CampJoy Giving Societies
Building a Legacy of Joy, Connection, and Impact.
CampJoyismorethanjustaplace—itisthe embodimentofavisionheldbythosewho believedeverychildshouldhavethe opportunitytoconnectwithnature, discovernewpossibilities,andexperience thesimplejoysofbeingakid.Itwascreated asasanctuarywherediversecommunities couldcometogether,learnfromone another,andgrowinunderstandingand friendship.TheheartofCampJoyliesinthe sharedbeliefthatwhenpeopleofall backgroundscometogethertoexplore, play,andreflect,theybuildastronger,more compassionateworld.Itisatestamentto thepowerofvisionandtheimpactofa communitydedicatedtonurturingthe potentialineverychild.
History
Thecamp'sfirst ocationisnear Batavia,Ohio.It operatesasa summercamp underthemission ofSt.Barnabas EpiscopalChurch.
1937
LaurenceH.Hall, inspiredbythe hardshipsoftheOhio Riverflood, establishesCampJoy toprovidechildren fromlow-income familiesajoyful escape.
1937-1945
1946
CampJoymoves toKrogerHilland begins integratingstaff whilekeeping campers segregated.
1947 Fullintegration occursafter successful sessionswith raciallymixed groupsofteenage girls.
1948
Thesearchfora permanentsite beginsafterwater supplyissuesat KrogerHill.
CampJoy becomesfully integrated, welcomingall children regardlessofrace.
1959
1960
Winterized facilitiesare completed, enablingthe launchofthe OutdoorSchool Program.
CampJoy relocatestoits current314-acre site.Construction ofnewfacilities begins,supported byvolunteersand donations.
1972
1984
Specialtycamps forchildrenwith chronicillnesses andmedical challengesare launched, expandingCamp Joy'sreach. 1992
Numerous campaignsraise fundstosupportand expandCampJoy’s programs,ensuring itscontinued operationand growth.
1984
VentureOut! programis introduced, offeringteambuildingand leadership developmentfor adults.
ReverendMaurice McCrackin& ReverendUlysses Fowlervisitthe newsite& celebrateCamp Joy'sgrowth& ongoingmission. Today
Earlyleaders
2000
CampJoy servesover 8,000guests annually, including1,000 underserved youthduring thesummer and1,200 throughoutthe year,staying truetoits missionof providingjoy andrespite fromhardships.
WelcomeToCampJoy’s GivingSocieties
WelcometoCampJoy’sGivingSocieties, wherededicatedsupporterslikeyoumake alastingimpactonourcampers, programs,andfacilities.Forover87years, CampJoyhasbeenaplacewherechildren andfamiliescanexperiencejoy, community,andadventure.OurGiving Societies,namedafterCampJoy’s historicalchangemakers,recognizethose whocontributegenerouslytoensurethat futuregenerationscanenjoythesame transformativeexperiences.
GivingSocietiesplayacrucialrolein sustainingCampJoy’smission.Byjoining, youbecomepartofanexclusivecommunity ofphilanthropistswhoarepassionateabout enrichinglivesandempoweringcampersto reachtheirfullpotential.Yourcontributions helpusenhanceourprograms,improveour facilities,andprovideopportunitiesfor childrenandfamiliestothrive.Together,we createarippleeffectofpositivechangethat extendsfarbeyondthecampgrounds.
EachofourGivingSocietiesisnamedto honorthelegacyofindividualswhohave madesignificantcontributionstoCampJoy’s history.Thesesocietiescelebratetheir visionaryspiritandcommitmenttomakinga difference.Byjoining,younotonlysupport ourmissionbutalsobecomepartofa traditionthatvaluesgenerosity,leadership, andcommunity.
FriendshipSociety
Inthesummerof1937,FrankWetenkamp,his brotherBill,andfriendsbecamepioneercampersat CampJoy.GuidedbyCapHall,theytransformeda farminKentuckyintoasummeroasis,buildingtents anddevelopinglifelongfriendships.Thisexperience sparkedFrank'slovefornatureandthecamaraderie ofcamplife.
Today,at97yearsold,FrankWetenkampproudlyreflectsonthoseearlydaysofCampJoy.Hismemories areinfusedwithfondnessandnostalgia,asherecallsthesimplicityandjoyofcampingunderthestars, thefriendshipshemade,andthelessonslearnedalongsidehisfellowcampers.Frank’sjourneyisnotjust apersonalreflection;itisaremarkabletestamenttotheenduringspiritofCampJoyanditsimpacton generationsofchildren.
Inrecognitionofthislifelongconnection,Frank’sfamilyestablishedtheFrankWetenkampEndowmentin 2022.ThisendowmentensuresfuturegenerationscanexperiencethesamejoyFrankoncedid,while supportingCampJoy’smissionofnurturingyouththroughnature.
FrankWetenkamp’sstory,fromcampertolifelongsupporter,symbolizestheessenceofCampJoy.His legacywillcontinuetoinspire,ensuringthatchildrenforyearstocomewillexperiencethe transformativepowerofnatureandcommunity.
FrankWetenkampFriendship Society
Namedafterourfirstcamperin1937,the FrankWetenkampFriendshipSociety honorsthosewhocontribute$1,000to $9,999annually.Frank’senduring connectiontoCampJoysymbolizesthe lifelongimpactthatcampexperiencescan have.Yoursupportensuresthatfuture generationswillcontinuetoexperience themagicofCampJoy.
LeadershipSociety
MarianSpencerwasatrailblazerinthecivilrights movement,awomanwhoseunwaveringdedication tojusticeandequalityhelpedreshapethesocietal fabricofhertime.Herdeepcommitmentto communityunity,exemplifiedbyherfriendshipwith ReverendMcCracken,reflectedherpassionfor creatingamoreinclusiveworld.Thispassion extendedtoherdecisiontosendhersons,Donand Edward,toCampJoy,agroundbreakingchoiceasit wasthefirstdesegregatedcampintheregion, offeringchildrenauniqueenvironmentwhere friendshipscouldflourishacrossracialdivides.
In1950,MarianjoinedCampJoy'sBoardofDirectors,becomingapowerfuladvocateforinclusivityand acceptance.Herpresencewastransformative,asshechampionedtherightsofAfricanAmerican childrenandworkedtoensurethatCampJoyremainedawelcomingplaceforall.Throughher leadership,shereinforcedcamp’scommitmenttosocialchange,makingitabeaconofhopeandunity duringapivotaltimeinAmericanhistory.
Marian’slegacyatCampJoywasfurtheredbyhersonEdward,whoservedasacounselorinthe summersof1952-1954.Underhismother’sguidance,Edwardembracedthevaluesofinclusivityand compassion,carryingforwardhermissiontocreateamoreequitableworld.HisexperiencesatCamp Joydeepenedhisconnectiontothecamp’sideals,ensuringthatMarian’svisioncontinuedtothrive throughhisleadershipanddedication.
Beforeherpassingin2019,MarianmadeafinalvisittoCampJoyin2017,whereshesawherlegacy honoredthroughthededicationoftwoyurtsnamedafterherandReverendMcCracken.Marian Spencer'simpactonCampJoyenduresasatestamenttoherbeliefinthepowerofinclusivity, leadership,andsharedjoy—valuesthatremaincentraltoCampJoy’smissiontoday.
MarianSpencerSociety
NamedafterMarianSpencer,apastboard memberandchampionforinclusivity,this societyrecognizesthosewhocontribute $10,000ormoreannually.Marian’s advocacyfordiversityandequityin campingexperienceshasleftalasting legacy,ensuringthatchildrenfromall backgroundscanexperiencethejoyof CampJoy.
LegacySociety
In1937,afterdevastatingfloodssweptthrough Cincinnati,youthministerLawrenceH.Hall(Cap) andDeaconJ.BrookeMosley(Deac)sawan opportunitytocreateasanctuaryforchildren.They envisionedaspacewherekidsfromthecitycould escapetonature,healemotionally,andexperience thejoyoftheoutdoors.Theirdreamwastoprovidea placeforyouthtoconnectwithoneanother,find solace,andgrow.
CapHallandDeacMosleyunderstoodthattheneedforhealingwentbeyondphysicalrecovery.Witha strongbeliefinthepowerofnaturetorestoreanduplift,theybarteredwithalocalfarmerinKentucky foruseofhisland.Alongsideadedicatedgroupofvolunteers,theytransformedthefarmlandintothe firsthomeofCampJoy,arefugewherechildrencouldreplacefearandtraumawithlaughter, friendship,andexploration.
Whatstartedasamodestcampquicklygrewintoavibrantcommunitywherechildrenlearnedthe valuesofkindness,teamwork,andleadership.CapandDeacnurturedtheirspiritsthroughoutdoor adventures,fromswimminginlakestohikingthroughwoods,alwaysemphasizingtheimportanceof belongingandconnection.Thecampbecameabeaconofhopeformanycitychildrenwhohadnever beforeexperiencednature’sbeauty.
Today,thelegacyofCapHallandDeacMosleylivesonatCampJoy.Theirvisionofproviding transformativeoutdoorexperiencescontinuestoinspiregenerationsofcampers,asfriendshipsand memoriesflourish.Theirenduringspiritremindsusthatwithpassionanddetermination,wecan createspaceswherechildrenthriveandjoybecomesalastingforce.
Founder’sLegacySociety
NamedinhonorofLaurenceH.Halland BrookeMosleyJr.,thevisionarieswho foundedCampJoyin1937,thissocietyi thosewhomakeaplannedgiftoranann gifttotheendowmentfund.Theirdream tocreateaplaceofjoyandrefugeforch fromlow-incomehouseholds,alegacyt continuestoinspireourworktoday.
PASTBOARDMEMBER
GIVINGCIRCLE
IntroducingCampJoy’s GivingCircles
CampJoy’sGivingCirclesarededicatedto honoringthosewhohavemadealasting impactonthecamp’smission.Thesegroups includepastboardmembers,alumni,and otherkeysupporterswhoshareadeep connectiontoCampJoy.Byjoiningagiving circle,memberscontinuetheirlegacyof support,ensuringthatCampJoycanoffer life-changingexperiencestochildrenand familiesforyearstocome.Their contributionsarevitaltosustainingand expandingthecamp’stransformative programs,makingalastingdifferenceinthe livesoffuturegenerations.
ALUMNI GIVINGCIRCLE
Thank You
SocietyMembers
Founder’sLegacy
Society
Plannedgiftsoranannualgift toCampJoy’sEndowmentFund
AmyThompson**
BryanLindholz*
DrewGores&GeorgeWarrington*
Earl&BobbiLindholz
JaneGarvey&JohnLanier*
KevinHackman**
Mike&JulieMcGinty**
Rick&PeggyStepien*
MarianSpencer
LeadershipSociety
$10,000ormoreannually
AileenNebel
CoreyEhrnschwenderMemorial
Debbie&RichOliver
Greg&KarenSimpson
FrankWetenkamp
FriendshipSociety
BestFriend
$5,000-$9,999annually
EllieFabe&FrankRussell
ErnieHayes
JohnM.Shepherd
Jonathan&KathyMcCann
LeighProp*
MarkSnook
NickRosian
StephenLavelle&AnneSchoelwer**
SusanStreetWhaley*
Ted&AnneJaroszewicz
BestBud
$1,000-$4,999annually
AdamFath
AdamHeider
AggieBoswell
AlisaPoe*
AmyBixel
AmyThompson**
BenjaminVanSant
Bill&JillFord*
BrendaCleveland
BrettMeager
BrianLawlor
Celine&DaveEhrnschwender
ChrisKnueven*
ClarkSole,Jr.
ClareDriehaus
CorySchimmoeller
CraigMiller
CraigMorris
Dan&KarenHurley
David&JulieWhittaker
DavidJohnson
DaveGiles
DaveHolwadel
DaVonaChapman
DebbieHuffman
DebbieLoveless
DianeJordan
DianeYater
DonHinkley
ElizabethHodar
ElliottBlodgett**
EricandConnieFender
EricCombs
EvalineAlessandrini
EverettJohnson
JamieSchleicher
JamesCrosset
Jeff&JeanetteMarch
JeffFisher
JeffHasan
Jeffrey&MegStevenson
JenniferEismeier
Joe&JessicaRoman
John&DebbieKramer*
John&TraceyBurgoon
JonMcCann
Jon&KatieSalisbury
Katie&WilliamJohnson
KristenKelly
MarkAnthony
MarkFahner
MarkPolicinski
MarkandGigiDaly
MaryEppstein
MikeStapleton
MikeWills
NaomiGerwin
Rick&PeggyStepien*
Robert&CarolScallan*
Ron&JeniferBeerman*
Ross&StacyBushman*
RossTaylor
SandyStone
ScottKane
ScottWard
SeanMastin
Dr.ShantelThomas
StephanieVorhees
Sen.SteveWilson
Steven&CarolynJones
StevenEhrnschwender
StuartStockton
TanyaCornejo
TeresaWeden
ThomandLuGerdes
ThomasLudeke
TrishWilson
WymandJanPortman*
YahayaWillingham
Onbehalfof ourcampers, weextendour deepest gratitudeto our2023-2024
GivingSociety Donors.
Benefits
ExclusiveEventAccess
PriorityEventAccess
RecognitioninAnnualReport
SpecialWebsiteRecognition
RecognitionatKeyEvents
LegacyRecognitionProgram
UpdatesonImpact
QuarterlyNewsletter
PersonalizedImpactReports
ExclusiveNetworkingReceptions
DinnerwithExecutiveDirector
InvitationtoDiscussStrategicInitiatives&ImpactwithLeadershipTeam
InvitationtoBi-annualReceptions
JoinCampJoy'sGivingSocietiesandbecomepart ofadedicatedgroupofsupporterscommittedto transformingthelivesofchildrenandfamilies.By joiningoneofoursocieties,yourgenerosityhelps sustainourprograms,fromprovidingcamp experiencestosupportingleadershipdevelopment andfamilyrespite.
HowtoJoin:
Makeadonationatadesignatedgiving leveltoautomaticallybewelcomedinto oneofoursocieties.
Visitourwebsitecamp-joy.org/donatenow/toexplorethedifferentgivingtiers andtheimpactyourgiftwillhave. Formoreinformation,contactusat(937) 289-9131andlearnhowyoucanmakea lastingdifferenceatCampJoy!
ThankyouforconsideringjoiningoneofCampJoy’sGivingSocieties. Yoursupportisinvaluableinhelpinguscontinuetoprovide transformativeexperiencesforchildrenandfamilies.Welookforward towelcomingyouintoourcommunityofgeneroussupportersand celebratingthejoyandimpactwecreatetogether!
@campjoyohio