The Off-Season work continues at Camp Wa Wa Segowea!

The work does continue at Camp Wa Wa Segowea and that includes more work on the Property Directors house. Norm is taking on the task as he similarly did the other buildings in camp, by taking a different look at them, compiling a plan, restructuring them, and then going to work.

The main tasks for the autumn at camp are bringing in the swim docks, the log and everything else to protect it from the winter season. Usually there's a few main projects to work on as well. But due to the severe lack of funds and the tremendous amount of work already done in the spring, there's not been a lot we can do. Thanks again to the Page Lumber donation, Norm can work on his house. They've already "raised the roof" and slowly but surely will continue to work on it. The work weekends are over, but Norm can always use the help, even during the week.

This past weekend was a work weekend as well as the Smith Park Board meeting. It was a little chilly in the dining hall for the meeting, but with a nice fire, we made it through. We got some work done (pictures below) and had the chance to enjoy the foliage. Thanks to Dianne for making dinner!

Look soon for news on a Wa Wa Event coming in November!

Board members Amy and Darlene and Lily discussing which task to complete first!

Tom and Norm bringing the log in.

It hasn't been that far on shore in awhile!

Gathering the wood cut down by the logger.

Tom positively enjoying his work!

Jeff and John on cleanup duty.

Burning the small stuff in the dining hall fireplace.

This rock's got to go!

Norm says we can pull it out!

And with a little help...

.. we can! and do.

We leave no stone unturned!

A little passed peak foliage, but still a nice looking cabin row.

The outpost looking pretty.

From the corner of the lodge porch.

Taken before we brought in the docks, of course!

Offseason work at Camp Wa Wa Segowea getting done!

The revitalization of Camp Wa Wa Segowea continues! It's a busy time at camp this fall as big projects and little projects are being worked on. There's still time to help as next weekend is another work weekend! The leaves are changing and it's a beautiful time to be up at Wa Wa. Won't you join us?

One of the biggest projects this fall is getting the Property Director's home rebuilt. The house was built back in the seventies, was the first cabin for the female campers and now it needs some work! (It's the first building you see when entering camp) Thanks to a very beneficial credit/donation from the Page family (of "Page Lumber" in Poughkeepsie, NY), we can get a lot accomplished with this project. We couldn't do it without our friends!

Another friend helping out is Richard Thomas, whose family has long been associated with Camp Wa Wa Segowea. Through his donation, we were able to get a professional (Cliff White) come in and take down a few trees that were precariously close to falling on the new Beacon/Bathroom/Shower House. Thank you very much Richard and Cliff! (see pictures below)

October 16th and 17th (next weekend) is a work weekend and we can really use your help! Come see what's been done already and lend a hand on the new projects. Seeing the fall foliage is a bonus! Let Property Director, Norm Button know you're coming- 413-229-9110 or nbutton@cdymca.org.

Volunteer Dave working on the roof.

Tom and Connor also working on the roof.

Mission accomplished.

Even I make it to the roof!

The tree cutter getting ready to climb.

Wasting no time in getting up there.

No it's not the bear, it's Cliff!

Can you spot him?

He reaches the top!

Pulling up the chainsaw...

...and lowering down the branch.

Nice spot for a seat.

As he climbs down, he cuts.

Branches are done, now for the trunk.

As the tree sways, Cliff maintains his balance.

Richard sweeping the debris off the Beacon roof.

And the wood gets piled up! Thanks again Richard and Cliff!

First Fall Work Weekend/Smith Park Meeting a success!

Thanks to all that attended and participated in the first fall work weekend for camp of 2010! The weekend also included the Smith Park Annual meeting where we welcomed in two new board members, Amy M. and John W. They both have been involved with camp for years and are a welcome addition to the board. Congrats to Amy and John! As it was a work weekend, we managed to get some work done too! This included some painting of cabin doorways as well as trim on the Beacon. The big project however for the weekend was pulling in the docks which is always an adventure! Anchors were pulled and slowly but surely all docks made it to the shore. With some maneuvering, the log was brought in as well. We even managed to get some work done on Sunday with cleaning up and moving and storing many kitchen items in the walk-in cooler (to protect them from the animals seeking a home for the winter). Thanks again to all that pitched in! Here's a few pics from the weekend.

Work getting done-

Beacon window sills freshly painted!

Beacon Doorway before

Beacon doorway after.

Beacon Shower doorway before.

Beacon Shower doorway after.

All hands on dock! or Rowing in the docks!

A different kind of Tug-A-War? No- just bringing in the log for the winter.

Tom lending a hand.

Always time for fun!

Amy, Lisha and Sarah doing the Dock Dance!

Minna going for a quick swim across the lake (with Mike guarding).

Of course we're spelling out YMCA!

More spelling- This time it's ? (put your guesses in the comments!)

If you missed this weekend and you want to help, there's a couple other weekends where your help is still needed! The weekends of October 2nd 3rd and October 9th & 10th are Camp work weekends, so mark them on your calendar. If you are unable to come on those weekends but can come during any week (while weather still permits), please contact Property Director Norm Button at 413-229-9110 or nbutton@cdymca.org. He can always use the help! If you'd still like to assist, but can not make it out to camp, please consider some financial assistance! Checks or pledges can be made out to Camp Segowea and sent to YMCA Camp Wa Wa Segowea 1872 Pilot Knob Road, Kattskill Bay, NY 12844. Thanks!

Camp Wa Wa Segowea First Fall Work Weekend!

With the summer season behind us, it's time to get back to work! With the kids gone, the dogs are missing everyone and some new residents have moved in.

It is time now for the fall work weekends. The first work weekend is this weekend, September 18th & 19th and the other two are in October, on the weekends of the 2nd and 9th. If needed and the weather holds, we might even have another in later October (and able to see the full peak of fall foliage at camp!)

Property Director Norm Button says the main projects for this work weekend are actually finishing ones already started. He's already been working on the Beacon (painting) and finishing off fixing a cabin roof. The projects for this weekend involve some painting, completing the restoration of a couple more cabin roofs and general cleanup work. He also has a list of new projects if we have time. Won't you join us? If you are interested, please give Norm a call at 413-229-9110 or email him- nbutton@cdymca.org. We'll have plenty of work to do so you can come Saturday or Sunday (or just stay over!).

The newly painted Beacon.

Some of the work that needs to be completed- painting the trim!

The refurbished roof on Arapaho cabin.

Also this weekend is the Smith Park Annual Meeting at 2pm on Saturday the 18th. We'll have some lunch prepared, so why not make a day of it? If not this weekend, there's the other two (or 3) in October. We can always use your help!

Camp Wa Wa Segowea re-opening making the news!

The September issue of the New Marlborough Village News featured the front page story of the "Comeback of Camp Segowea"! Written by Jon Swan, it includes a brief recap of Segowea's history as well as what had to happen for re-opening. It even has a few pictures, mentions of the local officials that helped and quotes from Camp Director Stuart Schultz. Copies of the article will be mailed out to you (if you're on the mailing list!) but in the meantime, here's the link for the article-

http://newmarlborough.org/NM5VN%20Sept2010LR%20.pdf

If you're not on the mailing list, please let me know! Email me at bruns.mike@gmail.com.