Frost Valley Life Newsletter, Fall 2018

BETTER TOGETHER

Frost Valley Life Frost Valley YMCA Newsletter | FALL 2018 FROST VALLEY YMCA

| frostvalley.org

BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIRMAN Robert B. Haines, Esq.

BETTER TOGETHER

FROM THE DESK OF JERRY HUNCOSKY CEO | Frost Valley YMCA

PRESIDENT James S. Vaughan CEO Jerry Huncosky

Fall is a season of transformation, and I can’t think of a better place to witness it firsthand than here at Frost Valley YMCA. Not only do the trees provide a beautiful display of brilliant colors, but we also see magnificent transformations here every day among the school children, groups, and families who join us.

VICE CHAIRMAN Catherine M. Harvey TREASURER David B. Bieler SECRETARY Jerold W. Dorfman, Esq. VICE PRESIDENTS William E. Baker Professor Al Filreis Amy F. Melican, Esq. 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 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

As we continue to celebrate our 60th anniversary here in the Catskills, it’s humbling to look back on our roots, and I hope you’ll enjoy the fascinating information on pages three and four about those first few years here in Claryville, NY. Today, over 40,000 people visit Frost Valley each year. In 2018, summer camp alone served over 4,000 children, and some programs already have a waiting list for summer 2019. In keeping with our mission to serve all, we’re working on expanding to new programs to ensure every family has access to life-changing outdoor experiences, including the new trips described on the back cover of this issue.

As you’ll read within these pages, Frost Valley may serve thousands, but the individual stories are what keep us going. The many gifts you’ve given Frost Valley are what allow for such a diverse and inclusive community. Support like yours not only helps individuals who otherwise might not be able to come here, but it also allows campers to meet children from different backgrounds and beliefs, giving everyone the opportunity to be more culturally enriched and open minded.

Thanks to kind and caring people like you, Frost Valley truly is better together.

Jerry Huncosky

FROST VALLEY SUNSET A poem by Tyler Johnson, Family Camper Mountains perfect set in light Dusk colors sky That twilight nice, pretty.

Mermaids come out at twilight mixing yellow, white clouds Blue sky.

Fairy dust can fly Like Peter Pan Growing up in Neverland.

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THE GIFT OF CHILDHOOD

ONE GIRL DISCOVERS LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS Running through grass covered fields, playing games until dusk, and sharing secrets with good friends at sleepovers are just a few of the carefree hallmarks that make childhood such a magical time. Many children might take these simple pleasures for granted, but Abigail Trent wasn’t one of them.

Abby, as she was affectionately known to friends and family, was a girl with a larger-than-life laugh that made people smile. Despite facing serious health issues, she was determined to have as many adventures as life would grant her.

Though she was perfectly healthy in early childhood, when she was eight years old she suddenly contracted a virus that had a devastating impact on her body. Within a month, Abby’s kidneys began to fail. She received dialysis, but the treatments inexplicably made matters worse — they put her into heart failure.

She had her first kidney transplant in 2000, followed by a heart transplant in 2001, and a second kidney transplant in 2003. Despite all that her young body had gone through, Abby never once saw herself as chronically ill.

Her zest for life could not be contained by any limitations of her body. “No Mom, I’m not ill,” Amy Persaud, Abby’s mother, fondly recalls her daughter saying on many occasions. Abby longed to do things other children her age could do — go on a hike, attend a sleepover, and go to summer camp.

It was difficult for Amy to find a summer camp that could adequately accommodate Abby’s dialysis treatments, which is why she was ecstatic when she found Frost Valley’s Kidney Camp program, made possible through a longtime partnership with The Ruth Gottscho Kidney Foundation and the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore. She enrolled Abby right away.

Abby would receive her dialysis treatments on site while still participating in daily camp activities like hikes, games, and, her favorite activity: arts and crafts. Abby often joked that it was her destiny to become an artist because of her initials: A.R.T. (Abigail Ruth Trent).

Abby longed to use her artistic gifts and experiences to help children as an art therapist in a hospital setting when she grew up. She knew how isolating the hospital can be and wanted to give children a way to express themselves and simply enjoy the magic of childhood for a while.

“Having persistent medical issues inhibited Abby from doing many activities other kids her age enjoy. Camp gave her an escape from her sickness. It was the one time every year where she could just be a typical kid. That’s why Frost Valley was such a special place for her,” Amy explains.

Abby loved Frost Valley so much that she not only returned in subsequent years as a camper, but she also spent a year as a CiT (counselor in training). Her natural self-confidence and

determination was polished by her time at Frost Valley. Despite her medical condition, Abby was adamant about hiking up to Merrell Pavilion with her fellow campers.

“Abby was one of the first kids on dialysis that I had ever met,” says Shannon Mooney, Alumna and Frost Valley staff member. “Even though she was going through something so hard on the inside, Abby’s spirit lifted everyone up.”

“During our Windsong Summer, we went to the Fun Center and played mini golf,” Shannon recalls. “We were all terrible, but she made it so much fun. She decided we should switch the rules so that whoever gets the worst score (but not on purpose) is the winner.

When walking to different camp activities like specialties we were always singing a song or a cheer.”

Abby’s camp experience also gave her parents some much-appreciated peace of mind. “Knowing that Abby would receive her dialysis treatments by highly-trained medical personnel right on camp freed us from worry.

It was like a vacation for us as well because we knew she was going to be in good hands,” Amy reminisces. “The caliber of medical care at Frost Valley was excellent,” she adds.

Sadly, Abby passed away in 2010 at the age of 19 while waiting for a second heart transplant, but the memory of her vibrant spirit lives on at Frost Valley and in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, the porch at Frost Valley’s scenic vista known as Merrell Pavilion was dedicated on September 8, 2018 in memory of Abigail “Abby” Trent.

“While Abby was known for her outgoing nature, it took more than just an incredible smile for Abby to make the two-day hike up Red Hill to Merrell Pavilion. It took grit and resolve,” said Jerry Huncosky, Frost Valley’s CEO, during the dedication ceremony. “She set a goal for herself to take this hike, in spite of her physical condition and successfully completed it. There are hundreds of campers who make this hike every summer, but I’m not sure there is anyone in the world who wanted to get to the top more than Abby. I believe it’s fitting to name this porch for Abby. Those of us who knew her, won’t be able to come here without thinking of her. Abby’s story deserves to be told and remembered.”

This year, 30 campers in Kidney Camp were able to have a traditional summer camp experience while also receiving excellent medical care. We are a better camp community at Frost Valley because of children like Abby, who’s perseverance serves as a model for others, whose compassion is boundless, and who remind us that childhood is a precious gift. May we never forget that summers spent laughing, playing, and exploring have the power to transform a child’s life.

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FROST VALLEY CELEBRATES IN YEARS THE VALLEY 0 6

In the late 1950’s, growing tourism, increased traffic, and business development in Andover, NJ—Frost Valley’s early home—threatened a once peaceful and idyllic spot for young campers to have a truly significant outdoor experience.

About a year and a half after a Christmas Eve agreement with the Forstmann family in 1956, what was then referred to as “Camp Wawayanda” began the transition to its permanent home alongside a glistening river, amid miles of protected forest and nature. This year what is today known as “Frost Valley YMCA” celebrates its 60th anniversary in the Catskills. The photos and artifacts depicted here reflect the important ways that our roots as a small boys’ camp in New Jersey provided strong footing for an organization that now annually serves over 40,000 people from all backgrounds and beliefs.

CAMP WAWAYANDA’S BEGINNINGS IN NEW JERSEY

Camp Wawayanda’s first and second locations were based on and around Lake Wawayanda in Sussex County, New Jersey.

The camp’s third location was at New Lake Wawayanda in Kittatinny State Park. Cabin villages were introduced in the 1930s. Unfortunately, camp would have to move again when the surrounding areas became more developed - encroaching on the peace that camp was meant to offer. The site was sold in 1954.

From 1955-1957, Camp Wawayanda “camped out” at the Stevens Institute of Technology Camp, while looking for a new place to call home.

CAMP WAWAYANDA’S MOVE TO THE CATSKILLS The decision to move to Frost Valley was based on many factors, including natural beauty and new program opportunities.

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60 YEARS IN THE CATSKILLS! CAMP WAWAYANDA’S FIRST YEARS AT FROST VALLEY

Many of the existing buildings from the old Forstmann dairy farm were transformed for camp use.

The farm’s herdsman’s house became the camp dispensary (infirmary), also known as Smith Lodge. (Pictured above top left) This photo was taken in 1975, shortly after the completion of a new addition to the building - the Ruth Carol Gottscho Dialysis Center.

Smith Lodge itself has recently been replaced by the Blum House (a staff lounge) and a new dialysis unit in the Gottscho Room is included in the Guenther Family Wellness Center, built in 2008.

Because Lake Cole was not fully complete until the 1959 summer camp season, a temporary pool was dug across the road from Reflection Pond (pictured above).

The dairy barn has had many uses over the years (pictured above center). It was used as the dining hall for the first year of camp while a new one was being built. For many years it was used as a recreation hall.

Today it’s known as Margetts Lodge.

One of the few buildings that serves the same purpose as its early days in camp, the old creamery makes for a lovely administration office (pictured above top right).

We call it the R. Fenn Putman Welcome Center today.

The original Thomas Lodge Dining Hall (pictured above) was destroyed by a fire in 1983, and its replacement was finished in 1986.

Resident manager Harry Cole, along with a crew of local carpenters, completed the new cabin villages in time for the first season of summer camp at Frost Valley.

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A CELEBRATION OF IMPACT

2018 ANNUAL SUMMER MEETING REVIEW Over a hundred donors, alumni, trustees, volunteers, and staff members gathered on August 18, 2018 for Frost Valley’s Annual Summer Meeting and Luncheon.

The day began with a warm welcome from our CEO, Jerry Huncosky followed by his inspiring State of Camp address.

During his address, Jerry reported continued growth, capital improvements, and 100% of the staff anonymously surveyed reported Frost Valley as a good or very good place to work. He also announced that Frost Valley has awarded an excess of two million dollars in scholarships throughout the year, filled summer camp, served over 4,000 meals to local families through our meal delivery program, and hosted over 40,000 people last year. Frost Valley’s emphasis remains on the last two words of our mission statement: “For All.”

After his address, Judy Eichinger from the Ruth Gottscho Kidney Foundation honored Dr. Fredrick “Rick” Kaskel, Medical Director of the Kidney Camp, for 40 years of service. Dr. Kaskel began his work with Frost Valley in 1978 as a visiting nephrologist. In addition to providing excellent medical direction for our Kidney Camp he is also an active member of our board of trustees.

Then Brett Tillman, Frost Valley’s Director of School Programs, gave an inspirational speech about our Environmental Education program. Brett described how Frost Valley is educating children so they can make more informed decisions about the environment for years to come.

Next the audience was treated to two very personal and moving speeches. The first was presented by Jamette Nimene, a former Sacky and Windsong Camper who is now working at Frost Valley as a Tacoma Village Counselor. The second was presented by Farm Camper, Mairead Lacey.

Both described their personal growth thanks to

their time and experiences at Frost Valley.

The morning concluded with a delicious farm-fresh lunch.

The afternoon began with inductions into the YMCA of the USA Honor Roll, which recognizes individuals who halve helped advance the mission of the YMCA through cumulative, lifetime contributions of $100,000 or more.

This year’s new inductees were Penny Burnett, and Jerry Huncosky and Patti Candelari.

To conclude the day, Sandy Shapiro Bohn received the Eric Blum Volunteer of the Year Award. Beverly Gross Sutton, James “Jim” Marion, and Ted B. Hilton were all inducted into Frost Valley’s Hall of Fame. Jerry Huncosky gave his closing remarks, and the day concluded with tours of the Jim Marion Sugar Shack, the Putman and Kellogg Villages, and the upcoming solar field. It was a great day to celebrate the collective impact Frost Valley and its volunteers have made in the lives of countless individuals!

2018 ERIC BLUM VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR SANDRA “SANDY” SHAPIRO BOHN

With humility and grace, Sandra “Sandy” Shapiro Bohn upholds an important role at Frost Valley — “Camp Mom.” Her altruistic nature is positively palpable; seen in her warm smile as she asks campers if she can take their picture; heard in the easy banter of girls bonding with her during a challenging, yet triumphant hike; and felt in the time spent listening to a child who appears to be internally wrestling with something troubling.

After spending 17 summers volunteering at Frost Valley, Sandy has become a fixture of loyalty and affability. She counts her volunteer hours the way many people count their blessings. In fact, Sandy excitedly counts down the days until her return to Frost Valley and uses all of her available paid time off in order to serve as our resident “Camp Mom” for upwards of a month to six weeks at a time.

“Coming to Frost Valley is always like coming home. I love it! I would stay here as long as they let me. I love the people,” Sandy explains.

SPRING/SUMMER 2018

For nearly two decades, she has been returning to Frost Valley and pitching in with any task that is needed. She has driven children to the hospital as well as the bus station, picked up supplies for Sandy Bohn Frost Valley’s Olympix and other camp events, served as the longest running judge at Challenge Night, taken photos, attended and assisted with off-site trips, and has been an indispensable extra pair of eyes, helping to create the proverbial village that is necessary to properly bring up children.

Sandy commits the very best of herself, with great passion and without a solitary trace of hesitation, to every job she is commissioned with. For all these reasons and more, Frost Valley’s Board of Trustees is honored to bestow Sandy Shapiro Bohn with the 2018 Eric Blum Volunteer of the Year Award.

March

FURTHERING OUR BOUNDLESS REACH Thanks to a $10,000 YMCA of the USA grant, the Diversity, Inclusion, and Global Engagement team helps camps review and strengthen policies and programs for welcoming all youth to camp. The Camp Inclusion project seeks to establish model overnight camp best practices in dimensions of diversity that are most relevant to the demands of camps and their communities.

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April 20 VOLUNTEER WORK WEEKEND To help us prepare for another two months of summer camp, a group of alumni and volunteers arrive on camp to assist our staff with cleaning up our hiking trails. The volunteers also work on organizing historical documents and erecting platform tents for our Adventure Village campers.

2018 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE BEVERLY GROSS SUTTON

Admired and known by everyone, across boys’ and girls’ camps both, as “Bev Gross”—or just “Bev,” a counselor quickly famed for her enormous store of empathy, and a colleague whose passion for and faith in people’s deep goodness could be counted on to get everyone through the rough times and to celebrate the glory of the happy ones. Bev did as much as anyone in those crucial early years to shape the spirit and sensibility of camping for girls at Frost Valley, and by her very manner of daily being persistently conveyed to all of us the idea—then new to this oldest camp in the U.S.—that girls not only had the basic equal right to the summer camp experience but would learn and thrive and “rough it” in this remote valley as well as, and perhaps sometimes better than, the boys.

Alumna Jody Ketcham presents the award to Beverly Gross Sutton

In seven influential summers at Frost Valley (1962-1968), Beverly held the roles of Junior Counselor, Counselor in Training (CiT) Director, and Village Chief. Whenever she worked in one of the original four girls’ villages, hers was always—devotedly—Susquehanna (or “Susky”). She was a JC during the very first Susky summer and so they had to improvise their cheering and chants and screamed their presence everywhere they went around camp: The sun comes up on Susquehanna / The moon goes down on 6 through 10 / ‘Cause we’re the best and we’re the greatest / Sing hallelujah, shout Amen!

Bev always had the idea of becoming a teacher, but she came from a socially and economically homogenous community and assumed she would find a job teaching in a segregated school. It was at Frost Valley in 1967 and 1968—her final seasons and the first summers in which financial aid, or “camperships,” were awarded to children from nearby New Jersey cities she didn’t know—that she decided to devote herself to a career of inclusive teaching. A camper she met and loved—this child could not read or write—inspired her to see her world of collegiate teacher training and her Frost Valley world as merged.

She would become a classroom teacher who behaved more like a counselor at Camp Wawayanda for Girls.

By inducting Beverly Gross Sutton into Frost Valley’s Hall of Fame, the Board of Trustees honor a legendary leader among the community of girls and women who in the early 1960s, after eight decades of camping exclusively for boys, pioneered the culture and values of “Camp Wawayanda for Girls” (as it was first called) and then “Camp Henry Hird.” Bev left an indelible impression in the collective consciousness of Frost Valley’s camp community that can still be felt today.

April 30

May 1

KOSOVO’S FIRST CAMP WILL SOON BE A REALITY!

ROADSIDE CLEANUP

On April 30, 2018, three representatives from Kosovo’s government, the CEO of YMCA Kosovo, and a staff member from the YMCA of the USA all return to Frost Valley with a mission: witness a traditional American summer camp and learn how to implement one in Kosovo. Shortly after visiting and seeing Frost Valley in action, Kujtim Gash (the Kosovo Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports) agrees to fund a significant portion of the costs to launch the new camp. We’re excited to see where this newly formalized partnership will lead next in our pursuit of boundless reach!

Frost Valley’s staff traverse 16 miles of road as well as all main camp program areas for our annual “Roadside Cleanup.” During this volunteer event, thirty-two enthusiastic staff roll up their sleeves to pick up litter that has accumulated over the winter and was hiding under the snow.

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2018 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE JAMES “JIM” MARION

For more than a decade, James “Jim” Marion not only championed but also spearheaded Frost Valley’s progress as it ushered towards a more sustainable future through facility and program enhancements that have benefited thousands of visitors. In this pursuit, Jim dutifully served as Frost Valley’s Environmental Education Program Director from 1976-1990.

The Marion Family pose in front of the Jim Marion Maple Sugar Shack after Jim’s induction into the Hall of Fame

Jim believed that there was no better classroom than the great outdoors, and he dedicated his life’s work to teaching young people how to cultivate an appreciation for our natural resources. Jim Marion’s legacy of conservancy can be observed all around Frost Valley, from the bee apiary to the sugar shack, to the 4,500 square foot composting facility, which allows Frost Valley to compost all of the food waste produced on site, turning it a into nutrient-rich soil amendment that goes into a potting mix for plants in our greenhouse.

Jim Marion once described how, “at camp, living is cooperative and therefore learning is frequently shared. It’s 24 hours a day, including the dark hours of evening, compared with the 9 am – 3 pm daytime format typical of most schools.”

Many of the programs that Jim oversaw still inspire generations of students and visitors to this day. Such programs include: The WOW (Wonders of Winter Program), Project Adventure, and the Maple Sugaring Program. Easily adept at donning a full bee keeper’s suit and showing a group of children the ins and outs of an active honey bee hive, explaining the alchemy that coaxes syrup from a clear, bland liquid to the delicious amber-hued nectar of pure maple syrup, and altering the prevalent mindset that winter creates a natural barrier to learning by showing students the ease of following animal tracks with the aid of a fresh blanket of new-fallen snow, Jim used absolutely every opportunity afforded him to give others the gift of his amazing penchant for knowledge, wonder, and appreciation for the natural world in all its splendor.

For his personal dedication and tireless pursuit of educating schoolchildren and their teachers about the value of environmental responsibility; for innovating new programs, which reduce the carbon footprint of Frost Valley; for all these reasons and more, Frost Valley’s Board of Trustees is honored to induct Jim Marion into the Frost Valley YMCA Hall of Fame.

June 2

June

June 21

BLUE STAR FAMILIES GRANT

HEARST FOUNDATION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

CABIN DEDICATION Donors and alumni gather for a ribbon cutting for ten brand new cabins that make up the new R. Fenn Putman Village and James C. Kellogg Village. The first campers move in a week later for the quintessential camaraderie and community that is only possible within the walls of a summer camp cabin. Many thanks to all who helped make these new cabins possible.

Thanks to a generous grant from Blue Star Families, 10 campers from military families are able to attend camp who otherwise might not have the opportunity. Blue Star Families is an organization that connects and empowers military families to create vibrant communities of mutual support.

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In July, we are honored to receive a grant of $100,000 from The Hearst Foundation, Inc. to help underwrite the infrastructure for another new village of cabins in addition to the ten completed prior to summer 2018. They will be ADA accessible, uniquely designed for Frost Valley’s guest needs, and enable us to serve more people.

2018 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE TED B. HILTON

Ted’s quiet wisdom and absolute humility might have allowed him to fly under the radar (which Ted may have preferred), if not for his incredible track record of service on Frost Valley YMCA’s Board of Trustees. Ted began his tenure on the Board in 1972 when Frost Valley’s then Executive Director, D. Halbe Brown, requested that he join. He has been faithfully serving as a Trustee ever since – 46 years and counting.

Board President Jim Vaughan presents the award to Ted Hilton

Ted credits his longevity on the Board to simply finding something he loves to do and sticking with it, though his history paints a clearer picture of his drive and dedication. His illustrious career as both a principal of the West Side Elementary School in Cold Spring Harbor, New York for 40 years and the Director of Deer Hill Camp for boys in New Hampshire for 52 years are a testament to his abiding commitment to fostering positive child development and his unwavering perseverance to achieve that endeavor.

As the principal of West Side Elementary School, Ted was instrumental in bringing his school’s 8th grade class to Frost Valley for its Environmental Education Program. When 8th grade was moved to the high school, Ted safeguarded the trips against dissolution by advocating for their continuation with the 6th grade classes. Because of his efforts, the 6th graders were able to continue visiting Frost Valley for many years.

Ted remains a staunch supporter of Frost Valley’s Environmental Education Program. “Frost Valley could not have evolved into the year-round facility it is today, making it the flagship YMCA in the world, without Ted, who has always championed the Environmental Education Program,” says Jerry Huncosky, CEO of Frost Valley YMCA. “Ted was hugely instrumental in advocating for its expansion and enhancement.”

For his four decades of dedicated service as a member of Frost Valley’s Board of Trustees; for his unwavering commitment to ensuring that Frost Valley’s legacy of providing quality outdoor educational and recreational opportunities for all carries on in perpetuity; for generously sharing his extensive professional expertise as an educator to guide Frost Valley, for all these reasons and more, Frost Valley’s Board of Trustees is honored to induct Ted B. Hilton into the Frost Valley YMCA Hall of Fame.

July 8

July 23

SMALL WORLD FAIR

SUMMER OLYMPIX

During our annual Small World Fair, campers celebrate over 20 countries represented by nearly 140 international staff members, who share their traditions and customs for a culturally enriching event. The day concludes with another camp favorite—fireworks over Lake Cole in celebration of Independence Day.

Another week of teamwork, cultural exchange, and spirited cheers fill the Valley during summer camp’s annual Olympix event. Congratulations to this year’s Spirit Award Winner – Brazil!

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ERICA REBA: WHY I GIVE Although she began her Frost Valley experience at age 13 in 1987, Erica Reba’s best summer ever was her third summer – when she was 15. “By then, everything just clicked,” she explained. “Those first two summers were about developing really meaningful friendships and surviving the awkward ages of 13 and 14. By the time I was 15, I had learned to develop a sense of self-esteem and was so grateful to come to a familiar place where everyone was so welcoming and accepting.”

That summer of 1989 was magical for Erica.

“I was only supposed to stay for six weeks, but I begged my parents to let me stay for eight,” she said with a smile. “I was having an amazing summer. The first session, during a group teamwork activity, I couldn’t get over this huge wall and was really down about it. By the fourth session, I got over that wall. I can’t tell you how much that meant to me – to hear my friends and other campers cheering me on.” It was the perfect ending to the perfect summer.

Erica went on to become a CiT, Junior Counselor, and finally a Counselor. Her last summer at Frost Valley was 1994. “By that point, I had spent a third of my life at Frost Valley and was ready for new challenges,” Erica explained. While she never lost touch with her camp friends outside of Frost Valley, it took almost 19 years for her to make her way back to the Valley.

Many thanks to the Alumni who joined us for our 60th Anniversary in the Valley Reunion October 26-29, 2018 “Unfortunately, it wasn’t for a happy occasion,” she said, sadly. “It was for Eric Blum’s memorial.” Blum, a well-loved staff member and 2013 Volunteer of the Year, dedicated a lifetime of service to Frost Valley. By then, Erica had reunited with her old friends on social media and they convinced her to join them at Frost Valley for the 2015 Alumni Reunion. “I felt like I needed to come – but I was so nervous! I hadn’t seen my friends in so long. Would we all still have that special connection?” she wondered.

For all that Frost Valley had given her, Reba wanted to give back. “I talked with some of my friends about how I could do something that would be easy, but meaningful.

I wanted to give a child the same feelings and experiences that were given to me,” she said. “For me, the easiest way was to donate monthly.”

Her pre-reunion jitters were unfounded and the homecoming, according to Reba, was joyous. “After hiking High Falls, I felt like a teenager again – I felt like I had never left. That’s how Frost Valley makes you feel,” she explained.

Choosing Frost Valley’s monthly giving program, Stewards of the Valley, Reba was able to help more children come to Frost Valley. “I’ve been giving monthly since 2015 and I love it,” she explained. “I don’t even have to think about it – it’s as if it’s just another bill – only I know what I get in return is priceless.”

For her, the reunion was nothing short of magical. “Not only did I get to see my camp friends, but I got to see my counselors from when I was a camper and my campers from when I was a counselor. It all came full circle,” she explains. “That’s when I knew I wanted to do more. To really have a part in making these special memories happen for someone else.”

“Camp is all about having fun - about being a kid and being free. All of my campers were there for that reason, regardless of where they came from or how they got there,” she said, wistfully. “It makes my heart happy to know that I am able to help a child experience the freedom of a Frost Valley summer.”

To become a monthly donor like Erica, visit bit.ly/stewardsvalley

August 5 CARNIVALLEY Frost Valley overnight campers come together for a brand new tradition, “CarniValley.”

Campers set records that will go down in camp history – at least until next summer when they return and attempt to break their own scores! The day ends with a lively lip-sync battle that all in attendance will never forget.

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August 19

August 24

HIRDSTOCK

THANK YOU DONORS!

Another Frost Valley tradition continues! Hirdstock, a camp-wide music festival and talent show, is once again a huge hit with plenty of singers, dancers, musicians, and more!

As summer camp ends, we also wrap up another season of generosity from hundreds of kind and caring individuals like you. Thanks to donor support, 592 campers receive financial assistance during summer 2018, ensuring that every child who wants to come to camp has an opportunity to do so. Children who receive “camperships” create a more enriching experience for the entire camp community, and we are forever grateful to all who make it possible.

10 NEW CABINS WELCOME THEIR FIRST CAMPERS! FACILITY UPDATE

UPCOMING EVENTS FESTIVAL OF THE HOLIDAYS November 30 December 2, 2018

On Sunday, June 24, 2018, amidst summer camp staff training and other preparations for the arrival of first session campers, Frost Valley donors, alumni, staff, and trustees gathered atop the hill below the observatory to celebrate the opening of 10 new cabins. These cabins comprise two new villages (five cabins each), which are named in honor of two Frost Valley greats: the R. Fenn Putman Village and the James C. Kellogg Villages.

Many thanks to the following individuals and families who, through their support, made these 10 new cabins a place where children build character, friendship, and lifelong memories: CABIN 41 In Memory of R. Fenn Putman Donated by Russell Buchanan, C.P.P. Kaffke, Ted Kiesewetter, Richard Newman, Pierson Family Foundation, James and Susan Putman, Jeffrey and Jennifer Putman and Missy Putman Fink

CABIN 44 William E. Baker CABIN 45 Virginia W. Baker and Ralph E. Baker, Jr.

CABIN 42 Kaskel Family Cabin Dr. and Mrs. Frederick Kaskel

CABIN 46 In Memory of James C. Kellogg Donated by his family and friends

CABIN 43 Filreis Family Cabin In Memory of Sam Filreis Donated by Hannah Albertine, Al Filreis, Benjamin Filreis, Lois Filreis, Nancy and Michael Grabow, Edward and Liane Pancoast, Danielle Pancoast and Stephanie Pancoast

CABIN 47 Ketcham Family Cabin In Memory of John D. Ketcham Donated by Michael, Kathy, Billy, Debbie and Jody Ketcham

August 26

CABIN 48 Haight Family Cabin Deborah E. Haight, David and Susan Haight, III, David and Maureen Haight, Jr. CABIN 49 Vescio Family Cabin The Vescio Family CABIN 50 Dr. R. Mark and Mrs. Kathy Ghobrial

September 8

SUMMER FAMILY CAMP

ABBY’S PORCH DEDICATION

A record-breaking 500+ guests join us for our annual Summer Family Camp for six days of bonding with loved ones, enjoying traditional camp activities, and making memories to last a lifetime.

Friends and family gather on the scenic vista of Red Hill to dedicate the Porch at Merrell Pavilion in memory of former Frost Valley Kidney Camper Abigail “Abby” Trent. Read Abby’s inspiring story on page two.

This festive weekend will give your holiday spirit a head start, allowing you to enjoy the true meaning of the season all winter long!

HOLIDAY FAMILY CAMP December 27, 2018 January 1, 2019 Spend quality time with your family in our Catskill Mountain winter wonderland.

On New Year’s Eve, join us in the Dining Hall for an exciting party including our very own ball drop!

PRESIDENTS’ HOLIDAY RETREATS February 15-18, 2019 February 18-22, 2019 Join us for a 2-4 night stay during your children’s school break. With our cross-country ski trails, ice skating rink, snow tube run, snowshoe trails,* and more, your family will experience a memorable winter weekend.

VISIT ANY WEEKEND

September 1, 2018 June 15, 2019 Your family and loved ones are invited to join us nearly every weekend during the school year for an enriching and memorable weekend retreat during any weekend that fits your schedule.

We can’t wait to see you and your family here in the Valley!

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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

NEW ADVENTURE TRIPS FOR SUMMER 2019!

Many of our 2018 trips were waiting list only, and we want to ensure that all teens have the opportunity to grow in ways that foster resilience, confidence, and leadership. That’s why we’re expanding our trips offering with several new experiential travel opportunities!

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Adirondack 46er’s Trip: Spend 25 days as we venture to hike all 46 peaks over 4,600 feet in elevation in the Adirondacks (grades 9-12).

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Maine AT Adventure: Lace up your hiking boots for 25 days on the Appalachian Trail in Maine (grades 9-12).

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All-Female Leadership Trips: Young outdoors-women choose from three enriching trips designed to empower them with leadership skills, while receiving valuable support from their peers and hands-on experience learning wilderness skills (age varies depending on trip).

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Adirondack Trail Builders: Give back by performing trailwork in one of the most protected natural areas in the country - the Adirondacks (grades 9-12).

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Catskill Farm Tour: This serviceoriented trip allows for teens to gain skills while also volunteering to support local agriculture (grades 9-12).

To learn more about any of the above trips as well as our many existing programs, visit: www.frostvalley.org/camp

FROST VALLEY YMCA MISSION STATEMENT:

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.