Frost Valley Life Newsletter, Fall 2023

MAGIC! HONORING TRADITION REACHING FOR THE STARS

Frost Valley Life Frost Valley YMCA Newsletter | FALL 2023 FROST VALLEY YMCA

| www.frostvalley.org

| 845-985-2291

BOARD OF TRUSTEES PRESIDENT Kate Lewis VICE PRESIDENT/ TREASURER Dave Bieler SECRETARY Al Filreis CEO & ASST. SECRETARY Riel Peerbooms TRUSTEES Peter Andruszkiewicz Ed Arnold Bill Baker Dave Bieler Marike Bradford Toothaker John Butler Al Filreis Steven Hochberg Rick Kaskel Emily Kellogg Andy Kremer Kate Lewis Amy Melican Bob Messick Judy Pasnik Riel Peerbooms Kim Reidy Gail Ryan Barb Spitz Joshua Tucker Jim Vaughan Carol Wright Almaz Zelleke

1

FROST VALLEY YMCA | Magic! Honoring Tradition, Reaching for the Stars

OUR 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.

OUR VALUES Caring • Community • Diversity Honesty • Inclusiveness • Respect Responsibility • Stewardship

FROST VALLEY YMCA | June 2021 - May 2022 Annual Report

2

2022 vs. 2023 Total Visitors

3

JUNE 1, 2021 - MAY 31, 2022

JUNE 1, 2022 - MAY 31, 2023

16,471 Total Visitors

23,750 Total Visitors

3,053 (June - Aug, 2021) Day & Overnight Summer Campers

3,834 (June - Aug, 2022) Day & Overnight Summer Campers

6,155 (Sept 2021 - May 2022) School Program Participants

8,822 (Sept 2022 - May 2023) School Program Participants

7,263 (Aug 2021- May 2022) Group & Family Retreat Guests

11,094 (Aug 2022- May 2023) Group & Family Retreat Guests

FROST VALLEY YMCA | Magic! Honoring Tradition, Reaching for the Stars

2023 vs. Pre-Covid Participants

JUNE 1, 2022 - MAY 31, 2023 0

2,500

5,000

7,500

10,000

JUNE 1, 2018 - MAY 31, 2019 12,500

Day & Overnight Summer Campers

3,834

4,200

School Program Participants

8,822

17,295

Group & Family Retreat Guests

11,094

19,838

23,750 Total Participants

15,000

17,500

20,000

41,333 Total Participants

Frost Valley has served, on average, 40,000 total participants each year prior to the spring of 2020 when the pandemic forced us to close our doors. We are very thankful for the support of our guests, alumni, and donors who have helped in our recovery efforts to date but we are still on the road to recovery.

The future of Frost Valley depends on all of us. Please consider making a donation to Frost Valley YMCA today. To donate go to: www.frostvalley.org/donate.

FROST VALLEY YMCA | June 2021 - May 2022 Annual Report

4

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT & CEO For Frost Valley’s Future, Camp is the Answer It is hard to overstate the turbulent times we’ve lived through in the last several years. The COVID years, now slowly in our rear view, presented Frost Valley with challenges, and tested our resolve like never before. On the heels of those challenges, and while Frost Valley continued to navigate through the aftermath of the pandemic, we faced another major transition: after 20 years, Frost Valley selected a new CEO to lead the organization out of the pandemic and into a new and prosperous future.

As with any change of this kind, anticipation is paired with dreams for what lies ahead - and excitement to affirm our reputation for superb camping and outdoor experiences for all of our guests.

Beginning in March, the team launched a number of initiatives associated with a renewed effort to track the health of our camp, revitalize staff engagement, and reinforce the impact we have on the lives of those we serve. We have wasted no time and worked each and every day to get it right, so that we are able to capture the magic at the center of Frost Valley’s programs.

This past summer, and as we started fall programs, we saw examples of Frost Valley’s magic in abundance!

At camp, we saw it at the trip center, as kids prepared for their hikes; we saw it on the fields during hangout, or in the dining hall during hoopla cheers; we saw it when campers supported each other at Challenge night. We see it now, in our fall season, as children from our visiting schools bond and connect while engaged on the Vertical Playpen, and on weekends, when families fly down the zip line.

We see it in all the ways that Frost Valley is available to everyone.

5

This is more than just magic, isn’t it? In a world as complicated and often messy as the one we live in, we believe more than ever that Frost Valley is the answer.

We are the answer for young people who have fewer spaces, aside from home or school, to practice being a great human.

We are the answer for young people living in a world that challenges and compromises their mental health every day.

We are the answer in a world that talks a lot about diversity, equity and inclusion but often finds it difficult to show what it can look like.

We are the answer for our young people living overscheduled, hyperconnected, but often lonely lives.

And we are the answer when the benefits of being set free in the outdoors - far too rare for many young people - is the exception, not the rule.

Frost Valley has a unique answer to all of these challenges, in a place that is designed from the ground up for campers, students and families to truly be themselves, to be curious, to explore, to learn a new skill or to just spend time in nature.

Shouldn’t that be something that every child can experience? This is true now more than ever!

Exciting times are ahead: an invigorated Board is ready to guide, an energized leadership team is looking forward to being a force for positive change, and our staff stand ready to inspire, to motivate, and to care for all the young people, groups and families who come to Frost Valley to experience all the magic we have to offer.

We hope you will join us in the Valley this year!

Kate Lewis

Riel Peerbooms

Board President, Frost Valley YMCA

Chief Executive Officer, Frost Valley YMCA

FROST VALLEY YMCA | Magic! Honoring Tradition, Reaching for the Stars

Stories from The Valley

SCOUTS BREAKING SOCIAL BARRIERS The first time Marie set foot on Camp at Frost Valley, she was with Ellie, her eldest daughter. Together, they joined two spirited scout troops from Northern New Jersey for a weekend adventure in 2017. The troops were fifthgraders and their laughter echoed through the Super Lodge that housed twenty girls and twenty moms.

The flying squirrel wasn’t just fun; it was transformative.

As scouts soared through the air while the moms pulled the rope, bonds were forged and walls came down.

Marie watched, amazed, as cliques crumbled during these kinds of teambuilding exercises.

The girls were connecting with peers they’d never before considered friends. Marie could only describe it as “magical.”

Fast forward to 2022. Marie found herself back at Frost Valley, this time accompanying Meghan, her youngest, and another fifth-grade scout troop. As they packed for the trip, Ellie and Marie couldn’t help but reminisce about that “powerful” and “transcendent” weekend six years prior.

The friendships Ellie had made weren’t fleeting; they were lasting. “That weekend is my favorite troop memory,” Ellie declared, affirming its transformative impact.

tunes. Just like before, Marie witnessed the alchemy of connection. Cliques dissolved, replaced by a newfound unity among the girls. As they settled into their beds on the final night, Meghan’s eyes sparkled and she shared with Marie that “this [was] the best weekend ever.”

For Marie, these weren’t just isolated weekends; they were pivotal experiences that shattered social barriers, not just once but twice, with both her daughters. It was as if Frost Valley had a secret recipe for breaking down the cliques that so often plague young friendships.

Now, Marie can’t help but share her Frost Valley experience with every parent she meets. She passionately declares it “the answer to bullying” and “the first step in learning how to be a meaningful part of something much larger than yourself.”

Even as rain poured down throughout the 2022 weekend, the magic of Frost Valley remained undiluted. The troop reveled in crafting, line dancing, and belting out karaoke

FROST VALLEY YMCA | June 2021 - May 2022 Annual Report

6

Stories from The Valley

TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF AFFIRMATION In the heart of the Catskill Mountains, nestled amidst the whispering pines and shimmering lakes, lies Frost Valley—a haven of discovery and transformation. It was here, at the age of 10, that a young Brooklynite named Kat first stepped into a world far removed from the urban cacophony they were accustomed to. They embarked on a week-long adventure, filled with trepidation and wonder.

Each summer that followed, like a migratory bird, Kat was drawn back to The Valley. The allure wasn’t just the pristine environment or the thrill of adventure. It was the profound metamorphosis they underwent each time.

By the summer of 2023, Kat had evolved from a timid camper to an inspiring Junior Counselor, guiding others through the very trails and trials they once tread with apprehension.

Frost Valley isn’t just a camp to Kat; it’s a sanctuary.

It’s here where Kat discovered the courage to embrace their non-binary identity.

“High school isn’t the whole world,” Kat mused, reflecting on the profound realization that their worth wasn’t confined to the narrow corridors of teenage judgment. At

7

Frost Valley, they weren’t just accepted; they were celebrated.

This epiphany was further cemented by a poignant memory from Kat’s younger days. “As a camper, counselors make a lasting impression,” Kat recalled, their voice tinged with reverence. “My counselor was the first person to give me a nickname, ever...now I always go by Kat!” That simple act of endearment was a beacon, illuminating the path for Kat to become a beacon for others. They recognized the weight of their role, understanding that their actions, like ripples in a pond, could inspire and uplift.

The safety and freedom that Frost Valley provided isn’t just physical; it’s emotional and spiritual.

It is a place where young souls, like Kat, can unfurl their wings without fear of judgment. The affirmation and empowerment Kat experienced was incomparable. In their own words,

“being in an environment that is for all and empowers everyone to be themselves affirmed for me that I would be accepted as who I truly was inside.”

Kat’s story is a testament to the transformative power of Frost Valley. It’s a reminder that our mission goes beyond mere recreation; we are sculpting futures, nurturing dreams, and fostering acceptance. Every child that steps onto our grounds is a promise—a promise of potential, growth, and boundless horizons. Amidst the magical and verdant expanses of Frost Valley, young people, like Kat, are empowered to find their voice, their identity, and their purpose.

FROST VALLEY YMCA | Magic! Honoring Tradition, Reaching for the Stars

Stories from The Valley A JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE In the summer of 1999, a young boy named Shawn stepped onto Frost Valley’s main camp for the first time. He wasn’t just any camper; he was a Kidney Camper. “I came in 1999 and I was on dialysis,” Shawn recalls. It was a chance connection between social workers that led him to Frost Valley’s dialysis program.

Shawn was one of the only Kidney Campers who was not a patient with Montefiore Hospital, the hospital that has been the conduit through which so many Kidney Campers come to Frost Valley every summer. “[My social worker] told her friend ‘I have a kid...’ She was talking about me and that’s how I found out about camp.”

For five consecutive summers, Shawn experienced the magic of Frost Valley. These weren’t ordinary summers. Each day began with dialysis, a stark reminder of Shawn’s health challenges. “I remember my very last year as a camper, I brought all of Slide Village to dialysis,” he shares. This brave act was both “awkward” and “informative” for his peers. Some could bear witness to the process, while others found it too overwhelming. Shawn understood, saying, “it’s blood, you’re seeing blood go through tubes over a cycle for four hours.” Some of his fellow campers and cabinmates stayed with him for the duration of the treatment.

Frost Valley offered Shawn a respite from a life dominated by health concerns. “Being a camper here gave me a taste of what not worrying about your health looked like,” he reflects.

Outside of camp, health was his whole world. But at Frost Valley, once he stepped out of the dialysis chair, he was just another kid, free to run around and have fun.

Years later, Shawn’s connection to Frost Valley took a new turn. “My head and my heart have always been at camp,” he admits. After several years away from Frost Valley and working as a principal, a serendipitous opportunity brought him back to where it all began. “I

came to visit, and I volunteered in 2021 for a week... then in January of 2022, I was told that this job was open and that I needed to apply.” Only a few short weeks later, Shawn was back at camp beginning his new role. After being a beneficiary of the Montefiore partnership with Frost Valley, Shawn has now become the director of all partnerships at Frost Valley.

What truly underscores the impact of Frost Valley on Shawn’s life is the legacy of Eric Blum. “He would do Dialysis right next to me,” Shawn remembers. Eric, a legend at Frost Valley, became a beacon of hope and inspiration for Shawn. “I would not have loved coming here had I not seen Eric Blum...this man was so many things to Frost Valley, but he sat in a chair next to me [a kid] and did dialysis.”

Today, Shawn realizes the profound impact he has on others, just as Eric had on him.

“Last summer was the first time I even realized how important I have been to people on camp and didn’t know it,” Shawn says.

He’s become another beacon of resilience, hope, and representation for many at Frost Valley.

Shawn’s journey, from a young boy on dialysis to a leader shaping the future of Frost Valley’s myriad of partnerships, is a testament to the transformative power of Frost Valley. It’s a story that reminds us all of the profound impact that community, support, and representation can have on an individual’s life.

Counselor Shawn with his campers, 2011 (left) Partnerships Director Shawn, 2023 (right)

FROST VALLEY YMCA | June 2021 - May 2022 Annual Report

8

Foundation Grants

CVS HEALTH FOUNDATION’S THREE YEAR COMMITMENT PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR FROST VALLEY’S PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM When Lucas arrived at Frost Valley, fresh out of the fourth grade and ready for camp, the counselors in his cabin in Rocky Village were aware of the “Cardinal of the Year” award he had recently won at his school. This prestigious annual award goes to the scholar that exemplifies their school’s core virtues (courage, justice, wisdom and self-control) all year round. Lucas also came with high praise from the partnership coordinator at his school, who assured his counselors that he would be an absolute joy.

“That was an understatement,” laughs Partnership Director Shawn Blagmon. “Camp is so important for our partnership campers, and often they come here with some fear, homesickness, and apprehension about the unknown. But not Lucas. Lucas came to camp open to the process, and ready to have the best possible experience he could have.”

Thanks to a generous three-year grant from the CVS Health Foundation, ten students each year from Brilla College Preparatory School, a charter school serving grades K-4 in the Bronx, are able to attend camp at Frost Valley. This multi-year grant, totaling $90,000, has focused on bringing younger campers – most of whom are in fourth and fifth grades – to Frost Valley so that camp has the potential to be a multi-year experience.

“We are so grateful for the CVS Health Foundation’s commitment to providing scholarship to our partnership campers,” said Frost Valley CEO Riel Peerbooms. “Our partnership program is an area that we look forward to seeing continued growth in, very much in keeping with our mission that Frost Valley is a place For All. The generosity of our foundation partners, like CVS, is critical to our success, and we are grateful they see the value in our work.”

Lucas’s energy was infectious and in addition to being a leader in his bunk and camp community, he helped make his fellow campers feel comfortable and less afraid. “Lucas, being a stellar student who enjoyed school, was able to bring that same excited energy to learn new things to camp with him, and it was great for everyone,” explained Shawn. “We often tell the story of campers who struggle and find their footing here at camp, but it is also important to recognize the campers who lean into camp and in the process, help other campers find their joy at camp. It’s really magical.”

9

Pictured left to right: Lucas’s counselor Josh, Lucas, and Partnership Director Shawn Blagmon

FROST VALLEY YMCA | Magic! Honoring Tradition, Reaching for the Stars

Neversink Legacy Society The Neversink Legacy Society is honored to recognize our members, present and past, who have included Frost Valley in their estate plans. To join the Society, or for more information, please contact Dan Bohan, Director of Major & Individual Giving at dbohan@frostvalley.org, or by calling 845-985-2291 ext. 293.

MEMORIAL MEMBERS

NEVERSINK LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBERS Mr. William H. Abbott Mr. William E. Baker Mrs. Ralph Baker Mr. Joseph Beck and Mrs. Bonnie Robinson Ms. Elizabeth Berberian Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Berry / The Berry Family Fund Ms. Eileen Bradley Ms. Alison Buxton Ms. Jody Davies Mr. John W. Douglas Mrs. Margaret B. Dungan Ms. Susan Eisenhauer Mr. Barton C. English Professor Al Filreis Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Garnett Mr. and Mrs. Paul Guenther Mr. David and Mrs. Susan Haight Mr. and Mrs. David Haight, Jr. Mrs. Catherine Harvey Mr. and Mrs. John Haskin Drs. George and Helene Hill Mr. and Mrs. Edward Huber Mr. J. Maurits Hudig Dr. Dawn Huebner Mr. Jerry Huncosky and Ms. Patti Candelari Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Italiano Dr. and Mrs. Frederick Kaskel Mr. Norman Gurfinkel and Ms. Shirley Kay Mr. and Mrs. Peter Kellogg Mr. and Mrs. Morris W. Kellogg Mrs. Gail Kellogg Mr. James Kellogg, Jr. Ms. Susan Kellogg

Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. Ketcham Mr. and Mrs. David G. King Mr. Andrew Kremer Mr. David Landsberger Mr. Andre and Mrs. Susan B Louis Mr. Thomas Margetts / The Margetts Foundation Mr. and Mrs. John McCabe Mr. Robert Messick and Ms. Elizabeth Janopaul Mr. Cheng Ong and Ms. Sara Tansari Dr. Judith Pasnik and Mr. Michael Pasnik Ms. Priscilla Quirk and Mr. Greg Garvan Ms. Rebecca Quirk Mrs. Eleanore Ricciardi Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rooke Ms. Ellen Siegel Dr. Alice Seneres & Mr. Wright Seneres Mr. and Mrs. James Sirkis Mr. Bill Sonsin Mr. and Mrs. Peter Swain Mr. Nicholas Pavey and Mrs. Karin Turer Mr. and Mrs. James S. Vaughan Ms. Robin Wachenfeld Mr. Stephen Warren Mrs. Catherine Wellington

Mr. David & Mrs. Gail Baird Mrs. June M. Blum The Estate of Eric Blum Mr. Paul V. Bollerman Mr. D. Halbe & Mrs. Jane A. Brown Mr. A. Vernon & Mrs. Betty Carnahan Albert E. Chrone Family Trust Mrs. Nicholas C. English The Estate of Woodruff J. and Carolyn English Mr. N. Conover English The Estate of Edward & Elizabeth Ewen The Estate of Theodore Fenstermacher Mr. Roger Gilman The Estate of Eva Gottscho Mr. Robert Haines Mr. & Mrs. William H. Hamilton The Estate of James C. Kellogg The Estate of Elizabeth M. Komline The Estate of Charles & Marie Kremer The Estate of Robert & Blair Ohaus Mr. & Mrs. Merrill Oleson The Estate of R. Fenn Putman The Estate of Howard & Barbara Quirk The Estate of Luther Roehm Mr. & Mrs. H. Michael Schiffer Mrs. Wilma “Billie” Schloerb Mrs. Rose L. Senatore The Estate of Frances & Hale Seymour The Estate of Donald L. and Margaret H. Sherman The Estate of H. Emerson Thomas The Estate of Edmund R. & Elsie Tomb Mr. John Wellington The Estate of Jerome M. Wolff M.D. William A. and Mary Elizabeth Mitchell Foundation

Find information on New York State charities by calling the Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-771-7755 or visit www.CharitiesNYS.com

FROST VALLEY YMCA | June 2021 - May 2022 Annual Report

10

FROST VALLEY YMCA 2000 Frost Valley Road, Claryville, NY 12725 TEL (845) 985-2291 EMAIL info@frostvalley.org WEB www.frostvalley.org