Frost Valley Life Newsletter, Winter 2018

MAKING TIME

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Frost Valley Life Frost Valley YMCA Newsletter | WINTER 2018 FROST VALLEY YMCA | frostvalley.org

MAKING TIME FOR WHAT MATTERS MOST FROM THE DESK OF JERRY HUNCOSKY CEO | Frost Valley YMCA

While another winter comes to an end here at Frost Valley, we’re filled with gratitude as we reflect on a season that saw families making life-long memories on snow-covered ski trails, teambuilding groups learning new ways of interacting and finding common ground, and school children not only learning about winter ecology but also the traits of character that will guide them through life. In 2017, Frost Valley welcomed over 41,000 individuals from all walks of life – groups from a wide variety of religious and spiritual organizations, students ranging from grade school to law school, YMCA Adventure Guides as well as Girl Scout Troops, individuals from Manhattan to Tokyo, and so much more.

Although we have much to reflect on as another season ends, we’re also looking ahead. In February, I invited our entire staff to spend a day together, formulating the goals guided by our five-year strategic vision, which we all developed last spring. We’re addressing areas such as affordability, diversity, guest experiences, and more. The day was filled with idea sharing and brainstorming, as well as drawing up specific strategies and timelines for execution.

As we look ahead and envision the Frost Valley of 2023, I’m so grateful for the support of individuals like you – our donors, guests, camper families, volunteers, staff, and trustees. You manage the lofty task of keeping Frost Valley progressing with the times but also maintaining the timeless traditions that are so vital to all that we do here.

For that and so much more, I know I speak for all of us here in the Valley when I say: thank you for your continued support.

Jerry Huncosky

FALL-WINTER 2017

November

YMCA CAMP MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT SYMPOSIUM On November 6-8, 2017, Frost Valley hosts the YMCA of the USA Camp Marketing & Financial Development Symposium.

Joining together to strengthen the mission of Y Camping, 128 YMCA professionals convene to learn the strategies, tactics and skills of the most successful camps in the nation.

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November FALL VOLUNTEER WORK WEEKEND One a crisp autumn weekend, 20 alumni volunteers dedicate time to planting trees along the Neversink River behind White Pond, beautifying the Cathy McFarland Harvey Program Village, providing trail maintenance, and more. Thank you to everyone who participated and to the Rondout Neversink Stream Program for donating the trees.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

PLANTING SEEDS FOR A SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL YEAR HOW ONE SCHOOL STARTS THE YEAR AT FROST VALLEY We all have our own traditions to start off a new school year.

Some schools start with an assembly or formal orientation.

But for the Math, Engineering, and Science Academy Charter High School (MESA) in Brooklyn, NY, the school year starts with a trip to Frost Valley.

MESA first opened its doors to 125 ninth graders in August 2013 with a mission to provide a rigorous education that equips each student with the ability to succeed in life and in college.

When the school first opened, the founders identified Frost Valley as an ideal place to bring students to get to know each other through teambuilding activities. Setting the tone of togetherness and support at the start of each school year quickly became a tradition. The collaboration between our two organizations made sense, as MESA’s school culture and values (Pride, Courage, Empathy and Purpose), aligned well with Frost Valley’s mission and eight core values.

“We believe that all of our values are expressed and cultivated at Frost Valley through the group activities that our students are engaged in,” said Traci Douglas, Director of Culture and External Affairs of MESA.

During their time at Frost Valley, the students experience group activities that both challenge them and bring them closer together, including trust exercises, working on the educational farm, and spending time together in nature, unplugged from technology. One of the group’s favorite activities is making fresh-pressed apple cider. Traci explained, “It is important for them to be a part of making something from the beginning and then relish in the fruits of their labor.” Other favorites included the flying squirrel, climbing the Y tower, and hiking, all of which teach the students how to accomplish more by working together.

As a new school that spends their first week at Frost Valley, their time here has set the foundation for building their student body culture. After five years of this annual tradition, the MESA students have come to look forward to the excursion and are excited to take a trip outside of New York City to bond with nature and one another.

December HOLIDAY COMMUNITY DINNER & GATHERING On December 8, over 200 local families come together in the dining hall for the Annual Holiday Community Dinner and Gathering. Chartwells Dining Service staff generously donates and prepares a much appreciated meal that is both delicious and nutritious. Games, crafts, and a visit from Santa himself add to the festivities and many staff volunteer their time to ensure a memorable event.

CHAIRMAN Robert B. Haines, Esq. PRESIDENT James S. Vaughan CEO Jerry Huncosky VICE CHAIRMAN Catherine M. Harvey TREASURER David B. Bieler SECRETARY Jerold W. Dorfman, Esq. VICE PRESIDENTS William E. Baker Professor Al Filreis Dr. Judith L. Pasnik Peter E. Sundman TRUSTEES Peter Andruszkiewicz John S. Butler, Esq. Mahtab Foroughi Dr. R. Mark Ghobrial Ted B. Hilton Dr. Frederick J. Kaskel Michael D. Ketcham Kate Lewis John McCabe Amy F. Melican, Esq. Robert Messick John O’Brien Gail Ryan Barbara Spitz Professor Joshua A. Tucker Robin Wachenfeld Mary T. Wheeler ADVISORY COMMITTEE William H. Abbott Andrew Chapman Barton C. English Thomas M. Moriarty Shigeko Woolfalk TRUSTEES EMERITI Thomas W. Berry Hunter Corbin Paul B. Guenther Dr. George J. Hill W. Thomas Margetts

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WHY I GIVE: BILL SONSIN

A CAMP WAWAYANDA ALUMNI SHARES HIS STORY Bill Sonsin’s connection with Frost Valley has deeply persisted throughout his life. Beginning in 1956, he was a camper at our original Camp Wawayanda in New Jersey. After several years as a camper, CiT and junior counselor, Frost Valley stayed relevant in his life throughout his time at Westfield High School in New Jersey, which he attended with fellow alum and current Frost Valley Trustee Mike Ketcham, as well as long-time employee and donor, Bud Cox. However, it wasn’t until five decades later that Bill found his way back to Frost Valley. After reminiscing with a friend, he was encouraged to join the Alumni Association and visit his old “stomping grounds”. In 2013, during a visit back to the Northeast for his 50th high school reunion, Bill was sure to include Frost Valley in his travel plans.

Prior to the trip, the last time he was here Frost Valley had only 25 cabins for boys, and the girls camp had not yet come to fruition. Bill was blown away by all that had changed and all that Frost Valley is now doing to give campers and guests life-changing experiences in an encouraging environment that welcomes all. He realized Frost Valley is no longer solely a summer camp, but rather a sanctuary for children and families who desire year-round access to nature, adventure, and growth. “The little things are the big things at Frost Valley. Even the peanut butter in the dining hall is nut-free so that it is inclusive for everyone,” Bill said.

It was during that visit Bill knew he wanted to be a part of helping more people attend this magical place. That was why, in the midst of his estate planning, he made sure that Frost Valley was one of four organizations he included in his bequests.

“I wanted to help bring more people to Frost Valley to have this life-changing experience,” Bill explained. And he continues to work to do so by contributing each year to Frost Valley, an organization that holds a special place in his heart – because it holds his memories. Many sincere thanks to you, Bill, from everyone at Frost Valley YMCA.

TAKE A YEAR “ON!”

GAP SEMESTER IN COLOMBIA

Frost Valley YMCA is partnering with YMCA Colombia to offer a semester-long Gap Program in Colombia. A “gap year” is an experiential period of time, typically immediately following high school or college, that an individual takes to deepen their global awareness. Frost Valley’s uniquely immersive experience will provide participants with the opportunity to contribute service work in several communities throughout the country of Colombia from Sept. 5 to Dec 12, 2018. The program is for high school graduates between the ages of 18 and 22 who are looking to broaden their skills and give back in meaningful ways.

For more information or to apply, visit: www.frostvalley.org/gap-year

WINTER 2017-2018

December

DIG NETWORK WELCOMES FROST VALLEY After a two-day, all-staff workshop with trainers from YMCA of the USA, Frost Valley is the 76th Y and 2nd Y Camp to join the Diversity, Inclusion and Global Network (DIG). Active participation in this network strengthens our longstanding core values of diversity and inclusiveness to ensure that we prepare the next generation of global leaders and serve even more individuals and families from all walks of life.

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December 2017 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

in financial 2,071,806 awarded assistance in 2017

$

School Scholarships $808,550

39%

39% 22%

Summer Camp Scholarships $805,197 Group & Family Program Scholarships $458,059

FROST VALLEY STAFF RAISE THE BAR FOR ALL TIME MEGAN CHENEY ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

DIANA LARISON I AM THIRD AWARD WINNER

The Rookie of the Year Award is given to an employee hired in the last year who has quickly become a valuable member of the Frost Valley community and has left an indelible mark on the programs and experiences we offer our campers and guests. During our staff holiday party, the 2017 Rookie of the Year award was given to East Valley Ranch Coordinator Megan Cheney for her excellence and dedication as a vital part of our team. Megan was nominated by numerous fellow employees, who expressed how she is willing to take on any job – big or small – and has added innovative enhancements to the programming offered at East Valley Ranch.

The “I am Third” award is given to those who emulate longtime Frost Valley supporter, Howard E. Quirk, who was a generous supporter of Frost Valley through his role as executive director of the Victoria Foundation and later a dedicated volunteer during his retirement. The “I am Third” principle that Howard embodied was the idea that we should place ourselves third – after God and others.

Although this is the first year Megan has worked at Frost Valley full time, she started in the Summer of 2013 and has been drawn to our mission ever since. She says, “After working my first summer, I fell in love with East Valley Ranch - the staff, the campers, the mission, and the horses. I came back year after year to see my campers grow up and progress through the program and see East Valley Ranch develop into the program it is today.”

After a friend suggested she do so, Diana decided to apply to work at Frost Valley 39 years ago. Today, she lovingly cares for the Frost Valley Castle and is always happy to share her wealth of knowledge about its history. She loves to witness visitors marveling over the architecture and beauty, which she says is what makes her job so rewarding.

When asked what is most rewarding about her role here, she says, “when a camper has what I call a ‘light bulb moment’ in their riding and it clicks.” The confidence young riders gain after working hard to master a new skill is priceless, and we’re so grateful that Megan has joined our team to foster more “light bulb moments” for our campers.

Congratulations Megan, our 2017 Rookie of the Year!

January NORTHEAST YMCA CAMPING CONFERENCE Frost Valley hosts the Northeast YMCA Camping Conference for the 6th year, which brings over 250 professionals together to network, learn, and share best practices.

Engaging campers, increasing character outcomes, and enhancing infrastructure and staff development are some of the topics that ensure Y Camps continue to set the gold standard for the industry.

This year, Diana was nominated by an overwhelming number of her colleagues, and she was both surprised and honored to receive the award at our annual holiday staff party in December.

After meeting a Mainstreaming at Camp (MAC) camper with developmental challenges, Diana discovered the true impact of working at Frost Valley. Later in her career, a former head of housekeeping deeply influenced her work ethic as she observed their high standards and expectations for quality work and guest experiences. Congratulations, Diana, for earning this much-deserved award!

January PATRINA FOUNDATION GRANT Frost Valley gratefully receives a generous grant from the Patrina Foundation, an organization with a mission to improve the lives of girls and women. The grant will support tools, supplies, and materials required to maintain and enhance the integrity of our all-girls Equestrian Summer Camp at East Valley Ranch. Many thanks to the Patrina Foundation!

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FACILITY UPDATES

NEW ENHANCEMENTS TO OUR PROPERTY PROGRESS TOWARD A WASTE-FREE DINING EXPERIENCE As you may know, Frost Valley composts all food waste and we have a robust recycling program throughout camp. And now, thanks to support from our food service provider, Chartwells, as well as a new agreement with Ronnybrook Farm Dairy, we no longer use plastic condiment packets or milk cartons. We’re currently researching the last few solutions necessary to offer our guests, campers, and school groups a dining experience that does not require throwing anything away in the trash!

UP NEXT! Upon completion of the fundraising, cabins 1-5 will be built across from Hussey Lodge. All 5 cabins will be ADA accessible. To contribute to the Building Stronger! Cabin Campaign email Alison Buxton at abuxton@frostvalley.org

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Frost Valley staff join together for the annual le ST Lake CoArea E RN Parking WAY PB EYElizabeth Kellogg Staff Appreciation Dinner on Horse Barn/ YM Ski Center CA / RO February U TE 4 7 25. The dinner is held to celebrate our 1 mile to the Resource Management Centerentire (RMC) staff for their professional excellence 7 miles to Claryville 12 miles to the Frost Valley Educational Farm 13 miles to the East Valley Ranch and dedication to our campers and guests. Four Elizabeth Kellogg Award winners and one D. Halbe Brown Employee of the Year Award winner will each take trips to destinations of their choosing thanks to generous donor support of this special event!

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CONSTRUCTION UNDER WAY Kresge Lodge FOR CABINS 41-50 The new cabins being built near Kresge Lodge are beautifully appointed with an incredible view. We look 40 forward to making them E L RC 38 39 available for summer 37 36 2018 campers!

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FIRE RING BRIDGE FOOT PATH FENCE ROAD WATER BUILDING/STRUCTURE 18-HOLE DISC GOLF COURSE ACTIVITY AREA

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SNOW TUBING GETS A NEW HOME With the addition of a new road last spring, which has increased security by allowing us to have only one entrance to camp, the former location VALLEY VALLEY ofWEST our snow tubing FROST hill needed to be YMCA moved. Winter 2017-18 has provided Observatory plenty ofKEY snow for lots of tubing over PB PUBLIC BATHROOMS PT PUBLIC TELEPHONE at the new location near Geyer Hall.

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NEW LED LIGHTS IN LODGES All of the lights in Bodman, Day, Kellogg, Hyde & Watson, Quirk, Kresge, Scott, Wolf, and Snow Lodges now have LED lights installed. These lights cut the wattage used in half and provide one third more light.

Next, we are working on installing LED lights in the remaining lodges.

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Ketcham Chapel

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UPCOMING EVENTS HIKING WEEKEND

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

APRIL 13 - 15, 2018

This is the perfect time to hike Frost Valley’s 5,500 acres or be shuttled to some of our local trail heads to visit a Fire Tower, crest Slide Mountain, or visit Giant Ledge. Make new friends from a network of hiking clubs!

All meals are provided, as well as activities on camp when you are not enjoying the trail. Non-hiking family and friends are welcome to also enjoy Frost Valley’s fun and exciting regularly scheduled family programming.

Join us for $139 when you stay in camp-style lodging.

VOLUNTEER WORK WEEKEND APRIL 20-22, 2018

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 volunteer 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 for a special low rate.

Volunteers join us for only $35 when staying in camp-style lodging and their additional guests pay only $139.

Call (845) 985-2291 x 295 or email ekaskel@frostvalley.org for more information.

MAY 25 - 28, 2018 (SPACE LIMITED)

Kick off summer with Memorial Day Weekend at Frost Valley YMCA – the perfect place to welcome the warmer months with outdoor activities for the whole family! Activities include climbing, hiking, archery, canoeing, ziplining and other high adventure courses. Spend the weekend relaxing with stretch and meditation classes and stargazing at the observatory. Don’t miss our 3rd Annual Family Field Day!

AUTISM SUPPORT WEEKEND JUNE 15 - 17, 2018

Autism Family Support Weekends at Frost Valley YMCA provide families opportunities for friendship, support, and networking, as well as the potential to relax, play, and forget the pressures of daily life. Activities encourage guests to experience new adventures – including sports and games, arts and crafts, climbing, hiking, canoeing, and exploring the Catskill Mountains!

Meet other families, make new friends, and watch your child develop relationships and build confidence while trying new things or enjoying old favorites, all with the assurance that you are part of a community who understands your journey.

Your family’s needs come first! Frost Valley staff are here to take care of the details, including lodging, specially adapted programming, and special dietary needs (with advanced notice), so that you can relax and have fun.

Guests with Autism stay FREE. Friends and family stay for $139 in modern, camp-style lodging.

VISIT ANY WEEKEND, SEPTEMBER - JUNE Your family and loved ones are invited to join us for an enriching and memorable weekend retreat during nearly any weekend that fits your schedule from September to June.

We can’t wait to see you and your family here in the Valley! Call: 845-985-2291 ext. 450

February CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT LEARNING INSTITUTE (CDLI) GRANT The YMCA of the USA awards East Valley Ranch with a CDLI grant to strengthen the equestrian program. The goals of this grant are to promote hiring quality staff and professional development, delivering quality programs, advancing improvements, and increasing camper character development. After being awarded this grant last year, Day Camp programming will continue to benefit from CDLI funding.

February ALL-STAFF STRATEGIC PLANNING MEETING On February 26, all members of the Frost Valley staff come together for a day of goal setting and vision planning to formulate the 2023 Vision. The next five years will include big steps toward progress in key areas such as: guest experience, diversity, sustainability, and much more!

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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

2017 IN REVIEW A LOOK BACK AT ANOTHER GREAT YEAR GROUP & FAMILY RETREAT PARTICIPANTS In 2017, Frost Valley welcomed over 20,000 weekend guests including families, Y-Guides, schools & universities, Girl/Boy Scouts, religious groups as well as other non-profit organizations.

CAMP PARTICIPANTS

SCHOOL TRIP PARTICIPANTS

Among our various camp programs, Frost Valley provided an unforgettable experience for over 4,000 campers in 2017. These campers participated in traditional overnight camp, adventure trips, equestrian camp, farm camp, day camp, and more!

In 2017, Frost Valley was home to school trips from all across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, creating a once-in-a-lifetime 16,171 experience for over 16,000 students.

4,301

20,785

Total Program Participants: 41,257 See page 3 for financial assistance awarded in 2017!

FROST VALLEY YMCA MISSION:

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.