Foreword

Pipe Dream. Even an article in the San Diego Union Tribune scoffed at the idea of creating a YMCA beach camp on Navy property. It was an innovative solution to expanding the Y’s service to the youth of San Diego, yet there were obstacles to overcome. Miraculously, a small group of dedicated people secured the first 5-year license for the camp in 1969. For the next 50 years both volunteers and staff navigated challenges in funding, facility, programming, and the unique consequences of being located on federal land. It is a storied history of people, place, and programs that collectively create the adventure now known as YMCA Camp Surf.

PEOPLE

YMCA Camp Surf was conceived by a camp committee of the YMCA of San Diego County Board and three visionary camp founders: Captain William “Bill” Fargo, Valentine “Val” Hoy, and Richard “Dick” Mason. Captain Fargo and Val Hoy identified the property, obtained the first license, and hired Dick Mason to develop the programs and facility in the span of 24 months. This small, tenuous idea was able to overcome multiple attempts to convert the site to other uses. This was in no small part due to strong relationships and support from the United States Navy, YMCA leadership, local community leaders, and influential politicians who saw the value and benefit YMCA Camp Surf offered to children and families in San Diego County.

The unimaginable success over the years serves as a testament to the dedicated efforts of YMCA Camp Executive Directors, YMCA Camp Surf Directors, camp program directors, camp staff, and camp board members. Together, with generous donors and supporters, camp has enriched the lives of hundreds of thousands of campers and families by providing outdoor experiences in a unique environment.

PLACE

There is no place quite like YMCA Camp Surf. Imagine 45 acres of coastal wetlands on the Pacific Ocean, nestled between Imperial Beach and Coronado, California. The site has been owned by two countries, various developers, and several federal entities going back to the 1800s. Coastal wetlands are precious ecosystems that have almost disappeared in California. Staff and volunteers understood the value and importance of protecting this unique environment. The camp’s Environmental Stewardship Plan and environmental education program were cornerstones put in place to ensure the property was well cared for. The camp master site plan was designed to minimize environmental impact, and facility changes were planned carefully and built to ensure that they fit into the natural ocean environment and spirit of YMCA Camp Surf. Significant donor support for capital improvements over the last decade accelerated the pace of change, and forever changed the face of camp.

PROGRAMS

The foundation of YMCA Camp Surf has always been the variety and quality of programs it has been able to offer in such a unique location. Programs changed and expanded over the course of 5 decades, because of the entrepreneurial spirit of the people that worked there. The earlier summer camp programs had fewer but more specialized sessions that included exploring San Diego’s best surf breaks and a seven-day surf safari down the coast of Baja California. Over the years summer sessions were tailored to each age group, and provided activities that progressively developed a camper’s skills. Weekend youth and family group camping on the beach have been a signature program for YMCA Camp Surf since the early 70’s. Major program expansion in the early 1990s included Outdoor Education, Leadership Development, Mission Service Projects, Community Outreach, and Day Camp. Program is the heart of YMCA Camp Surf and was responsible for creating a culture that values teamwork, adventure, selfreflection, passion and stewardship of the natural environment.