A CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION
Frost Valley Life Celebrating a Season of Values | FALL 2016 FROST VALLEY YMCA
| frostvalley.org
A CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION
FROM THE DESK OF JERRY HUNCOSKY CEO | Frost Valley YMCA Over the past few months, it seems we’ve had so much to celebrate here at Frost Valley – even more than usual. This is saying a lot when you consider the many people and experiences that are cause for celebration on a daily basis. Even something as simple as a child from a suburb of New Jersey becoming fast friends with a fellow camper from the Bronx, celebrating their many differences as well as the surprising ways they are alike, is a cause for celebration. Last August, we had family campers who celebrated their 40th summer coming to the Valley, as well as one couple who celebrated their engagement, a proposal that took place right at our very own Reflection Pond. As summer comes to an end, the daily revelries continue. Teachers have their own special cause for celebration, as they watch their students work together to creatively and cooperatively solve problems during their annual field trip. YMCA Adventure Guide Dads celebrate the experience of seeing the world with childlike wonder through their sons’ or daughters’ eyes, teaching them new outdoor skills, performing memorable skits together, and creating irreplaceable experiences that will strengthen the bonds between them. Girl and Boy Scout troops celebrate the feeling of accomplishment and pride that comes from working toward their badges and developing both skills and character. The list goes on and on, and this year we have some special celebrations to share with you. From the opening of our new Bud Cox Trip Center to the 4 newly inducted members of our Hall of Fame. Twice this summer we celebrated the 100th anniversary of our beloved Frost Valley Castle. First we held a Community Day, in which we welcomed over 200 local friends and neighbors to join us for a day of turn-of-the-century
games, castle tours, and delicious food, all culminating in an art exhibit of pieces inspired by the castle at the nearby Claryville Art Center. Then in late August we welcomed over 50 people for the Castle Centennial Gala. Guests enjoyed elegant food and drink while classical pianist, Justin Kolb, performed for everyone on Mrs. Forstmann’s piano. Attendees and supporters of the Gala contributed to the Castle Endowment fund, which will ensure that our iconic landmark is preserved and enjoyed for years to come. As you’ll see throughout these pages, we’ve had many more reasons to celebrate over the past few months, and I can’t say it enough – none of it would be possible without the support of our donors, volunteers, staff, and trustees. Perhaps the biggest cause for celebration is all of your dedication, generosity, and talent. From all of us at Frost Valley YMCA, thank you for your ceaseless commitment to improving the lives of children and families through enriching outdoor and recreational programming.
Jerry Huncosky
WINTER/SPRING 2016 January
March
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NORTHEAST YMCA CAMP CONFERENCE
NO ROOM FOR BULLYING!
For the fifth year in a row, Frost Valley hosts the annual Northeast YMCA Camp Conference, which brings nearly 320 professionals in the Y camping movement to learn, grow, and connect.
Frost Valley program instructors make their annual visit to Centerreach High School in Long Island to deliver our signature “No Room for Bullying!” curriculum, which incorporates the eight core values to help prevent bullying in schools and communities.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
A CELEBRATION UNLIKE ANY OTHER
CAMPERS CELEBRATE A FRIEND’S INCREDIBLE NEWS Rushawn is an eight-year-old boy from the Bronx. In many ways, he’s like any other child his age – likes to play with his friends, have fun, and laugh. A lot of things make him unique; he’s creative, adventurous, and full of brilliant ideas.
VICE CHAIRMAN Catherine M. Harvey TREASURER John McCabe
The past two years haven’t been easy, but Rushawn and his family are determined to live life to the fullest. That’s why this past summer he came to Frost Valley’s Kidney Camp program, which was founded in 1975 as an ongoing partnership among Frost Valley YMCA, the Ruth Gottscho Kidney Foundation, and the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore. The 2-week program allows children diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, those on dialysis like Rushawn, and those who have received kidney transplants to have a traditional summer camp experience just like any other child. The children receive medical treatments from experienced dialysis nurses and pediatric nephrologists, in a state-of-the-art dialysis unit. But during the rest of their time at camp, they’re just like any other kids here, sleeping in their cabins with all their new friends (who may or may not be in the Kidney Camp program), swimming and boating in Lake Cole, cheering loudly in the Dining Hall, and building wholesome memories to last a lifetime. Typically, children in Frost Valley’s Kidney Camp program enjoy two weeks that they wouldn’t be able to experience anywhere else in the world. Without Frost Valley’s Kidney Camp, their summers would be spent planning activities and childcare around dialysis and medical treatments. At Frost Valley, Rushawn had the opportunity to go hiking, participate in village campfires, play geronimo, and learn new skills with very little interruption. Rushawn, however, did have some unexpected interruptions in his camp experience. First, he came to camp a day late after a possible kidney transplant turned out to be unavailable to him. Despite that disappointment, he was still determined to make the most of summer. His dad made the nearly three-hour drive up to Frost Valley, and Rushawn was immediately welcomed into Pokey-Totem Village. Then, interruption struck again after only three days of camp. This time – a kidney was finally available! Before heading back home, his village of new friends and counselors threw him a giant celebration – easily one of the most important celebrations we had this summer, or possibly ever. The party, complete with lively Frost Valley cheers, provided a wonderful memory for Rushawn before he headed home for his long-awaited transplant. The celebration gave us all a chance to experience the true meaning of Frost Valley’s core values, and showed us the difference camp makes, even in just three short days.
ALUMNI FUND IS ESTABLISHED In keeping with our mission to serve all, Frost Valley YMCA announces the creation of our “Alumni Fund,” supported by donations from our generous Alumni who are committed to ensuring that any child or family who wants to come to Frost Valley has the opportunity.
PRESIDENT James S. Vaughan CEO Jerry Huncosky
In his early childhood, he was diagnosed with renal dysplasia and post-urethral valves, which in October 2014 caused his kidneys to fail. He then started dialysis and was placed on a waiting list for a kidney transplant at Mount Sinai Hospital.
April
CHAIRMAN Robert B. Haines
May BUD COX TRIP CENTER The new trip center is named in honor of employee and donor, Bud Cox. Made possible by individual contributions and support from the YMCA of the USA Strategic Initiatives Fund, the center is the starting point and home base for all of our Adventure Trips and year-round hiking outings.
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 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 Paul B. Guenther Dr. George J. Hill W. Thomas Margetts
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CELEBRATING AN UNFORGETTABLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
A BITTERSWEET TRIBUTE TO BROOKHAVEN LEARNING CENTER’S PRINCIPAL
Last April, as they do every April, over 20 faculty and students with diverse abilities and needs from the Brookhaven Learning Center in Bellport, NY joined us for the school’s annual, field trip to Frost Valley. This was Principal Nancy Smalling’s final trip, who after 32 years in education, retired last August. Over the last 20+ years, all of us at Frost Valley have had so much to celebrate with Nancy and this special group of students and educators. Recently, we were touched to receive a heartfelt letter from Nancy that summed up her experiences over the years. She writes: “As a life skills program, our trip relies on (Frost Valley’s) Health Center, Dining Hall, and lodge accommodations to promote social and independent living. Frost Valley YMCA provides the Brookhaven Learning Center students with many opportunities to apply and practice what they’ve learned in safe, appetizing, clean, and comfortable real-world environments.”
time-honored, annual “Frost Valley vs. Brookhaven Basketball Game.” Staff from all departments – from our CFO to program instructors to our director of school programs – all come out for this treasured, springtime tradition. According to Nancy, “This game has become one of the true highlights of our trip and it happens because Frost Valley staff comes out and plays.” From where we see it, the excitement and fun of the game happens because students, faculty, and administrators like Nancy share our dedication and commitment to creating organic, challenging, and memorable experiences for all, regardless of the challenges they face. Thank you, Nancy, for your many years of memories and friendly competition. We’ll certainly miss seeing you on the court next year!
While we’re humbled to hear that we are able to provide such an experience for Brookhaven, everyone at the school has provided all of us here at Frost Valley cherished memories over the years. Perhaps the first that comes to mind whenever anyone mentions Brookhaven is our
SUMMER 2016 June 11
June 26
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CASTLE COMMUNITY DAY
SUMMER CAMP BEGINS!
Nearly 200 guests and local community members join us for a mid-summer day to celebrate 100 years of our Frost Valley Castle. The day includes tours of the castle, refreshments, and carnival games, all culminating in an art exhibition of works inspired by the castle at the Claryville Art Center.
During summer 2016, we welcome 3,039 overnight campers and 1,443 day campers, making this a groundbreaking summer: By the end of 2016 we will have served more children than any summer in our 100+ years in camping!
A CELEBRATION OF IMPACT 2016 ANNUAL SUMMER MEETING
Held this year on August 13, our Annual Summer Meeting is always a wonderful way for our donors and volunteers to see the impact of their support firsthand. After a warm welcome from Board President Jim Vaughan and CEO Jerry Huncosky’s State of Camp Address, we officially dedicated a cluster of buildings that include a dance studio, woodshop, candle-making studio, pottery studio, and painting studio to Trustee Cathy McFarland Harvey. The area will be known as the Cathy McFarland Harvey Program Village, in honor of her lifelong commitment to providing enriching recreational pursuits to children. Next, all in attendance were moved by the heartfelt stories of two Counselors in Training (CiTs) and scholarship recipients. Malik Harris and Hannah Olaniyi both shared with the group how summers at Frost Valley forged within them strong character and lifelong friendships. Following Malik and Hannah, Director of Camp Wawayanda Lindsay Hutchinson discussed the many ways in which Frost Valley’s eight Core Values are not only celebrated but also put into action each and every day. We then announced June Blum’s, Penney Burnett’s, and Rick and Phyllis Kaskel’s induction into the YMCA of the USA Honor Roll, which celebrates individuals who have helped advance the mission of the Y through cumulative, lifetime contributions of $100,000 or more. After a delicious meal prepared almost entirely from food grown on our educational farm, Frost Valley awarded Stan Marciniak with the Eric Blum Volunteer of the Year Award and inducted Bill and Eva Devlin, Sumner Dudley, and Cathy McFarland Harvey into the Frost Valley Hall of Fame. The day ended with tours of the newly completed Bud Cox Trip Center and the Cathy McFarland Harvey Program Village, as well as the Frost Valley Castle, now in its 100th year.
2016 ERIC BLUM VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR STAN MARCINIAK Each year Frost Valley presents an award to a volunteer whose work has made an exceptional impact. This commendable award is named in memory of Eric Blum, a beloved and dearly missed member of the Frost Valley community and past recipient of the award. This year, we honored Stan Marciniak, a champion of our mission whose involvement with Frost Valley spans over two decades. Stan selflessly volunteers his time and expertise, but beyond his good works–his warmth, his genuine curiosity, and his love for the outdoors are contagious to everyone around him. In the ‘90s, Stan and his comrades from Trout Unlimited traveled up from Trenton, NJ each summer to fish the West Branch, staying in cabins at Frost Valley. His determination and calm unfortunately didn’t do much to catch fish, but he did catch the eye of a Frost Valley staff member who asked whether he would like to help with a fishing class. Stan agreed, and thus began a long and fruitful relationship. A few
summers later Stan became a lead volunteer instructor for the Five Rivers in Five Days program. And he finally started to catch fish! In the early 2000s, Stan was asked to lead a fishing class during family camp. Never one to turn down an opportunity to teach, Stan agreed, and his class quickly became a favorite. Countless parents have watched their children catch their first fish with Stan’s help. Our own CEO, Jerry Huncosky, has been on the receiving end of his generous nature. “He took me fishing, showed me the best spots, and showed me all the little tricks he’s learned over the years. And as if that weren’t enough, he presented me with a set of beautiful flies that he hand-tied himself. For Stan, the goal of a fishing trip isn’t to catch his own fish–he wants those around him to have a good experience,” says Jerry. As a token of our deep appreciation for the time and the love that he has put into his volunteer work at Frost Valley, we presented the 2016 Eric Blum Volunteer of the Year Award to this most deserving man, Stan Marciniak, at our Annual Meeting in August.
July 18
SMALL WORLD FAIR
SUMMER OLYMPIX
We celebrate the many cultures represented here as our international staff members share their traditions and customs during summer camp’s annual Small World Festival. The day concludes with another annual favorite – fireworks over Lake Cole in celebration of Independence Day.
Another year of sportsmanship, teamwork, cultural exchange, and spirited cheers fill the Valley during summer camp’s annual Olympix event. Congratulations to Japan, this year’s Spirit Award winner!
July 31 HARRY POTTER DAY During summer camp’s annual Battle of the Themes, campers and staff bring Hogwarts to life here in the valley. With a Harry Potter theme integrated into every activity, this event is filled with wizard costumes, magical games, and creativity.
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July 3
2016 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES SUMNER DUDLEY (1854-1897) Before Charles Scott set up Camp Wawayanda in 1901, Sumner Dudley initiated a literary society for children and eventually convinced YMCA leaders to support his summertime “rambling tours” that brought children into the wilderness. These tours were a combination of open discussion and contemplation (known today as evening devotion or “devo”) and retreat into natural settings. Dudley soon lengthened the tours into overnight camping when he took seven boys for a week’s stay in Orange Lake, New York. In 1886, Dudley moved the project to Twin Islands in Lake Wawayanda, New Jersey – Camp Wawayanda’s beginning. As visionary as he was, Sumner surely had no idea what his persistent revolution on behalf of young people would later make possible. By the end of the first decade of the 20th century, the Wawayanda Whirlwind interviewed some of the original campers from the very first Wawayanda summers, one of whom recalled, “Dudley’s life was a happy joyous life, full of hope and earnest looking forward to the day when some of the things which he planned for the larger work among children should become realities.” If only Dudley could see what Wawayanda at Frost Valley has now become—the sheer number of children able to attend, and their astonishing diversity. The July 19, 1910 issue of the Wawayanda Whirlwind printed a description of the 25th anniversary celebrations in honor of Dudley’s first encampment of 1885. During a special morning reflection, one person asked the alumni to donate money that would be used in a partnership with a Newark-based organization. A total of $18 was raised, enabling two more children to attend camp. From an idea inspired by Dudley 106 years ago emerged what is now “Project 332.” For these reasons and countless others, the Frost Valley Board of Trustees has chosen to induct Sumner Dudley into Frost Valley Hall of Fame. CATHY MCFARLAND HARVEY A trailblazer in the cause of equal opportunity, Cathy McFarland Harvey has been instrumental in the creation and growth of Frost Valley’s various partnerships with organizations in Newark. Through her leadership at the Victoria Foundation and as a Frost Valley trustee, Cathy is a tireless advocate for the once-radical idea that two weeks of summer camp for children from families struggling with poverty can have long-lasting effects on the child, the family, and society as a whole. In 1972 Cathy and Howard Quirk, then executive director of the Victoria Foundation, received a letter from Halbe Brown, who was at that time in his sixth year as executive director of Frost Valley. The letter prompted Cathy, whose son had attended Camp Wawayanda, and Howard to spend a weekend witnessing firsthand the magic of camp in session. It didn’t take long for them to conclude: they needed to get kids from Newark up to Frost Valley. During an early visit, several boys from a Newark school with which Cathy was involved broke into the camp store and mischievously stole a box of Frost Valley sweatshirts. Cathy quickly observed that Frost Valley’s approach to “discipline” was one of character development rather than character diminishing. Thus, Frost Valley and the Victoria Foundation soon created three-way relationships with Newark agencies and organizations that in turn worked closely with the families to get their children to camp. In 1989, Cathy became CEO of the Victoria Foundation and directed the foundation for eighteen years. The partnership model she and Howard initiated in the early 1970s continues today. Cathy doubts that it would have succeeded without Frost Valley as a partner. For her advocacy of families in need of support and encouragement and for so much more, the Board of Trustees gladly and unanimously inducted Cathy McFarland Harvey into the Frost Valley Hall of Fame this past August.
SUMMER 2016 August Y-USA ACCESS GRANT
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By the end of the summer camp season, over 20 campers, who have never experienced the magic of summer camp, join us through the Resident Camp Access Grant from the YMCA of the USA.
August 13 SUMMER MEETING Frost Valley hosts our Annual Summer Meeting and luncheon with over 100 donors, trustees, close friends, family, and volunteers in attendance to celebrate the impact our supporters have on all that we do.
August 14 HIRDSTOCK Another Frost Valley tradition continues! Hirdstock, a camp-wide music festival and talent show, is once again a huge hit with plenty of singers, dancers, musicians, and more!
2016 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES (cont’d) BILL & EVA DEVLIN Two people whose perfect combination of complete calm and strenuous effort astonished everyone they met, Bill and Eva Devlin could do anything they put their hands to. “When you needed to know how to do something,” remembers their daughter Lorraine, “you asked them.” In 1967 Bill Devlin, then working with the Girls Scouts in Pennsylvania, put an ad in the American Camping Association magazine announcing his availability for work at a camp, and got a response from then Frost Valley Executive Director Halbe Brown, who hired Bill Devlin as his first full-time staff member. The Browns themselves didn’t yet live all year at Frost Valley, so from September to June on most days, it would be just the Devlins. Luckily, given the demands, Bill and Eva felt a keen desire to fix whatever was broken and, what’s more, they were the best ones to do it! For years Eva almost single-handedly worked to improve the image of Frost Valley by voluntarily restoring the Frost Valley Castle (now in its 100th year), re-painting the old totem pole at the camp entrance, planting gardens, scraping and painting Biscuit Lodge, etc. Bill did more than his share of fixing broken machines; deciphering an arcane key system for the camp; keeping track of handwritten registrations of family groups, church groups, youth groups, athletic teams, and family campers; and managing meals at the dining hall in his articulate and charming manner. The high-school-aged people who helped out by doing dishes and running activities on weekends soon learned Bill was always willing to stop and teach. These men and women, now in their late 50s and 60s—quite an accomplished group in their own right—recall Bill as the first and fairest boss they ever had. “We knew exactly what Bill expected of us,” said one such former staff member. “And when we ‘screwed up,’ to use his phrase, he mentored us and gave us another chance.” Bill founded and developed Frost Valley’s Environmental Education Program, a historic achievement. Back then, he single-handedly coordinated and led every visit by a school (typically Monday-through-Friday visits) greeting and orienting the groups, presenting announcements in the dining hall, and teaching field math, stream ecology, and astronomy. The program has expanded greatly but its mission and mode of teaching are precisely those that Bill established back in 1969. That Frost Valley has managed to serve as many families and children as it has over the years, and maintain the commitment to personalizing each and every relationship, is owing to the marvelous decency of these two people, Bill and Eva Devlin. The Frost Valley YMCA Board of Trustees has gratefully and unanimously voted to induct into our Hall of Fame.
August 21
August 27
FAMILY CAMP
CASTLE CENTENNIAL GALA
Over 400 guests join us for our annual Summer Family Camp, six days of bonding with loved ones, enjoying traditional camp activities, and making memories to last a lifetime.
Over 50 members of the Frost Valley community join us for a formal evening of fine dining, castle tours, and a live performance by classical pianist Justin Kolb. The event is held in support of the Castle Endowment Fund, which ensures the preservation of our iconic landmark for years to come.
UPCOMING EVENTS HALLOWEEN WEEKENDS October 14-16, 2016 October 21-23, 2016 With costume parades, pumpkin painting, mask making, and apple cidering, Halloween has never been so eerily exciting! When the sun goes down, we have something for guests of all ages.
FESTIVAL OF THE HOLIDAYS December 2-4, 2016 This festive weekend will give your holiday spirit a head start, allowing you to enjoy the true meaning of the season all winter long!
HOLIDAY FAMILY CAMP December 27, 2016 January 1, 2017 Spend quality time with your family in our Catskill Mountain winter wonderland. On New Year’s Eve, join us in the Dining Hall for an exciting party including our very own ball drop!
VISIT ANY WEEKEND
September 1, 2016 June 18, 2017 Your family and loved ones are invited to join us nearly every weekend during the school year for an enriching, and memorable weekend retreat during any weekend that fits your schedule. We can’t wait to see you and your family here in the Valley! 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
GIVE BACK TO THE PLACE YOU LOVE VOLUNTEER WEEKENDS:
NOV 11-13, 2016 • MAR 24-26, 2017 • APR 21-23, 2017 We are bringing back an old favorite, our Volunteer Work Weekend. Spend the weekend at Frost Valley giving back to the camp you love. Arrive on Friday night for a campfire briefing. Be prepared for a full, eight-hour work day on Saturday, involving a variety of projects. Sunday is yours to enjoy camp programs through the end of lunch. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a non-volunteer adult. All meals and camp-style lodging provided.
WANT TO STAY IN TOUCH?
Volunteers join us for only $30 when staying in camp-style lodging and their additional guests pay only $134 for an all-inclusive weekend.
Join our Alumni Association and never miss information about alumni events and Frost Valley news!
Contact 845-985-2291 ext. 450 or email reservations@frostvalley.org to book your stay today!
Contact Matt Johns at 845-985-2291 x258 or mjohns@frostvalley.org today!
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.