Camp McConnell Times
Winter 2007
Summer Camp ’07 & ‘08
The summer of 2007 brought a record number of 830 campers to our resident camp. Youth and teens experienced classic camping activities, made amazing memories and great friends. Highly-trained staff guided campers and the Leaders In Training teens through daily schedule that offered a choice of classes, field trips, evening fun and more. The McConnell staff enjoyed spending the summer helping children learn new skills, foster healthy habits, develop independence and simply have fun being a kid at camp!
Camp McConnell 2008 summer camp registration will begin soon. The McConnell staff is preparing the perfect blend of traditional McConnell activities and up-to-date fun for the next group of youth who attend summer camp. Our goal is to ensure that every child who comes to Camp McConnell experiences the wonderful “magic” of camp.
Montverde Academy makes use of Camp McConnell
Montverde Academy is an independent, co-ed, college preparatory school near Orlando. Montverde has attended Camp McConnell for 2 different programs and is planning a third.
A group of 100 students, plus teachers and chaperons attended a three day Nature’s Lab program. The students enjoyed activities like archery, nature hikes, canoeing, tie dyeing, field trips to the Florida Museum of Natural History and Morningside Nature Center.
The Montverde boys’ basketball team, who were last year’s National High School Champions, attended a leadership development weekend. The team was excited to participate in Camp McConnell’s challenge course; they faced their fears, encouraged each other and worked as a team to concur the challenges. One of the low ropes challenges was the Trust Fall; the teammates had to trust each other to catch the person falling backwards off of a 3-foot platform.
The third group that will be attending Camp McConnell is the Mother and Son Retreat. Montverde moms will spend some quality outdoor time with their sons in a variety of activities offered at Camp McConnell.
Florida Christian Leadership Conference
The 10th anniversary of Florida’s Christian Leadership Conference will be hosted at YMCA Camp McConnell, May 9, 10, and 11 of 2008. YMCA employees from across the United State are expected to journey once again to YMCA Camp McConnell for a weekend of training, learning, networking, and spiritual renewal. Registration is ongoing but typically 15 to 20 YMCAs are represented at the annual leadership conference with focus on the YMCA Mission: “To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.”
George Robert Frost Honored
The late George Robert Frost was one of the ‘Founding Fathers’ of YMCA Camp McConnell. Anne, JB and John Frost established the Frost Scholarship Fund in his memory, and request that friends and family send donations to Camp McConnell in honor of our dear friend. This fund will benefit well-deserved children that cannot afford to attend summer camp. With the generous donations, the Frost Scholarship Fund can sponsor 5 children for the next 4 years. Mr. Frost loved Camp McConnell and always wanted to help make it accessible to the kids who would benefit from attending camp. We will continue this special fund for as long as possible. Thank you to all who contributed in memory of George Frost; it is a true testament to lives he has touched. “Camp is an experience that lasts a life time.”
Winter Camp Registration Under Way
Camp McConnell’s 17th season of Winter Camp will celebrate the winter holidays and has a Rockin’ New Year’s Eve party planned. Winter Camp is set for December 26 thru January 1 and is currently open for registration. Boys and girls join together and make new friends during their special one week stay. The fun never ends; we will have a fire in the fireplace at supper, regular hot chocolate breaks, horseback riding, high and low challenge course, the annual ‘McConnell Bowl’ flag football game and so much more. It is a wonderful time of year to be a kid at Camp McConnell.
It is Time to Replace the Bunk Beds
Camp McConnell cabins are equipped with 50-year old army style bunk beds in 8 out of the 10 camper cabins. Campers and staff sleep on these old bunk beds for 1 or more weeks during resident camp. The hard metal frames and plywood supports are not comfortable.
Camp McConnell has 2 camper cabins completely furnished with new bunks because of donations from Publix Supermarket Charities and the Evelyn M. Baber Charitable Fund. These nice new bunks made of durable recycled plastic and have two comfortable mattresses. The campers and staff tested these new bunk beds this past summer and were pleased.
A special donation fund for new bunk beds has been started with the sole purpose of purchasing new beds for every cabin. The cost for a bunk bed is $750 and we need 10 beds per cabin.
Anyone interested in donating to the “Bunk Bed Fund,” please send a check to YMCA Camp McConnell or call to make a credit card donation. All donations are tax deductible and greatly appreciated by many well-rested campers to come.
Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated at YMCA Camp McConnell. Happy New Year! Kelly Myles, Executive Director
The McConnell YMCA Outdoor Center ~ Micanopy, Florida
Caring ~ Responsibility ~ Faith ~ Respect ~ Honesty
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