For 100 years, YMCA Camp Wa Wa Segowea has provided a valuable camping experience for children. While at camp, kids become independent and learn to do things for themselves, perhaps for the first time in their lives. Their confidence and self-esteem grows immeasurably. They learn many new skills and improve on old ones. They connect with kids their own age as well as ones younger and older. They get to know every other person in camp from the camp director on down to the youngest camper. They essentially become part of the whole camp, not a part of a specific age or gender group. They participate in daily activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, boating and others. This all leads to the camper being exposed to group cooperation, respect and concern for the rights of others and the formation of good health and safety habits. In this, our 101st year, this rustic, traditional camp is proud that we are able to continue offering this experience for children. The time is now to register your child to truly enjoy this camp experience! Simply click HERE to see the camp website and register.
The trip up the camp road is much easier now then it was just a couple weeks ago. 99.9% of the snow is gone and the lake is no longer frozen which means summer is just around the corner! Be aware however, if you'll be visiting camp anytime soon either for the upcoming Fishing Derby, the Work Weekend, or the Open House (read more on those below), that the bridge on Canaan-Southfield Road is no longer a one lane road. The road itself is actually closed, right at Foley Hill Road (See photo below). There's plenty of detour signs however. For those coming from the Hartford or Winsted area on Route 44, directions are to continue on Norfolk Rd into Southfield, past the Fire Department and the Southfield Store. Go over the one lane bridge and take a Left onto Mill River-Southfield Rd. Follow this to the end and take a left onto Hadsell St. Then take a left onto Lumbert Cross Rd, then a left onto Canaan-Southfield Rd. From there, Foley Hill Rd. is right before the construction starts.
The fishing derby, called "Wa Wa Bait and Fish" is also happening very soon, in less than two weeks on April 26th! There will be raffle prizes, games & activities, a free BBQ lunch and a chance to win $10,000! We're grateful for our sponsors;
Founders Insurance Group
Kelly Services
The King of Covers, Inc.
Lombard Ford
Northwest Sporting Goods & Supply
Torrington Fish & Game Association
All proceeds help to raise funds for YMCA Camp Wa Wa Segowea scholarships. For those fishing, you do need to register and can do so HERE. Visit the website HERE for more info as well.
The following weekend, the first weekend in May is our first work weekend. As it's the first one, there will be plenty of cleanup to do and several fun projects available for all skill levels. We'll be repairing the tennis court cracks, staining Keller Cabin, rebuilding some stairs and some paths and trails and a few other projects. The cleanup includes raking, sweeping and general cleaning. We greatly appreciate your help for any period of time that you can offer on these endeavors. It will take place all day on Saturday May 2nd, and Sunday morning until noon time. You're welcome to stay over and enjoy the camp as well. Please RSVP to campwawasegowea@gmail.com. The work weekend ends at noon as we'll be having an Open House on Sunday! Come on May 3rd and meet some camp staff, take a tour of camp and get all your questions about camp answered!
It is with deep sympathies that we hear of the passing of a member of our camp family. Patricia Raymond Thomas (Patti) lost her 5 year battle with cancer on February 27th of this year. Patti was born in Poughkeepsie, NY and attended family camp in the 1950's as well as the Co-Ed camp that was run by Dean Temple in that same time period. Her family was recently seen in the home video shared with us and featured on the camp YouTube channel. Patti was involved with many organizations, including the Central Bucks Family YMCA in Doylestown, PA where she served as a board member. She was also honored "For Outstanding Service and Dedication" to the same YMCA.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends.
We're counting down the days (76 as of today!) till the summer season begins. In the meantime, here's a few pictures of what camp looks like this spring.
Spot the birds nests?
The docks are in the water. They now just need to be connected!
The boat dock area survived the winter very nicely.
The beavers, still hard at work.
The last remaining snow.
See you at camp!
