13 and younger and the 100 yard dash is for kids 9 and younger. Both kids' races are free. People of any age can run in the 5k if they can complete the distance--walking or running.

When do the kids run?

Josh- The kids races start 30 minutes before the 5K. 9:30 am 1 mile 9:45 100 yard dash 10:00 5k.

Who is this benefiting? 

Josh- All of the money raised by the Waddle goes toward providing scholarships for local children to attend YMCA Camp Wa Wa Segowea in the Berkshires. Segowea is located just an hour away from Poughkeepsie and should be credited with having a long-term positive impact on the lives of hundreds of Dutchess County residents since it opened in 1928. Camp Segowea was originally run by the Dutchess County YMCA and is now under the supervision of the Capital District YMCA.  The Segowea experience gently encourages kids to try new things that take them out of their comfort zone. Many first-time Segowea campers never swam in a lake, sang taps, ate wild blueberries, hiked several miles, danced the Time Warp, or transformed from stranger to friend in just a few days. Segowea creates a safe space for its campers to experience remarkable growth, learning about both self and others. Last summer 6 area children were able to attend camp Segowea on Wally Waddle scholarships. In its first 2 years The Wally Waddle raised over $5000 and we hope to raise that much again this year.

This year our sponsors are:

Babycakes Café
CAYA Restaurant & Café
Finnish Solutions
Molloy Pharmacy
Morris Associates Engineering Consultants PLLC
Roadkill Racing
Soul Dog Restaurant
Tubby’s Bathtub Resurfacing
Zimmer Brothers Jewelers

Thanks Josh!

And now, some questions on the actual running-
 
What makes you run? What's your motivation?

Josh:  I’m very competitive, and I seem to be pretty good at running.  There are all sorts of mental and physical health benefits to distance running but they are all secondary to me.  I’m all about the race.

Lisa: I like to run because I get to be outside and see more things than I would be able to do walking. I keep an eye out for birds and look at what's blooming. I recently saw a Great Blue Heron standing on a street light and also got a close look at a snapping turtle along my running path.

In a race, rather run on flat course or hills?

Josh:  It doesn’t really matter to me.  Everyone has to run on the same course.  If I’m going for a specific time I’d of course prefer a flat course but it is nice to mix it up.

Lisa:  I prefer a rolling course (like the Waddle) to have some variety.

Run in the back, middle or front of the pack?

Josh:  Most races I start on the front line.

Lisa: I'll try to be in the middle for the Waddle. I would like to win a mug this year, but I suspect those Mercogliano sisters are going to be tough to beat.

Run alone or with a partner?

Josh:  I do most of my training alone but once a week when doing longer runs (14-16 miles) I’ll run with some buddies.

Lisa:  I run by myself or with Hazel. She got to have her breakfast in the running stroller this morning. I'd say that's a treat.

What are you thinking about when you're running?

Josh:  When I’m out for a training run I think about all kinds of stuff.  Usually it is just day dreaming about winning the world series as the closer for the New York Yankees or something similar.  During races I am usually thinking about very specific race related issues like passing someone or not being passed.

Lisa:  My mind usually drifts If I'm in decent shape. If I'm not in good shape, I'll have to constantly coach myself to keep my legs moving.

What's the best part of running?

Josh:  Not being bombarded by media.  It is the only time during waking hours that I’m not exposed to TV, radio, the internet etc.  I could never imagine running with headphones!

Lisa:  Being outside (as long as it's above 20 degrees), and feeling like you accomplished something when you finish.

What's the worst part of running?

Josh:  Having to take time off from running because of injury or sickness makes me crazy.  I get very grumpy when I can’t run but luckily for my wife I rarely get hurt or sick.

Lisa:  He's grumpy enough with the running!  Getting back into shape and dealing with injuries is the worst for me.

Do you have a pre-race routine?

Josh:  I like to wake up at least 3 hours before the race and have a light breakfast.  That will usually be a cup of coffee and a bagel with cream cheese.  I get to the race an hour before the start and jog 2-3 miles to get warmed up.  Then I change into my racing shoes and singlet and do some short sprints to make sure my muscles are all warmed up.  I get to the starting line about 5 minutes before the gun and go through some last minute visualizations of how I expect the race to go.

Lisa:  I have cereal at least an hour before the race and I jog for about 10 minutes to warm up.

Thanks to Josh and Lisa for taking the time to do this!

Because of their hard work in marketing, that led to a great article in the Poughkeepsie Journal regarding the event!   Check it out here-

http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/article/20120419/SPORTS06/304190034/Players-Local-charity-races-provide-support-organizations-need?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CSports%7Cp&gcheck=1&nclick_check=1

For more info,  please visit the Friends of Segowea site-  www.friendsofsegowea.org

Camp Fundraising, Camp Registration, Camp Leadership and some Camp fun too!

It's heading into winter up at Camp Wa Wa Segowea which is usually the quiet time of year. Buildings are already closed and boarded up and supplies are stored away.  This year is no different, with the exception of the Nor'Easter that came in October!  We made it through however with no major damage and a few inches of snow.  Although Camp is quiet, Camp Happenings are just getting started!

The Official Camp calendar says it's still Autumn, so first happening is our Fall Fundraiser!  And this year, we're trying something brand new.  It's called "Sell Your Stuff For Segowea", and it's very easy to do!  Anyone can participate.  All you need is something that is cluttering up your living space!  Just pledge to sell one item that is cluttering up your home and donate the money to Camp Wa Wa Segowea.  Maybe you have some old books?  Used Electronics?  Vintage clothes? Sports Equipment? Use your creativity and sell, sell sell!  

So how would you do this?  We have a few ideas- 

1) Hosting a garage/Yard/Stoop sale

2) Taking your item(s) to specialty resale stores

3) If you're tech savvy- sell it on EBay or Craigslist!

Once you've decided what you'd like to sell, simply follow the schedule-

1) By December 1st, e-mail Camp Alum Sarah Mercogliano (smercogliano@gmail.com) your plan to participate. (I plan to sell _________ for Segowea.)

2) By January 15th, complete your sale and e-mail Sarah to let her know how much you raised.

3)  Mail your check (made out to YMCA Camp Segowea) to YMCA Camp Segowea; 1872 Pilot Knob Rd.; Kattskill Bay, NY 12844.

Any questions? E-mail Sarah. She already raised $100 by selling her old stuff at a stoop sale!

Second on the Camp Happenings List is the Calendar itself!  Just in time for the holidays, the 2012 Camp Wa Wa Segowea Calendar is ready for your purchase.   It features 12 all new pictures taken this year of camp and makes for a great stocking stuffer!  Each calendar is just $10 with $3 shipping.  As always, all proceeds go directly to Camp Wa Wa Segowea!    Get your calendar by going to the Friends of Segowea website- http://www.friendsofsegowea.org/ and look for the Buy Now button!  If you have questions regarding the calendars, send an email to calendars@friendsofsegowea.org.

Third on the Camp Happenings List is registering now for camp. The dates are set. All you have to do is determine which week or weeks are good for you.    Need an incentive to register now?  Well, if you register before December 15th (one month from today), you get a special limited edition YMCA Camp Wa Wa Segowea T-Shirt!  How's that for an incentive!  Register today-  http://www.cdymca.org/locations/CampWaWaSegowea/Home.aspx.  There's kids signed up already and they're getting the cool T-shirt.  How about you?

Number 4 on the list is the YMCA Camp Wa Wa Segowea Leadership Rally. It was held this past Saturday in Albany at the CDY office.  It was a chance to see some camp friends, hear about the past summer, and find out what's ahead.  It was highlighted with the recognition of a few volunteers being honored with Leadership Awards.   

First honoree was Alum Ed Harvey, who Kat Fitzpatrick described as "When the red truck is here, everything is okay" (Ed drives a red truck).  "Everything I ask of him, he was right there ready to do".  Ed continues to volunteer at camp and volunteered this past summer, first as an EMT, then heading up a very popular photography class for the kids.  Congrats to Ed!  

The second honoree was someone who George said "was involved with camp for a long time, started as a camp cook and has volunteered ever since".  I can verify this fact personally as he was referring to me!   I was (and am today) very honored to be recognized by a place that means a lot to me.  Camp became part of my life back in 1981 and will remain part of it forever.   I'm following many volunteers before me and more to come after me, by looking after the place I love and to share it with as many people as possible.      George referenced my assistance with the "social media", including this very blog as well as Facebook.  What he doesn't know is, it's just as fun to write and "take care of" as I hope people take away from it.   Thank you for the honor!

The final honoree was Alum Charlie Knauss, who unfortunately,  couldn't make it to the rally.   George described him as "A classy guy and a guy full of integrity".   Charlie attended the Leadership Rally last year, and heard what the camp needed and took it to heart.  He really heard the three things anyone can do to help camp.  The first was help get kids to camp by word of mouth, second was get scholarships for kids to go to camp and third was give money to the capital campaign.  Charlie heard these ways to help camp and then proceeded to tell the camp story to others,  including one person that opened the right door to get $50,000 towards camp!   He then took on another challenge, to raise money in his area for camp scholarships worth $5,000.   He accomplished that too!   He was a camper at Segowea back in 1941, and is still involved where the camp needs it, in 2011.  Pretty good for 70 years of involvement!   Congrats to Charlie!

Each person received a nice plaque and a custom made Segowea coat! 

Here's some Leadership Rally photos.

Some attendees first-

Lily tells us what Friends of Segowea has been doing.

John gives us the latest on Smith Park Corporation.

Kat presents the first Volunteer Leadership Award to Ed Harvey.

George presenting the next award to Mike Bruns.

The two of them together.

Award Winner Charlie Knauss (taken at last years rally)

Kat shows and models the limited edition T-Shirt given for registration prior to December 15th!

Wren is so happy with his shirt and can't wait till camp starts!

Lastly, with some camp fun, we participated in National Wear Your Camp T-Shirt Day, today November 15th!  We encourage all to model those wonderful camp t-shirts and show some Wa Wa pride!  Here's some more T-Shirt pictures taken through the years of Segowea.