YMCA Camp Timbers Unveils New Facilities
Renovation ribbon cutting highlights $1.8 million dollar upgrade
Sunday, June 3, 2018 at 1:30 pm, YMCA Camp Timbers will unveil $1.8 million dollars in facilities upgrades to donors and the public as part of a Camp Open House. The renovation was made possible through the KidsCampUs campaign, a joint venture with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Great Lakes Bay Region.
At Camp Timbers, a new recreation pavilion will amplify their impact, reaching more individuals through meaningful partnerships, and the ability to host multiple groups in camp simultaneously during the peak summer season. A new pavilion will also provide Camp Timbers with an appropriately sized all weather activity space which is crucial for effective programs in Michigan. An updated main lodge welcome center at Camp Timbers ensures the preservation of the focal point, the dining hall, which serves as a hub of activity at camp, and offers an inviting and functional space for structured programming, social gathering, and necessary shelter from the elements. The camp improvements are rounded out with new camper and guest bathroom and shower facilities.
Planning for the KidsCampUs campaign began several years ago and involved input from community leaders along the way. The two organizations committed to the joint venture partnership in November 2016, and since that time YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs board members have been meeting to make KidsCampUs a reality. Community leaders Steve Kelly and Herb Spence are co-chairing the campaign, while Dick Garber is serving as honorary chair. Steve Kelly said, “these organizations work side-by-side with our neighbors to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. This collaboration is exciting. It’s fresh. Positive. An innovative solution to some challenges this community has struggled with for a long time.”
Since June 2017, the steering committee has been meeting with area foundations securing their support. The committee is pleased to share the Harvey Randall Wickes Foundation has given the lead gift, a commitment of one million dollars to the KidsCampUs project. Other foundations have responded proportionately and positively including significant gifts from Frank N. Andersen Foundation, Covenant HealthCare, Dow Corning Foundation, The Jury Foundation, Morley Family Foundation, William McNally Family Foundation, Allen E. and Marie A. Nickless Memorial Foundation, Wickson-Link Memorial Foundation and the Wolohan Family Foundation as well as local
businesses and individuals.
Providing kids with a chance to unplug from technology, get outdoors, explore nature, develop self reliance and social skills, experience a more-wordly perspective with fellow campers from near and far, as well as international staff. More than 200,000 campers have benefited from 50 years of Camp Timbers, reaching families from primarily Saginaw, Bay, and Midland counties and secondarily from Detroit/Ann Arbor and Isabella County area.