YMCA Camp Wa Wa Segowea Happenings!

It happens every year.  Spring arrives, and signs of life begin to take shape at camp.  The buds on the trees, the spring peepers, the May flies come out and the annual arrival of the mountain laurel is sure to happen any day.  And people start coming to camp!  Work weekends and Open Houses happen.   People from the local area pop in to say hello. The weekends fill up quickly with events and get togethers and before we know it, summer has arrived and camp has officially begun!

That's where we are right now in the middle of all that!  The 4th Annual Wally Waddle took place (which was a great success!)   We've had couple of Open Houses and Work Weekends in April and May with more to come in June.  And this year we even have a June wedding happening at camp!  

These are all building up to what we think will be the best summer!   We are celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Camp Wa Wa Segowea this year, "A Century of Community" with a Reunion happening on August 3rd and 4th.    More info on the reunion can be found HERE.  And of course why Camp Segowea is here in the first place and that's for Summer Camp!  The first day of camp for the 2013 summer season takes place on June 30th.   For the full summer schedule of session for camp, click HERE.

Here's the rest of the Spring Schedule:

June 8th, Work Day

June 9th- Work Day (Morning)  + Open House

June 15th- Wedding

June 30th- First Day of camp!

Yes, the Wa Wa Wally Waddle was a success!  For the 4th straight year, runners and walkers came to Vassar Farms in Poughkeepsie to raise money for scholarships for children to go to camp.  Thanks to all the sponsors, the volunteers and participants that came out on a pretty cloudy day!  Here's a few highlights-

We also want to thank all the volunteers that came out for the Work Weekends.  This past weekend, we did some general cleanup, worked on the camp directors roof and also worked on the refurbished basketball court at the top of the hill.  We want to thank the wonderful members of the Leo Club from Spackenkill High School (Natalia, Emily, David, Karrie, Andre and Adam their advisor) as well as the Dee Family, Steve and some board members, all volunteering their time.  We couldn't do it without you guys!  Here's just a few pictures:

One last item for this post and that is if your child is interested in attending camp this summer, there's a few ways to save!  There's a discount for a 2nd child, there's referral credits and a possibility of free day camp.  SImply visit the camp website for more info.  http://www.nwcty.org/wawa/wawa.htm

Also, if you sign up your child at the Camp Open House on June 9th, you'll get a discount as well!

See you at camp!

It's time for the 4th Annual Wa Wa Wally Waddle!

The 4th Annual Wa Wa Wally Waddle is happening!  It's a wonderful event as well as the largest fundraiser for YMCA Camp Wa Wa Segowea and it's taking place next Sunday, May 12th.   It begins at 7:30 am with Race Day registration taking place right up till 9:00 am.  At 9:30, the One Mile Kids run (for 13 and under) takes place, followed by the 100 yard Kids run at 9:45 (9 and under).  Both kids races are free, but you do need to register!  www.mhrrc.org

Then at 10:00 am, the main event begins.  Runners and walkers line up on the Vassar Farms Course and race for a few reasons.  The first, simply for the joy of running!  The Race is superbly organized by the Mid-Hudson Runners Club with great sponsors like MVP Health Care and others.  The course is a mostly flat closed dirt road with a closer look here.

A second reason is absolutely for the pies!  Where else can you win a pie for running?   Camp Segowea alumni get together for a Wa Wa tradition and bake some pies,  so instead of medals or trophies, we give these goodies to our overall male and female winners and age group winners!  (There's always more pies, and they're given as prizes in the post award free pie raffle, so it's worth sticking around!)

Lastly, and most important, the race itself is indeed the largest fundraiser for camp.  It's run by Camp Alumni and raises money so that Dutchess County children have an opportunity to go to camp.  In an interview last year, Josh Perks, race organizer  said "Camp should be credited for having a long-term positive impact on the lives of hundreds of Dutchess County residents since it opened in 1928." 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."

And of course, Josh is correct!  it's because of the Wa Wally Waddle and its walkers and runners that $10,000 has been raised to help kids have that unique Wa Wa experience.   Thank you all!

Thanks to all the sponsors this year too:  

MVP Health Care

Anthony C. DiLullo Financial Planner

Cold Moon Farm Bed & Breakfast

Mid-Hudson Oral Surgeons

Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club

Morris Associates Engineering

Roadkill Racing

Tubby's Bathtub Resurfacing

Zimmer Brothers Jewelers

Visit www.mhrrc.org to register online.

Here's a collage video from the past couple of years of the Wa Wa Wally Waddle!

Camp Wa Wa Segowea Spring Activities!

The snow is finally gone, and Harmon Pond is ice free as Spring has sprung here at camp!  Buds on the trees are aplenty, the sun is a little warmer these days and the May flies are not out yet, which we're grateful for!  Spring is also the busiest time of the year (next to summer of course) with many camp related events and happenings.   So in this blog post, we'll let you know all the camp goings on, as well as a little piece on a camp staple, Friendship Bracelets!

We just had our first Open House this past Sunday and it was a wonderful success!  We had many people come and visit, take a tour, visit with new and returning camp staff, enjoy the campfire and even make s'mores!  New Camp Director Josh Scott was on hand, chatting with many visiting parents and campers alike.  Overall, it was a great day!   If you wished you could have joined us, no need to worry!  The next Open House will take place May 19th from Noon to 3pm.   Here's a couple pictures from the Open House.

Perhaps you can't wait till then, and you want to lend a hand?  Why not join us for the first work weekend coming up soon on April 27th and 28th.  We'll be tackling large (Cabin roof) and small (water tank) projects and could use some help!  We can use some experience when it comes to the roofing project, but all kinds of help is appreciated, even if you can just stay for a few hours.  Dinner Saturday night and Breakfast Sunday morning will be provided.  Please let Josh know if you'll be coming- jscott@nwcty.org or 413-229-9110.

The highlight of our spring is the 4th Annual Wa Wa Wally Waddle! This 5k Walk/Run is coming up on May 12th and is once again, taking place at Vassar Farms in Poughkeepsie, NY.  The race continues to raise money for Dutchess County children to have the life-enriching experience of attending YMCA Camp Wa Wa Segowea.  We'll have more about the Waddle in an upcoming blog post.

It is with sadness that we relay the news of the passing of Camp Alum, Barrett Wyles Raymond.  Barrett died in a tragic accident while canoeing on the Hudson River last December.  Barrett's dad, Jeff Raymond who currently sits on the Smith Park Board for camp, shared the pictures below of Barrett.  Among Barrett's passions were sailing (he earned his captain's license from the US Coast Guard) and painting and his family and friends.  Our deepest condolences to the Raymond Family and to Barrett's many friends around the globe.

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                       Friendship bracelets. 

They begin as multi-colored thread, or yarn or beads or something you can string together, then woven and knotted around a friends wrist and lo and behold, you have a friendship bracelet!  It's often more time consuming than just that, but it's purpose remains the same at camp.  It's a symbol of friendship.   It's something so simple, yet intricate and often has a special meaning behind it.  The making of them does indeed take some skill, and some time.  One good thing though is they can be pretty inexpensive to make!     

According to braceletbook.com, knot-tying arts have developed independently in different parts of the world.  China, Arabia, Italy and France are all "tied" in to the knot tying culture.  However, friendship bracelets themselves became widely known in American culture in the 1960's and 70's.  Some say Guatemalans were the originators of the craft and others say Native Americans made the first ones.  What we do know for certain is the popularity of them at camp is always evident as year after year, someone always seems to be making one!  The tradition behind them is as such-  a bracelet is made and then placed on a friend, tying it at the wrist.  It is supposed to be worn until it falls off naturally, honoring the hard work that went into creating it.  Often both people give each other bracelets, creating that friendship bond forever.   Some too are made for wishing purposes, with the recipient making a wish when the bracelet is placed on his or her's wrist.  Then the bracelet wearer keeps the bracelet tied until it naturally falls off, when the wish will come true.  

So what makes them so popular at camp?   I asked several people and received the following responses- 

I like being able to look down at my arms and think of the different people that made them for me.

I LOVE making them and then giving them away!  It keeps me connected to all my friends. 

I love friendship bracelets, and having hundreds of them on my arms. I love how they look, and it's something everyone has at camp. But then back at home it's different and I have my own style with them, plus they remind me of camp.  However, I can't make them and I just end up tying a bunch of knots!

I also asked Peg Smith, CEO of American Camp Association, and here is her response- 

“Treasures brought home from camp, whether they be friendship bracelets or other arts and crafts projects, give physical form to what campers and families value from the camp experience — new activities tried, new friendships formed, new skills and confidence acquired. While social, emotional, and cognitive gains can’t necessarily be worn around the wrist or ankle, friendship bracelets can . . . and they serve as a reminder of the fun and learning that took place at camp.”

It is indeed a reminder of the fun and learning at camp and we'll likely see the popularity of them continuing this coming summer.  

In the meantime, if you're interested, here's a couple bracelet making tutorials online- 

http://snapguide.com/guides/make-friendship-bracelets-3/    and   

http://www.ohsoprettythediaries.com/2012/04/diy-fishtail-friendship-bracelet.html

And at least one website has such bracelets as their top sellers-  

http://www.maidennation.com/pages/designers 

Friendship Bracelets are the perfect camp souvenir and a fun project for any age.  They're a chance to show your creativity and at the same time, make that connection with the lucky recipient.   Time to start tying!

It's time to register for the summer at Camp Wa Wa Segowea!

The time to register for camp is now!  In exactly three months from tomorrow, children will begin exploring the outdoors once again at camp.  They'll try new activities, as well as brush up on some old skills.  They'll swim.  They'll sing some songs.  They'll learn a few things and they'll have a lot of fun!    But they need to register first!  

Why send your kids to Segowea?   All campers at Camp Wa Wa Segowea actively participate as part of a community, and are accepted for who they are.  They will experience new things, and receive plenty of guidance along the way.  They will make new friends and laugh often.  When it's time for choosing where to send your child to summer camp, a tried and true method is hearing what past campers had to say- 

"I like how everyone in my cabin became friends. Throughout the week, my cabin became my family."

"Wa Wa Segowea is an amazing experience.  It's a lot of opportunities to take advantage of."

The 2013 camp season starts on June 30th and goes till August 17th.  Session 1 is a one week session, and then is followed by 3-  2 week sessions.  Check out the full schedule here.

"The camp is beautiful, especially the chapel and the lake."

"I've never gone fishing before because I live in the city.  But I learned how here and caught three fish!"

                       "We all get to know each other really well."

                    "Camp Wa Wa is awesome, and stuff like that."

Camp Wa Wa Segowea is a traditional camp and has been for 100 years.  That means campers connect with nature and with each other.  It means skill classes of archery and arts & crafts are offered.  It means plenty of time for building friendships, exploring the nearly 500 acres on which the camp resides, and time for a boat ride or two.

   

                         "I love all the people here.   They make it what it is."

For the older kids, there's the Leader in Training (LIT) Program, where teens with the ambition to lead will spend parts of each day exploring and expanding their skills under the direction of experienced staff, with opportunities to put their new skills into action by assisting staff with our younger campers. 

                       "I really like this place.  Everyone has a smile on their face."

There's an "early bird discount" for those that register before April 15th.  See the full rates here.   For those that want to see the camp in person, visit us at the Camp Open House and Family Fun Day!  That will be on April 14th from 12:00-3:00 pm.  No reservations necessary. We're located at the end of Foley Hill Road in Southfield, Mass.  For directions, click here.   

                                 "I love how happy I am when I'm here."

So what's your child doing this summer? 

Register here! 

A little bit of everything here at Camp Wa Wa Segowea!

March is said to come in like a lion and go out like a lamb.  So as we're in the middle of the month, where does that leave us?  Half lion and half lamb?  That sounds about right as there's still snow on the ground, and the signs of spring are greatly anticipated.  Before we know it, the ice will be off Harmon Pond.  Buds will be on the trees, and the sound of children having fun will soon be upon us.   It's been a very active late winter/early spring for all involved with camp.  You could even say we're all busy as beavers!

Just like the beavers are hustling, building their home from the ground up, we are busy in developing what we believe is the best summer camp out there!    Smith Park and our partner, the Northwest CT Y,  are diligently strengthening every aspect of Camp Segowea.  The agreement between the two parties states "we will continue to collaborate on ensuring a successful and meaningful camp experience for generations to come".   We can't tell you how excited we both are to continue to offer this wonderful magical place to children, especially in our 100th Anniversary year!   

So what's happening now?  A lot!  First and foremost, registration for the summer is open! You can register online right now at  http://www.nwcty.org/wawa/wawa.htm  You can register for both Resident Camp and Day Camp on the site.  You can also contact the Camp Registrar,  Felice Axelrod at 860-489-3133 Ext 500 or wawa@nwcty.org if you have questions.    

2nd on our list of happenings is the Segowea 65!  It's in the 5th year now, having grown every year and raising over $2500 for camp.  It's the Men's NCAA Basketball Tournament and it's almost time to make your picks.  You'll be able to make your picks starting Sunday night, March 17th (when all the teams are finalized).  But make sure your picks are in by noon Thursday March 21st!    Everything is done online, so visit the Friends of Segowea site for all the info- http://www.friendsofsegowea.org/?p=325

Next up is our first Open House and Family Fun Day on Sunday April 14th from 12 Noon to 3:00 pm.  Camp Director Joshua Scott will be there.  There'll be tours of the facilities and you can take part in fun games and activities!  

Coming in May we'll have the 4th Annual Wa Wa Wally Waddle (May 12th) and in August, our 100th Anniversary Celebration- "A Century of Community" Reunion (Aug 3-4th), but we'll be telling you more about those in the next few posts.  

We want to thank those that came out on March 2nd to the Smith Park Annual Meeting.  At the meeting, we heard Chairman of Smith Park of New York, John Fisher give some opening remarks.  Treasurer Linda MacIsaac gave the finance report, Secretary Darlene Ward gave the governance report, and Vice President Mike Bruns gave the marketing report.  We then heard from Northwest Connecticut YMCA CEO Greg Brisco who introduced Jay Cohen, the Director of the YMCA Winsted Branch and new Camp Wa Wa Segowea Director Joshua Scott.  Greg, Jay and Josh all were very happy to be there and chatted with all who came. 

You could feel the excitement in the air as everyone was discussing camp!

Here's some pictures from that event.