A COMMUNITY
IN HARMONY
Frost Valley Life Celebrating Over a Century of Impact |
WINTER 2016
FROST VALLEY YMCA
| frostvalley.org
CELEBRATING OVER A CENTURY OF IMPACT FROM THE DESK OF JERRY HUNCOSKY CEO | Frost Valley YMCA
As we watch the snow melt, we begin the transition from one idyllic season at Frost Valley to the next. We pack away the cross-country skis so that the “Ski Barn” can again become a home to our horses as they prepare for another summer of building confidence in our campers through riding lessons. The snow tubing hill, once an exhilarating place for classmates to test their courage and bond by creating memories together, again sprouts ferns and wildflowers as spring returns. You and I know the physical changes that occur on our 5,500-acre camp are small matters compared to the transformations we are humbled to witness in the families and children that visit us each week. We watch teens take healthy risks on our zipline. School students discover the importance of maintaining a green planet as they hike through our woods, learning about the fragile and crucial ecosystem of the forest. Families relive long-held traditions, such as storytelling around a campfire or gazing at the stars together in the observatory – traditions that will be passed from generation to generation, creating everlasting bonds. And we wouldn’t have any of this without the support of exceptional individuals like you. Our donors, camper parents, loyal guests, trustees and staff all occupy vital roles in this vibrant Frost Valley community. Thank you for recognizing the value of the gift of a growth-filled summer at camp or of a busy family’s relaxing getaway in the Catskills. These are gifts that reach far beyond the sum of their parts. The kind and caring generosity of people like you is what makes Frost Valley so special.
Jerry Huncosky
2015 IN REVIEW January For the fourth year in a row, Frost Valley hosts the annual Northeast YMCA Camp Conference, which brings 317 professionals in the Y Camping movement to learn, grow, and connect.
February
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Frost Valley program instructors make their annual visit to Centerreach High School in Long Island to deliver our “No Room for Bullying!” curriculum that incorporates our 8 core values to help prevent bullying.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
THE LOSS OF A FRIEND
CHAIRMAN Robert B. Haines
REMEMBERING JIM KELLOGG
The loss of a friend is never easy, and especially hard when that friend has done so much good for children and families in need. At the start of the New Year, we learned with heavy hearts of Jim Kellogg’s passing, an ardent philanthropist who has supported Frost Valley for decades and whose joy in giving back to various communities was only surpassed by his love for his family. Jim passed away on December 31, 2015, but will remain in the minds and hearts of all who met him. With both gratitude and reverence, we look back and celebrate all that Jim has done for the children, families, and staff members of Frost Valley YMCA. Jim was committed to creating opportunities that allowed people of all ages and abilities to lead healthier, happier lives. Among the many organizations with which he volunteered, he also served as a member of Frost Valley’s Board of Trustees for three decades, half of which he spent as board President. Not only did he become a friend to staff and visitors, but he was active in the development of several Frost Valley programs. His guidance and support contributed to the steady growth of summer camp, environmental education, group and family retreats, Mainstreaming at Camp for children with disabilities, and other programs, as well as the growth of our financial assistance scholarships for campers and families. Jim’s legacy on camp lives on through the namesake Kellogg Lodge and the Kellogg Room in Thomas Dining Hall, as well as his support of hardworking staff through awards given at the annual Elizabeth Kellogg Employee Appreciation dinner, an event he named after his mother.
March
An excerpt from an account of Jim’s generosity, written by Professor Al Filreis (a Vice President of the Board of Trustees) when Jim was inducted into the Frost Valley Hall of Fame in 2009, describes Jim eloquently: “Always looking problems and challenges straight on, Jim saw obstacles as opportunities, adhering without fanfare but firmly to the two-word version of Frost Valley’s mission: ‘Build Strong.’ His service to Frost Valley has been part of a larger context of volunteer leadership and civic engagement. He has been the President of the Community Foundation of New Jersey, a member of the Bloomfield College Board of Trustees, President of the Children’s Specialized Hospital of Mountainside, and President of the J. C. Kellogg Foundation. Jim Kellogg’s distinguished career demonstrates an unmatched generosity of commitment to public service, eloquently bespeaking this core tenet: we must invest in others, so that everyone, regardless of economic background or circumstances, has the resources necessary to maximize his or her potential. Jim Kellogg truly does build strong, and when we honor him, we honor our most basic reason for being as an organization.” We are forever grateful for the countless ways Jim has supported Frost Valley’s campers, families, and staff. We will always cherish and remember his generosity and passion for helping others.
April
Frost Valley’s 12th Annual Women’s Wellness Weekend allows 128 women the chance to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect through programs that give women experiences of growth they can take home with them.
Frost Valley joins YMCA’s across the nation to celebrate Healthy Kids Day, a free event for local families to learn about wellness, safety, and healthy ways to have fun.
PRESIDENT James S. Vaughan CEO Jerry Huncosky VICE CHAIRMAN Catherine M. Harvey TREASURER John McCabe SECRETARY Jerold W. Dorfman VICE PRESIDENTS William E. Baker Professor Al Filreis Robert Messick Judith L. Pasnik Peter E. Sundman TRUSTEES David B. Bieler John S. Butler Dr. R. Mark Ghobrial Ted B. Hilton Dr. Frederick J. Kaskel Michael D. Ketcham Robert Lomauro Amy F. Melican John O’Brien Cheng Ong Barbara Spitz Professor Joshua A. Tucker Robin Wachenfeld Mary T. Wheeler ADVISORY COMMITTEE William Abbott Mitchell Brock Andrew Chapman Barton English Michael Lahue Thomas Moriarty Shigeko Woolfalk TRUSTEES EMERITI Thomas W. Berry Hunter Corbin Helen M. Geyer Co-Director
Paul B. Guenther Dr. George J. Hill W. Thomas Margetts
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PLAYING IN THE WOODS
FROST VALLEY HOSTS THE CATSKILL CLASSIC DISC GOLF TOURNAMENT Nature enthusiasts understand the value of fresh air and time outdoors. A similar bond exists among athletes, competitive spirits who understand the thrill and excitement of challenging physical activities. When the two elements combine the Spirit, Mind, and Body all benefit, which is why Frost Valley was excited to host the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) Catskills Classic disc golf tournament at our brand new course on October 3-4, 2015. Disc golf is known as the next generation of golf; players throw discs of varying design to land them in a basket at or below par. The Frost Valley course, designed for minimal impact on its environment, features 18 holes in a challenging layout that leads players through the woods. The Frost Valley Disc Golf course was designed by award-winning course architect John Houck of Houck Design. “We are very excited to introduce a rapidly up and coming sport,” says Tom Holsapple, Director of Operations. “This course is designed to be enjoyed by players of varying experience, from pros,
to beginners, to individuals with disabilities.” With Frost Valley’s core values in mind, the course is one of the few in the world that can be enjoyed by individuals who are differently abled, allowing school groups, weekend guests, and summer campers, including our Mainstreaming at Camp (MAC) campers, the chance to develop new skills and discover a healthy recreational activity. To achieve this, Frost Valley received generous funding from the CVS Caremark Charitable Trust to build a course for players of virtually any ability and experience. Course designer John Houck says, “The place and the people are just incredible. I’m not even sure what words I can use to describe the property, other than spectacular.”
MEALS THAT HEAL
FROM COMMUNITY GATHERINGS TO MEAL DELIVERIES This winter, our annual Community Holiday Dinner saw its highest attendance yet as local families gathered together for a buffet-style, fresh-cooked meal, as well as fun, family activities. Many of our guests attend this popular event each year because it’s a wonderful way to meet neighbors while enjoying crafts, games, and a hearty winter meal. But for others, this is a chance for parents to give their children one of the few, or possibly the only, hearty dinner they’ll have for the holidays.
Recognizing the growing number of families within our extended community who face financial struggle, Frost Valley teamed up with the nearby Town of Denning to develop a way to support local families together. The town placed a confidential survey on its website to inquire about local interest in receiving meal assistance, which it drew such a large number of responses that Frost Valley staff and Town of Denning officials decided to move forward with offering a free weekly meal program, which started this January. Thanks to this innovative program, and to the effort of a team of volunteers, participating Denning residents can now receive healthy frozen meals prepared at Frost Valley and delivered to the Denning Town Hall each week, providing the opportunity for a healthier lifestyle.
2015 IN REVIEW May The Bear Grylls Survival Academy 24-Hour Family Course begins another season of parent-child wilderness excursions through which they’ll learn to test their courage and gain new skills here in the Catskill Mountains.
June
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Thanks to a generous grant from Autism Speaks, campers with autism in our Day Camp program join us in our inclusive and adaptive environment where they make friends, try new things, and have a growth-filled summer.
ENCOURAGING A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE FOR ALL HEALTHY LIVING RETREAT AT FROST VALLEY All parents want the best for their children. But for some families, this can become a challenge. Choosing between the healthiest food at the market and the more-affordable brands, often of lower nutritional quality, is a daunting task. And while working long hours means more food in the pantry, it also means less quality time together as a family. These loving parents hope for and need better options that will change their lives and the lives of their children. And where there is a need, there is an opportunity — a chance to introduce families to new surroundings, to show them ways that healthy foods can be both affordable and delicious, and to help them learn how small changes in their lifestyles today can have a huge impact on their future health. This is why Frost Valley partnered with the NJ Alliance of YMCAs and the NJ Partnership for Healthy Kids to host the first-ever “Family Retreat for Healthy Living,” November 13-15, 2015. Seventeen families from the New Jersey cities of Camden, Newark, New Brunswick, Trenton, and Vineland were invited to participate in a weekend of educational workshops, nutrition classes, family bonding, and active fun, at no cost to them. “Several participants had never been outside of their city and never experienced being in outdoor settings, but they were all very motivated and actively engaged in every program they could possibly get to,” said Olivia Lightle, Assistant Director of Program Innovation and host of the event. Families participated in cooking lessons at Frost Valley’s Teaching Kitchen, where they learned how to make simple meals that save time and provide necessary nutrients. Instructors taught
July
Each family received materials to take home so that they can easily put their new skills and knowledge to use. They left with recipe booklets; sub-irrigated planters with herbs; pedometers to monitor their daily steps (with a goal of 10,000 steps per day); and handouts highlighting their local community gardens, farms, and farmers’ markets. According to Darrin Anderson, State Deputy Director of the New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids: “We had children who arrived questioning, ‘Why no video games and Internet?’ only to request a brochure to return for summer camp. We witnessed another family have a Disney World expression upon arrival, only to realize they have never left their community before.” The weekend was so successful that the program has already been awarded a generous grant from the National Recreation Foundation, allowing Frost Valley to host four more weekends in 2016. “Families learned a great deal about cooking healthy meals, increasing physical activity, and growing their own food, which a majority of participants indicate that they plan to do at home,” Olivia says. “Each person left with a renewed enthusiasm to continue their journeys toward healthier lifestyles.”
August Through the generosity of our donors, over 600 children are able to come to camp thanks to Project 332, and over 20 new campers who have never experienced the magic of summer camp, join us through the Resident Camp Access Grant from the YMCA of the USA. frostvalley.org | 4
Frost Valley offers a second session of Kidney Camp. Through Frost Valley’s partnership with Ruth Gottscho Kidney Foundation and the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, campers in the program receive treatment for chronic kidney disease, kidney transplants, and other illnesses requiring dialysis and medical supervision, while also experiencing a traditional summer camp with their peers.
them how to incorporate healthy ingredients in favorite family and cultural recipes, in ways that still maintain the taste and integrity of the dish. In addition to cooking lessons, families learned small-space gardening techniques so that they can grow their own herbs, food, and flowers at home and participated in various physical activities. Of course, families had plenty of time to enjoy other types of Frost Valley healthy fun: archery, dance, hiking, climbing, ziplining, and more.
THE MAGIC OF FROST VALLEY
ONE FAMILY’S JOURNEY FROM CHAOS TO COMMUNITY When Hurricane Irene tore through the Catskills in the summer of 2011, we witnessed our share of damage here at Frost Valley. But, as a community, we pulled together, and counted our blessings. When Hurricane Sandy devastated the lower tristate area just over a year later, we were thankful to have been spared, but knew not all families were so lucky. In an effort to help storm-affected families heal and bond as the holidays approached, we invited them to attend a holiday weekend at no cost. This was the first visit for Sandy survivor Bridget Karow, but certainly not the last — Frost Valley has now become woven into the tapestry of her family’s traditions. “It was truly a life changing experience,” Bridget says, of the storm. “Our home was damaged, our neighborhood destroyed. We didn’t have hot water, heat, or power for 15 days. We were tired, worried and cold, but we stuck together. Everyone helped one another.” The first time Bridget had ever heard of Frost Valley was when a friend mentioned the free weekend, and insisted Bridget and her family go. “We had all been through such a challenging, devastating time that I welcomed the idea of getting away from it all.”
she says. “Our accommodations were wonderful, the food was healthy, the activities allowed kids to be kids, and the staff took my breath away. You could tell Frost Valley wanted to make our weekend there a memorable one, and they did just that.” The weekend made such an impact that Bridget and her family return to the Valley as often as possible, and they bring friends for the holidays each year. She and her sister have attended Women’s Wellness Weekend together, and the kids rave about summer camp. During camp checkout last summer, they knew they wouldn’t need to say goodbye to Frost Valley for long because they’d be back for a fall family weekend in just a couple of months. “We were so caught up with what was happening in the days and months that followed the storm that it really didn’t even dawn on me just what had really happened until the weekend at Frost Valley,” Bridget says. “Sometimes when you leave a situation and clear your mind you are better able to focus on what really matters. Frost Valley allowed me to reflect, heal and move forward. And now, to my family and me, Frost Valley is a magical place.”
The moment she and her family arrived, Bridget finally exhaled a sigh of relief. “I walked into the dining hall to the beautiful sound of the Lakeland String Orchestra playing Christmas music. It didn’t even register that Christmas was only two weeks away until I heard that,”
2015 IN REVIEW September
October
Alumni Reunion 2015 kicks off three days of reconnecting with old friends, making new ones, and cherishing this special place that changed so many of our former campers’ and staff members’ lives. frostvalley.org | 5
Frost Valley hosts the Catskills Classic disc golf tournament at our brand new disc golf course.
100 YEARS OF HISTORY
FROST VALLEY CASTLE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION While driving along Frost Valley Road, views of the Frost Valley Castle have provided a majestic welcome to our visitors for decades. To our many returning alumni, seeing the Castle often means, “Welcome home.” This year, we are honoring this landmark and monument of Catskill culture as we celebrate the 100th anniversary since its construction. The Castle, a historic mansion, was originally built as a seasonal country home for German-born wool baron Julius Forstmann, his wife Adolphine, and their five children. The family spent each summer there for several years, enjoying fishing, hunting, and other outdoor activities. Adolphine was known to spend many days learning piano on a Steinway that remains in the Castle’s music room. Over time, as family members moved or passed away and the wool company changed hands, the entire estate (2,200 acres at the time) was sold to the YMCA in 1956. A year later, the Frost Valley Association was developed and the mansion became known as the Castle, a building for use by visiting families and conference groups. By the year 2000, the building was renovated to preserve the integrity of its history while overnight guests enjoyed it for years to come. Today, the Castle is a pristine historical lodge and educational monument, filled with artifacts of its past including teak and oak parquet flooring; cherry, butternut, and maple hardware; mounted game trophies; handsome antiques, including an 18th-century grandfather clock; and other treasures.
AUTISM SUPPORT WEEKEND March 18-20, 2016 June 10-12, 2016 Your needs come first! Our staff is here to take care of the details, including lodging, specially adapted programming, and special dietary needs so that you can relax, and have fun.
CASTLE CENTENNIAL COMMUNITY DAY June 11, 2016 • 1 - 4pm
WOMEN’S WELLNESS WEEKEND
Families are invited to enjoy early-20th-century games and activities, in addition to guided tours of the Castle. This event focuses on the community, including the rich history of the Catskills region. Following Community Day the Castle Centennial Art Show at the Blue Hill Art Gallery (1471 Denning Road, Claryville) will highlight works inspired by the Castle of artists and students.
April 1-3, 2016
CASTLE CENTENNIAL GALA August 27, 2016 • 5:30 - 8:30pm The 100th-Anniversary Castle Gala is a cocktail and music reception to bring awareness to the “Friends of the Castle” endowment fund, which provides daily care for the Castle, allowing guests to experience this timeless treasure for years to come. For a fee, guests enjoy an evening of live music by renowned pianist Justin Kolb, as well as delicious food, libations, and beautiful views.
To celebrate the centennial of the Frost Valley Castle, we will host two events that provide the opportunity to honor the rich history and bright future of both the Castle and the Catskills region.
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS
Ladies, come together in our serene, supportive environment. Through inspiring lectures, discussions, exercises, creative arts and movement, and guided nature hikes, we come to know ourselves in new ways.
HIKING GATHERING April 15-17, 2016 The perfect time to hike Frost Valley’s 5,500 acres or take a shuttle to some of our local trail heads. Make new friends from a network of hikers.
ALUMNI VOLUNTEER WORK WEEKEND April 29-May 1, 2016
November Our School Programs department continues to provide outdoor education, teambuilding, and environmental classes. In 2015, more than 17,000 children visit Frost Valley.
December
Spend the weekend at Frost Valley giving back to the camp you love. Volunteer on Saturday and enjoy camp programs on Sunday.
MOTHER’S & FATHER’S WEEKENDS May 6-8, 2016 June 10-12, 2016 By the end of this year, Frost Valley YMCA saw over 40,000 guests and campers. Many thanks to our donors who contributed to $1,118,881.10 raised in Annual Support.
Surprise Mom or Dad with a FREE mini-vacation! Discover the joys of nature with your family and celebrate all that Mom or Dad does for you. frostvalley.org | 6
FROST VALLEY YMCA 2000 Frost Valley Road Claryville, NY 12725
TEL (845) 985-2291 EMAIL info@frostvalley.org WEB frostvalley.org/donate facebook.com/frostvalleyymca
GAP YEAR IN MEXICO
ANNOUNCING AN EXCITING NEW PROGRAM FOR FALL 2016! Until 1942, children in the quaint neighborhood of Tepoztlán, Mexico and its surrounding areas were unable to attend school. Without the opportunity to gain an education, these children did not have opportunities that would ensure a promising future for them. To provide these children with a chance for better lives, YMCA Mexico stepped in and created the Fellows program that continues to help children gain an education, as well as participate in growth-filled recreational activities during the school year. This year, in partnership with YMCA Camp Camohmila in the town of Tepoztlán, Frost Valley YMCA has developed “Gap Year in Mexico,” a structured program that gives young men and women from the U.S. between the ages of 18 and 22 the chance to volunteer abroad and provide Mexican children with a safe place to learn and play.
Participants in the Gap Year in Mexico program will spend a couple of weeks at Frost Valley YMCA preparing for a four-month stay in Tepotzlán. Once there, they’ll assist teachers during the school day by providing extra help and classroom management. In the afternoons, gap-year participants run various recreational activities, helping children to learn, grow, and thrive. In their four months abroad, young adults experience new perspectives, gain independence, become more responsible, and a develop a sense of cultural worldliness. Learn more about the brand new Gap Year in Mexico program at FrostValley.org or by contacting Zach Eigenbrodt at 845-985-2291 ext. 265 or email: zeigenbrodt@frostvalley.org.
Frost Valley YMCA is a values-driven organization that fosters youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility through outdoor educational and recreational programs for all. Frost Valley YMCA is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization. To help us give the gift of camp to children and families, please contact our Development Office at 845-985-2291 or email development@frostvalley.org. To donate online go to www.frostvalley.org/donate Let us know if you prefer to receive Frost Valley Life via an online link sent to your email address. Please email us your request to info@frostvalley.org.