Monday Mission Update: Family Camp

November 4, 2019

As we have grown and had the privilege of serving so many more people, families and communities over the years, we’ve always known that our Y lacked a significant asset in carrying out our vision of measurably improving well-being and the value of the Y in the lives of families, individuals and communities throughout Central Maryland.

That asset, so simple but rare, is missing no more.  In the past several years, through partnerships with other great organizations, we’ve been able to avail the Y community of terrific outdoor camp spaces in northern Baltimore and Harford Counties, Camps Puh’tok in the Pines and Spencer, respectively.

The obvious primary usage of these beautiful outdoor environments has been summer camp, both day and residential camping opportunities for young people.  Being able to provide far more robust outdoor camp opportunities has really allowed us to extend our capacity for the youth to achieve a greater sense of well-being.  Now, we’ve taken the logical next step and have extended the opportunities to enjoy those camps to Y families as well. 

The recent "Halloween Family Camp Weekend" at Y Camp Spencer in Harford County is the proverbial tip of the iceberg.  To say it went well is an understatement.

Over 35 families enjoyed an absolutely gorgeous fall weekend complete with pony rides, archery, canoeing, crafts, a campsite decorating contest, a starlit viewing of the movie “Halloweentown,” and so much more! It was a healthy bonding adventure which most definitely strengthened those families who joined and created a larger community of people united by their spirit of adventure, fun and love of nature.

collage of families camping: horseback riding, campfire, archery, crafts

Some of the comments we received afterwards tell you all you need to know:

"Thank YOU for a wonderful weekend.  We had an absolutely amazing time!  Everything was so well organized, and Camp Spencer is such a great place with lots to do!  We truly had one of the most memorable and special experiences of our lives.  Thanks so much to your team for arranging this, and we will definitely be back in the future!" -Laura Smith and Family

"Thank you for having us! We had a wonderful time!" -Christi Hess 

"My son and I had a fantastic time at the camp. Ryan was an amazing host and the night exceeded my expectations." -Jeffrey Austin White

The Ryan referred to in the comment above is Ryan Novo, Director of Y Camp Spencer and Leaders' Club. Thanks to him and the team of Y associates who organized, implemented and promoted this imaginative new Y weekend event. I am thrilled we are adding the family camping adventure to our toolkit of well-being and community building opportunities and I appreciate the many Y associates whose hard work made it such a success. 

Look for a lot more of these opportunities in the future!

All the best,

John

John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland