2017 Year in Review FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT® FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Board Members Letter from the Board Chair 2017 2017 BY NED PATTERSON, BOARD CHAIR Nate Blumenshine Will Brunnquell Tom Burket Lucy Cosgrove he past year at Widjiwagan was another strong and stable one. The mission Kris Donnelly continues in an outstanding way for summer campers experiencing the classic Maude Dornfeld Twilderness canoe and back pack trips and for diverse fall/winter/spring school Beth Dutcher groups experiencing the in-camp Outdoor Learning Program. Widji is in an excellent Carolyn Ellstra position to ensure that the programs are sustainable for many years to come. The Marjorie Fedyszyn Jacqui Forbes board, staff, and volunteers started in 2017 and will complete in the first ef w months Marilyn Franzen of 2018, a three-year strategic plan (strategic road map) working on identifying Cindy Gardner innovative ways to strengthen and celebrate our traditions and direct future activities Mark Garrison for 2018-2021. Jenny Hagberg Anne Hartnett As the board chair, I witness the power of connecting campers and alums of all Ned Patterson Colleen Healy generations throughout the year, and it is a true pleasure to observe the Widji Meike Hengelfelt experience in so many different ways. One particular highlight in 2017 was when Tom Hiendlmayr it was decided to have one current WIdji board member experience and participate Megan Holleran Mark Holloway in a canoeing break-in trip that is a part of staff training for the 90 summer Anne Hoyt Taff staff members. I was very fortunate to be the board member to experience this Chris Johnson tremendous opportunity this year. Kevin Lagos David Lauth Staff break-in has groups of 7-8 on a four-day BWCA canoe trip and is led by Anne Lindquist two third- to sixth-year staff with a mix of first- and second-year staff. There are Peter Loewenson shared sessions within the groups on how to teach campers wilderness skills, group Bob McKlveen dynamics best practices, safety issues, and planning and going on a trip as you would Dave Mink Peter Murray with first- or second-year campers. My experience in this was truly remarkable. As Leigh Onkka a summer staff member for six years in the 1980s, the break-in trip was just as fun Ned Patterson as I had experienced by going on trail with others with a love for the outdoors and YEAR-ROUND STAFF 2017 Jeff Rick outdoor experiential education—then and now. Additionally now, it was also even Matt Poppleton – Executive Director John Saxhaug better in that the staff are now even better equipped with tools and skills in best Lee Schafer Kathleen Floberg – Wilderness Program Director Mary Stoick teaching practices, individual learning styles, and group dynamics to ensure the best Paul Sugden and safest camper experience possible. Amy Hadow – Summer Program Director Annie Walsh Something that did not occur in the 1980s was each staff group member at break-in Karen Pick – Outdoor Learning Program Director Erin Walsh Kris Weum spent about 30 minutes teaching a self-chosen “enrichment” to the others while on Eric Johnson – Kitchen Manager trail. I chose to show how to make almost perfect fresh baked bread in a reflector Linda Ramacier – Financial Development Director oven. Others did watercolor painting of a pine tree, how to make perfect Gado About the Cover: A school Gado (pasta dish with a spicy peanut butter sauce) for dinner, and tips for the most Jim Schwartz – Canoe Master group attending Widji’s Outdoor effective teaching different types of campers etc. In all, I found that the current staff Learning Program and paddling Joe Smith – Property Manager the Voyageur North Canoe on give campers an outstanding experience in all the good traditional ways and of “good Katie Godfrey – Administrative Coordinator Burntside Lake. old Widji”, and importantly in even better new ways for the current generation. t 2 | YMCA CAMP WIDJIWAGAN Greetings from Camp Widjiwagan

BY MATT POPPLETON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

n April of 2017 I started in the Director position for Camp Widjiwagan. It’s a posi- her hat as a board member and agreed tion that I had aspired to for quite some time. Having last worked at Widji about 12 to facilitate the planning process Iyears ago as the Wilderness Program Director, I was excited to return for this new throughout the board year. Our work opportunity. began with board members and staff Starting in April meant a month and half to familiarize myself with the staff and board at Widji and continued with other and then a quick transition up to Camp for the summer. It was inspiring to reconnect events throughout the fall. Our hope was to gather as many voices from the with the strong leadership amongst the full time staff, volunteer board and committee Matt Poppleton members. My family and I, which includes my wife Kristen and kids Rachel and Will, Widji Community as possible to help us received a very warm welcome from the Widji Community and great level of support as chart our path forward. Our planning efforts included voices from current and former we took on this exciting new adventure. board members, staff, campers, and teachers from the Outdoor Learning Program. This consensus building approach allowed us to work together and acknowledge a variety of Upon arriving at Widji, two things struck me; the incredible staff and amazing build- perspectives and what our top priorities should be. The work continued with the board ings and property. I quickly realized the impact of Liz Flinn’s steady leadership as the and will become fully realized and placed into action starting in 2018. most recent Director of Widji and my responsibility to carry this good work forward. Throughout staff training I was able to connect with our In Camp staff team and Trail So through this first eary I’m excited to be a part of this incredible Camp. The mission, Counselors. I was impressed with the intentionality and professionalism that everyone values, and traditions of Widji are strong and there is also an openness to how we can brought to their job. better serve today’s young people. The energy and passion of our board and staff along with our Strategic Roadmap will help guide our efforts for the next few years to best On June 15 our first session of campers arrived! It was great to watch the time hon- serve Widji’s mission of respect for self, others, and the environment through wilderness ored tradition of kids arriving at Widji with a mix of nerves, excitement, and curiosity. adventures and environmental education. While this mission seems so simple I feel it Introducing Widji’s mission of developing respect in young people on the shores of one of the greatest needs for our kids today. I look forward to the journey ahead! t Burnstide Lake brought me fully back to the reason I wanted to return to Widji. It was then a privilege to witness Widji’s mission play out in both big and small ways through- ENROLLMENT HISTORY out the summer program. Closing Campfires were particularly special for me to hear from every camper on the impact of their experience. CAMPERS 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 September then marked another Widji transition. We concluded a successful summer pro- Summer Session Campers 754 730 697 706 603 gram and welcomed staff eager to work for the Outdoor Learning Program. Teachers and Organizational Group Campers 59 18 50 41 51 students from throughout the region prepared for their annual fall trip to Widji. I realized Outdoor Learning Program Campers 1,678 1,478 1,564 1,617 1,553 how committed these teachers and schools are to having their students experience Widji. I had started working at Widji as an Instructor for the Outdoor Learning Program over Year Round Total 2,491 2,226 2,311 2,364 2,207 twenty years ago, and saw some of the same teachers still bringing their students up to Widji! The dedication and commitment of these teachers year over year was another indi- CAMPER DAYS 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 cator of the powerful experiences that Widji can provide that support the overall mission. Summer Session Campers 12,992 12,771 12,097 12,452 12,186 In October we also held our board and staff retreat at Camp. With a new director and Organizational Group Campers 597 360 438 341 355 the sunset of the 2014-2017 Strategic Plan, we kicked off the planning work for the Outdoor Learning Program Campers 6,752 5,864 6,026 6,114 6,178 2018-2021 Strategic Roadmap. We were fortunate to have Anne Hoyt Taff who traded Year Round Total 20,341 18,995 18,561 18,907 18,719

YEAR IN REVIEW 2017 | 3 Building the Next Widji Leaders: The BOLD and GOLD Internship BY AMY HADOW AND KURT SIMER

uring the summer of 2017, Widji graduated our Internship. Interns not only practice all of the skills the BOLD and first cohort of Boys and Girls Outdoor Leadership GOLD program seeks to develop but also role model culturally DDevelopment (BOLD and GOLD) Interns. This Internship competent wilderness leadership for younger campers. offers a culminating experience for BOLD and GOLD campers. In 2017, we hired a select group of folks who demonstrated The BOLD and GOLD Program started in the Seattle YMCA in the the wilderness and leadership skills necessary to engage with early 2000’s. Following the success of the Seattle a diverse group of campers in a wilderness setting. Our first Program, Y camps across the country piloted BOLD cohort of Interns included five young people with an excellent and GOLD programs that followed the Seattle array of leadership experience from participating in BOLD, model. Widji and Menogyn adopted the program GOLD and traditional Widji trips as well as the Youth Leadership in 2013. YMCA Camp St. Croix and YMCA Camp Initiative with the Wilder Foundation. Our Interns spent one Ihduhapi now also offer BOLD and GOLD programs. 10-day training session honing their trip leading skills, had a As a community, we have spent the last five sum- day off and then spent a 10-day session co-leading an Intro mers working to interweave the method and values or Bold and Gold trip with a Widji Staff person. Interns coached of and BOLD and GOLD with Widji’s. We hope that campers through homesickness, celebrated challenging portages our new Internship will be another step in this and helped cook dinner! At the end of their experience, our process. Interns commented on learning about their mental and physical BOLD and GOLD trips are designed to prepare strength, building confidence in their leadership, and learning campers to respectfully engage with their increas- to balance the many styles of leadership necessary for working ingly multicultural communities while enjoying the with youth. beauty and wonder of wilderness and having fun. The BOLD and We hope that the Internship will serve as another path to build- GOLD experience starts by recruiting campers to form intention- ing the skills and confidence equirr ed of a Widji Trail Counselor. ally diverse groups in terms of race, sexual orientation, religious We have found that some older campers who enjoy trail and background and socioeconomic status. Campers come together have excellent leadership skills lack the time, financial esourr ces to participate in wilderness trips that range in length from 4 days or have other conflicts that prevent them from spending 4 to 2 or more weeks. Campers canoe at Widji but might backpack to 6 weeks on an advanced trip. These folks often find other or rock climb at other locations. BOLD and GOLD campers learn awesome opportunities and lose their connection to the Widji the wilderness skills necessary to navigate and enjoy these envi- community. The Internship offers paid employment for 16- to ronments. BOLD and GOLD campers also participate in a series 18-year-olds. We hope that our new Internship will keep these of activities that are designed to draw them into age appropriate older leaders engaged by creating more inclusive opportunities and engaging discussions about their identities and help them at Widji. We are proud to expand upon this program in 2018, as develop culturally conscious leadership skills. BOLD and GOLD we develop the next generation of Widji Counselors. t campers at Widji are invited to progress through two tiers of BOLD and GOLD trips and then either participate in other Widji offerings, such as our advanced camper program, or apply for our

4 | YMCA CAMP WIDJIWAGAN Jefferson Community School comes to Widji’s Outdoor Learning Program

BY KAREN PICK OUTDOOR LEARNING PROGRAM DIRECTOR Comments from the students about their experience… he faculty and staff from Jefferson Community School, a “Looking at the stars was one of “I enjoyed my time at Widji because Minneapolis Public School, begin building excitement for my favorite moments of the week you got me to get outside my comfort Ttheir students’ March trip to Widji more than six months because it was so peaceful” zone and made me get off of my before the actual visit. It begins with a slide show in September from the previous year’s trip. Then comes a visit from the eighth “I learned to explore nature and see phone.” graders themselves where they get to share stories with the stuff that I’ve never seen before.” “It was lifechanging to be here.” seventh graders about their adventures. Weekly class meetings follow, in which students can ask questions, discuss the activi- ties they’ll be doing and get information about the gear needed. There are a lot of nerves about the trip—getting out of the Twin Cities is a very new experience for many of the students and spending time outside, hiking and exploring the natural world and experiencing quiet is something not many of them have ever done so they are very apprehensive about it. The north woods is a completely new environment for most of the students. “It takes a lot of time and effort to convince them that the trip will be fun and worthwhile,” says Maria Bowker, Jefferson’s lead teacher for the Widji trip. “Hearing the eighth graders talk about Expo Elementary School, Saint Paul Seward Montessori School, Minneapolis what a great time they had is one of the most valuable ways we have of convincing the seventh graders to come. Once they get OUTDOOR LEARNING PROGRAM GROUPS-2017 to Widji, they have a terrific time and have experiences they will Anishinabe Academy King of Kings Seward Montessori remember for the rest of their lives but getting them on the bus Blake School Lake Country Montessori Shakopee Area Catholic School takes months of effort—but it is extremely worthwhile.” Bowker Brightwater Montessori Life House SISU Knitting went on to say, “the staff was awesome and genuinely wanted to Carondelet Catholic School Many Rivers Montessori Southern Adventist University understand how to work best with our kids. They supported all Ely 7th Graders Marshall School St. Paul Academy our students so well.” Ely Girl Scouts Montessori School of Duluth St. Therese of Deephaven Claire Weiss, a Jefferson science teacher commented that, “the Expo Elementary Northeast Range School Sunny Hollow Montessori Widji study groups were a great way for nervous students to feel Fall Women’s Weekend Northrup Urban Environmental University of Minnesota - safe in a new environment with new experiences.” She continued, Free at last School Institute of Child Development “The instructors were always saying yes to the students, I loved Friends and Family of Anne Murphy Oak Hill Montessori Valley View Middle School that! The staff were incredible with all of our students. I abso- Great River School Oh! No 18 Lutheran Social Services Widji Leaders lutely loved how hard they worked to reach every single one of Groveland Park Elementary Olson Middle School Widjiwagan Board our students. That is a tough job and they did fantastic!” t Jefferson Community School Rosemount & Simley German Widjiwagan Fall Sampler Exchange Group Winter Women’s Weekend

YEAR IN REVIEW 2017 | 5 Behind the Scenes Magic

BY KATHLEEN FLOBERG, WILDERNESS PROGRAM DIRECTOR

or me, the question of “What makes Widji special?” is an easy one to answer. It’s the staff. By staff I don’t mean myself and Fthe other directors. I’m talking about the phenomenal group of individuals who join our team every summer, fall, winter, or spring and dedicate several weeks to providing a meaningful and enriching experience to all our campers and students. Within our group of seasonal summer staff there are a select group who operate largely behind the scenes and whose efforts are instrumental in ensuring that Widji continues to be a positive experience for young people. I’d like to highlight those few individuals and commend the energy they put in to Summer 2017. Among these were our Tripping Center staff Andrew Johnson, Alice Loewenson, Crawford Cunningham, Ellie Johnson, and Caroline Arteaga Ortiz. The Tripping Center houses all our food and gear and outfitted each of the 190 trail groups that came through Widji this past summer. This is not an easy job. It involved bagging (the process Widji that have made it into such a strong program. of putting food from our bulk supply into a group’s individual The office in Ely is a busy place during the summer and ew could not bag of that food item) 425 pounds of chocolate chips, 800 manage without the seasonal staff who work there June-August. pounds of oats, 1,400 pounds of raisins, and 4,000 pounds Fiona Forbes, Maia Fox, Charlotte McKlveen, and Maggie Murray of pasta! They have to organize, repair, and maintain 9 dif- supported the day to day functions of the office and ew could not ferent types of tents, 70 stoves, 215 Duluth Packs, and all have done it without them! There are dozens of things going on the rest of Widji’s gear! These staff brought positivity and every day in the office and this crew was able to take challenges and thoughtfulness to their work and enriched the experience for contingencies in stride. When campers get to Widji, they spend three every camper who came through that building. This is evident days on site getting ready for their trip before departing for their in all the thank you notes trail groups wrote to the Tripping wilderness adventure. A lot happens in the office during those three Center staff throughout the summer (see photo). days to make sure we’re ready to send all the groups on trail! There’s We also have a group of people who come to work in our kitchen this great moment the morning groups depart for trail where the every summer. In 2017 these folks were Cathy McFadden, Joe office team gathers up all the paperwork, resources, first aid kits, Weise, Ethan and Joel Hasz, and Adam Krzewinski. These people etc. that the camper groups will need for their trip and that we’ve ensure that our campers eat healthy and are fed well. It is a hard been working to get ready for the past three days. We walk down to job and sometimes involves feeding 200 people for a banquet the Tripping Center with all these things and send the groups off as dinner! One of our cooks, Cathy McFadden, has been coming to a team. The office is absolutely a team effort and I can’t imagine a work in the Widji kitchen during the summer for 20+ years. Widji summer without their support! exists because of the connections and relationships people have I believe the magic of Widji comes from the staff who commit so much with the place and with each other. It is dedicated individuals, of themselves to this place every season. We could not do it without like Cathy, who commit not only their time but also their heart to them and I hope they know how important they are to the program! t 6 | YMCA CAMP WIDJIWAGAN YMCA CAMP WIDJIWAGAN HERITAGE CLUB Thank you, Heritage Club Members, for your commitment to future generations.

Anonymous Elizabeth P. Fesler Bethanne Rochlin Kronick Linda & Dominic Ramacier Jim & Julia Adams Nancy Fesler Mary Levins Margaret A. Rarig James C. Andre Liz Flinn Judith Frost Lewis & Stephen Lewis Katie Reed Kristin Gendron & Matthew Bailey James Dorsey Flinsch Sr Georgia R. Lindeke Gary & Gale Rick Walter & Virginia Bailey Frederick & Dorothy Forro Darwyn & Marie Linder Tom & Donna Riley Armand & Beverly Ball James & Joan Gardner Armin Luehrs Gwyneth Rochlin Mary Horak Binger Jamie & Cindy Gardner Kay Lyford Winthrop & Barbara Rockwell Sandra M. Bjorndahl Edward & Dana Garvey Kent & Barbara Lyford Virginia Ruddy Gretchen & Brian Boyer Judith Gavin Kristine Maritz Donna Runyon Greg Bradbury Jean Geist Gayle Rose Martinez Alan & Sally Ruvelson John & Jill Bradford Laura J. Giaquinto David & Sherla Mayer Connie & Kenneth Sansome Geoffrey Brewster Jean K. Godfrey Paul T. McArthur John Saxhaug & Mary Broeker Susan & Robert Greenberg Elspeth & F. William McClelland Lynn Rabinovitch Carmen A. Brunner Ann I. Guhman Lynne Meyer & Mary Walser John Shepard & Suzanne Brust 2017 FINANCIAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS John Burke & Kathleen Joyce Linda Gustafson & Roxy Port Ranlet & Beth Miner Linda & Spencer Silver Polly M. Burnham Rose M. Gustafson Jonathan & Martha Morgan The Skold Family Michael & Marcia Bussey Tom Hiendlmayr & Jan Ormasa Anne & David Murphy Michael Smuk AMOUNT # OF INDIVIDUALS Peter Butler Geoffrey & Linda Hirt Janet E. Nast Connie & Byron Starns Arta Cheney Christine & Douglas Hlavacek Uri Neren Mary & Mark Stoick Jane Clements Lucy Hollinshead Robert & Sarah Newman Ned & Jean Therrien Summer Campers: $87,707 75 Campers Douglas & Kathleen Clock Ruth & John Huss Nedra Nicholls Rolf Thompson & CJ Jacobson Paul & Rachel Craighead John & Polly Jackson Richard & Nancy Nicholson Rev. Kathryn A. Tiede BOLD & GOLD Organizational Partners: Alan & Karen Crossley Nathanial Jacobson Joan Ostergren & James Alexander James & Marianne Ude Blake & Sandra Davis David & Judy Jerde Doug & Phyl Ostergren Jane E. Verby $50,130 51 Campers Kelly Davis Charlotte & Ward Johnson Joanne Oyen Annie & Daniel Walsh Steven Diede & Anne Zerby Frank & Meredith Johnson Thomas Paper & Eleanor Bigelow Jennette Wasmund Outdoor Learning Program Students: Mairi C. Doerr Arthur W Kaemmer John Patterson & Julie Sonier Jim & Ann Wheeler $26,624 508 Campers Charles Driscoll John & Sally Katter Thomas & Sally Patterson David & Suzanne White Carolyn & Sara Ellstra Cheryl & Daniel Kelley Steve Patzman John & Janice Wilke Sharon K. Erickson Esther & Martin Kellogg Nancy G. Priedeman Daniel & Ruth Willius TOTAL: $163,461 627 Campers Ann & Dwight Ericsson Dessie P. Koch Mary Jo Quehl Emily W. Wilmer Betty Felix Tom & Cheryl Kranz Thomas M. Racciatti

HOW YOU CAN HELP SUSTAIN WIDJIWAGAN YMCA Camp Widjiwagan endowment funds provide essential support for camperships, programs, operations and more. Your donations will help: t Gifts to the YMCA Camp Widjiwagan General Endowment Fund provide support to Widjiwagan where needed most. t Tribute gifts to any fund may be made in honor, memory or appreciation of friends or loved ones. t Include Camp Widjiwagan in your will or estate plan and be recognized as a Heritage Club member. t For information on establishing a named fund, please contact Jeri Glick Anderson at 651-435-6724 or [email protected] or Matt Poppleton at 651-645-6605 or [email protected] t Send donations to “YMCA Camp Widjiwagan Endowment” and write the name of the fund you are contributing to in the memo line. YMCA Camp Widjiwagan The Douglas Dayton YMCA at Gaviidae • 651 Nicollet Mall, Suite 500 • Minneapolis, MN 55402

YEAR IN REVIEW 2017 | 7 Management makes time to rhyme

BY JOE SMITH, PROPERTY MANAGER EPIC OF THE A (FOR ATHLETIC ) FIELD The A Field is site of our games ODE TO SUMMER SHOWER BUILDING Its rocks, sand and puddles were a shame Kids coming off trail they need showers So we brought in some loam With only six stalls it took hours Green grass it has grown We built another eight Now our campers can play on to fame (with less pain) Folks say its just great The area between Nye Hill and Kirby Dining Hall is By banquet they all smell like flowers the geographic center of Widji. We have worked for The day kids return to Widji from their it to reflect our philosophy of providing a place of trips is very busy. There is gear to beauty with a natural flavor where kids can have check in, a nurse to visit, hot dogs and fun and appreciate their experience here. There is ice cream to eat, and showers to take a new path from the A Field to the front of Kirby before the banquet, campfire, and designed to minimize lake shore impact and be wide sauna. A bottleneck in this process enough to allow people to travel together. With lots was our shortage of shower stalls with of stone work we created an outdoor gathering only six in the Winds Wash House. place in the hillside overlooking Burntside. We can With valuable help from the Buildings now have ceremonial campfires outdoors. The last and Property Committee with design step in the upgrade was the rehabilitation of the A we built a very high quality summer Field. This involved making the drainage ditch more only shower house with eight stalls effective and adding one thousand yards of loam to with individual changing areas. the field to improve drainage and provide better soil Result—Happier campers (and for grass to grow. parents) It seemed the “Spirit of A Field Past” was not going to let us proceed without some challenges. Less than a week after seeding, a torrential downpour washed away some of our work. The good news was that given the intensity of the storm it was remarkable how little damage was done. The drain- age worked. But we were not finished. A plague of caterpillars emerged and in one day ate a huge percentage of our once lush grass. We were able to treat the field that night which saved enough of the grass to be able to regrow on its own. We opened the field orf games this fall and it will be used and appreciated this summer. 8 | YMCA CAMP WIDJIWAGAN BALLAD OF THE CARETAKER GARAGE 2017 CARETAKER GARAGE & The Caretaker now has a garage ROOF SUPPORTERS Words to rhyme this prove a mirage Roger & Alicia Andre Sara Mairs & Daniel Steinhacker But the building is real Walter & Virginia Bailey Bob McKlveen & Ellen Jones A very good deal Rebecca & John Bartlett David & Kari Mink Stephen & Nancy Bird Anne & David Murphy —so we would like to thank those that Eric Buetow & Katie Madden Francine & Timothy O’Brien helped— Chris Cochran Leigh Onkka Juliet Marie Dana Ned Patterson & Susan Schloff and put the worry of rhyme in the Amie Davis John Patterson & Julie Sonier garbage James Davis Matt & Kristen Poppleton ( pronounced with a French accent to James & Jean Dunn Sharon & Terry Poppleton rhyme with garage, sort of ) Charles Flinn & Elizabeth Hayden Linda & Dominic Ramacier It’s a first-class garage with two stalls and Liz Flinn Tracy & Amery Robinson Teresa Floberg Aaron Rutzick & Abby Fenton room for a work bench and storage in the Marilyn & Gregory Franzen John Saxhaug & Lynn Rabinovitch attic. Cindy & Jamie Gardner Kurt & Fay Simer James & Joan Gardner Mary & Mark Stoick Jenny & Scott Hagberg Court Storey & Pamela Neary Jan & Tom Hardel Cari Templeton Other accomplishments in 2017 include - Tom Hiendlmayr & Jan Ormasa Terra Firma Building & Sara & Kris Johnson Remodeling Cooperative James & Marianne Ude • Replacing the boards on the SOC deck David Kilpatrick & Julie Schultz Jeff & Joy Wadley Douglas & Melissa Kleemeier • Putting metal roofs on Kirby Kitchen and the Sarah Western & Henry Sullivan David Lauth & Linsey Thomas Caretaker’s House YMCA of the USA Judith Frost Lewis & Stephen Lewis • Installing an air conditioner for Kirby Kitchen Ann & Matt Lind • New firewood sheds for Kirby and the Caretaker’s House • A shed by the Maintenance Barn to provide winter storage for five trailers with canoes and a shelter for summer vehicle parking and equipment • Bruce Casselton and the Fleet Management Committee have enhanced our canoe program by maintaining the history of our fleet and providing guidance for its future. t

YEAR IN REVIEW 2017 | 9 In Memoriam

Allison (Silver) Anderson, age 50, passed Molly Commers, age 80, passed away on April away peacefully on June 21, 2017. She was a 7, 2017, leaving behind the pain and confusion Widji camper for three summers, canoeing in the of Alzheimer’s disease. BWCA and the Quetico Wilderness Area. Allison Molly served on the Widjiwagan Board in the loved the outdoors and her camp experience 1980s, was a dedicated member of the camper lasted a lifetime. services committee and the annual fund admin- Allison graduated from White Bear High School istrative team. She was recognized as Widji’s in 1985. She earned her B.S. in Zoology from distinguished leader in the 1980s. the University of Texas and pursued post- Molly was a volunteer who was always ready Allison Anderson graduate studies at Texas A&M University. As Molly Commers and willing to take on almost any task when manager of the Ichthyology and Herpetology asked, whether it was meeting a Widji bus or alphabetizing hundreds of annual Collections at Texas Natural History Collection, she developed the skills that campaign prospect and pledge cards. Molly was one of those humble, selfl ess launched her 20-year career in database programming/administration. volunteers who shared her time, talents and treasurers to help further Widji’s Allison is survived by her husband David of 31 years, parents Spencer and mission. Molly will be remembered for her warm smile, many acts of kindness, Linda Silver, sister Jennifer (Arthur Windus), nephew Zachary and niece Zoa. and quiet strength. She was a homemaker who hated to cook and a chauffeur Allison’s legacy will live on for generations to come through the establishment to her boys even though she hated to drive, but she cooked and drove because of the Allison Silver Memorial Endowment Fund benefi tting Widji campers who both gathering her family around the kitchen table and watching her boys could not afford the camp experience. play hockey brought her great joy. She generously, patiently, and persistently provided constant support for the success of her family. Molly is survived by her husband Fred of 54 years; sons Chris, Tim, and Steven; Robin A. Ball, age 52 passed away unexpect- and six grandchildren. edly after battling with Acute Myeloid Leukemia on March 4, 2017 in Fort Meyers, Florida. He was the beloved son of former Widji Camp Bill Gray passed away on January 19, 2017 at Director Armand and Beverly Ball (1962-1974). the age of 74. Bill spent the fi rst three summers His family includes sisters Kathy and Helen of his young life at Widjiwagan when his father Pounds; four children: Nicole, Stephanie, Rhyan Ted was the camp director (1940-1945). He and Lyndsey; fi ve grandchildren and one great never became a Widji camper, but supported the granddaughter. annual campaign for decades. The fi rst 10 years of Robin Armand Ball Bill dedicated his life to education as a teacher, Robin’s life were spent assistant principal and principal. He had a passion at Camp Widjiwagan and he later became a camper. He for teaching and his students were drawn to him. loved the northwoods and Widji. William Gray Bill is survived by his daughter Elizabeth, son Robin was the owner of Modern Property Services and Adam, three grandsons and his sister Barbara Wenschlag. Star Computer Services. He was very active in collecting To perpetuate Bill’s legacy, memorials were directed to the Frank and Laura and sending care packages to Iraq for Operation from Nelson Memorial Fund (his grandparents). This was the fi rst endowment fund the Heart. established in 1962, benefi tting Camps Widjiwagan and St. Croix with an Memorials received in Robin’s name were placed in investment of a little over $20,000. Over time the distribution to the camps Widji’s General Endowment Fund, enabling campers’ life has amounted to nearly $300,000. The proceeds have provided campership lasting experience that he had so many years ago. for thousands of youth and teens, and serves as a living memorial for many of the Nelson Family and extended family members over four generations.

10 | YMCA CAMP WIDJIWAGAN In Memoriam

Donald H. Ogden, passed away on September Patricia Tiffany Poore “Patty” Temples, age 12 after a long illness. He was a Widjiwagan 84, died January 2017. 2017 camp counselor in the 1940s-50, an experience Patty served on the Widjiwagan Board in the Mountaineer he cherished. Don loved Northern Minnesota mid-1970s through the early 1980s and served & Voyageur and continued to return to region for many more on a variety of standing committees. She volun- canoe trips, sharing his love of the outdoors. He teered generously because she believed in the Leaders: also led Boy Scout trips in the Grand Canyon. mission and the power of community, not only Mountaineers for Widji, but a number of other organizations. Don attended Central High School and graduated Leah Reusch: from Carleton College and Harvard Business Patty is survived by her children Shelly, Mary, Gates of the Arctic Donald Ogden School. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1953- Peggy, Janet, Richard and John; 13 grandchildren Patty Temple 1956. Don went on to manage early corporate and a great grandchild. All of her children Dash Potter: computer systems for Honeywell, Motorola and Southwest Forest Industries. His attended Widji and some of them became counselors. Just this past summer Gates of the Arctic good cheer, quick wit, innate curiosity and easygoing manner endeared him to one of Patty’s granddaughters went on a Widji trip, continuing the Poore family Rebecca Levine: ANWR everyone he met. legacy as a camper. Emily Myhre: ANWR He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Phyllis, children Chip, Sarah, Laura and Matt McIntosh: ANWR three grandchildren. To honor Don’s memory, memorials were directed to Terry Williams passed away suddenly on Widjiwagan’s General Endowment Fund, perpetuating his legacy, while enabling August 15. He was a Widji camper in the 1950s campers to have the life lasting experience that he enjoyed. Voyageurs and a Voyageur in 1957, canoeing Lac La Ronge to the Pas. In 1958 Terry became a counselor Ben Gardner: Lottie Sugden, age 102, passed away on and guided trips for several years. Terry’s Dubawnt Kazan Rivers November 22, 2017. Lottie loved camping and passion for the outdoors continued beyond Audrey Haynes: valued the experience her fi ve children had as Widji Widjiwagan and lasted a lifetime. He took many Hanbury Thelon Rivers campers and counselors. When asked to become a personal canoeing trips into the BWCA and Grace Heneghan: Board member, it was easy for her to say yes. She fell in love with road and mountain biking in Thelon River served on the Board for nine years in the 1960s Minnesota and Colorado. Terry was a talented Terry Williams and continued as a volunteer into the 1970s. photographer and loved music of all types. Lottie earned a degree in home economics from In the early 1960s, Terry worked for the Minneapolis NDSU. She taught high school Home Ec for three YMCA as a Program Director and later was employed Lottie Sugden years, then met her husband Malcom and married by Bloomington Parks and Rec for 31 years. His early in 1944. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, traveling outdoor experiences led him to his career choices. and camping. She loved her work as a Minnesota State Fair food judge for more Terry will be deeply missed by his wife of 54 years, than 30 years. Barb; children Lara and Sean; brothers Lance and Lottie is survived by children Byron, Lisa, Paul, Penny, and Mark; 8 grandchil- Scott; sister Valerie; and sister-in-laws Mary Williams dren; and 3 great grandchildren. and Sandy Johnson. Terry’s legacy will live on at Widjiwagan through the Robert “Skip” Wilke, age 79 of St. Paul, died on December 31, 2017. Camp “Blanche and Russ Williams, Russ Williams Jr. and Widjiwagan lost a great friend with the passing of Skip. Please see page 12 Terry Williams Memorial Endowment Fund” which to read a meaningful tribute to his contributions to Widji and many other Y provides fi nancial assistance for underprivileged organizations. Widji is but one of many organizations that will miss Skip. He campers and continues to share Terry’s love of the is survived by brother John (Jan), nieces Jenny (Scott) Hagberg and Julie (J.P.) wilderness. Newman, nephew David (Amanda), and their children. YEAR IN REVIEW 2017 | 11 In Memoriam: A tribute to Skip Wilke’s remarkable life

BY ROLF THOMPSON AND CJ JACOBSON

idji and the entire YMCA lost an amazing role model when Robert Skip’s generosity to the YMCA is legendary and has been well documented. ‘Skip’ Wilke passed away on New Year’s Eve 2017. We both had the Though he was never one who wanted recognition he contributed to numer- Whonor, privilege and good fortune to know Skip since 1977, fi rst ous cabins and capital campaigns at many camps. He was instrumental in while on his staff when he was Director of YMCA Camp Menogyn, later as founding Widji’s Wood Canoe Endowment Fund and encouraged us to keep Rolf was Director of Widji and Skip served as a board member and supporter, wood canoes central to the camper experience. and throughout forty years as an incredible and steadfast friend. Skip’s professional and volunteer involvement extended to a vast array of We knew Skip as a man of uncompromising integrity and boundless generos- camps and organizations. Widji people may not realize that in addition to ity who believed deeply in the mission and values of the YMCA. Beginning as the Widji Board Skip served at various times on the boards of YMCA Camps a camper at YMCA Camp St. Croix and continuing throughout camper years Menogyn, St. Croix and DuNord. He was a Trustee of the Sioux Indian YMCA at Widji, culminating in being a member of the fi rst Boy Voyageur trip in in western South Dakota and would faithfully drive there for meetings. He 1956, Skip was imbued in the Widji Way and culture. Skip went on to become was especially interested in and committed to YMCA international work, Director of Menogyn from 1968 especially in African countries. While through 1982. After Menogyn Director of Menogyn he also served as he travelled around the world “Skip lived service to others, demonstrated the State Director of the YMCA Youth and later worked for the YMCA integrity, didn’t deviate from his values. Skip in Government program. Skip was a International Camp Counselor lifelong member and volunteer for the Program, recruiting and placing wasn’t about to share his inner feelings in American Camping Association, spend- international staff in camps emotional outpourings ending in Group Hugs— ing countless hours (and many more across the country. long drives) as an accreditation visitor When Skip returned home to St. but we felt love, the caring, his honesty.” for ACA camps around the country. Paul Rolf invited him to join the For over 40 years Skip attended and Widji Board in 1994. The Board understood that Skip’s professional experi- volunteered behind the scenes for the ence and passion for the Widji mission would serve Camp well. During the YMCA Mid-America Camping Conference and became a friend and mentor to 1990s Widji evolved to adapt to new and changing camping standards and countless YMCA Camping professionals. When his death was announced on market expectations. Skip helped us navigate those changes while holding the “Friends of Skip” Facebook page, hundreds of colleagues around the world fast to the core of Widji traditions and practices. Skip knew that American expressed their respect and appreciation. Camping Association standards called for two staff on every trip but he also Some years ago, a group of us who had all worked for Skip at Menogyn in believed strongly in the value of the small group 5-camper to 1-counselor the 1970s asked ourselves how we could ever show him our gratitude for ratio. His input infl uenced the ultimate decision to have two staff on shorter, all he had done for us. CJ suggested we adopt a section of highway in a introductory trips but continue with the 5:1 model on extended trips with location so that people driving to and from the northern Minnesota YMCA more experienced staff and campers. When it became clear that Kirby Dining camps would see the sign and be reminded of Skip’s role model of service. Hall was in need of expansion and upgrading, Skip passionately articulated Since 2007 the “Friends of Skip Wilke” have cleaned Interstate 35 between the essential value of classic log construction to the camper experience. He mileposts 202 and 204, just south of Willow River. When you drive by, helped us assure this value was not lost in the renovation. please think of Skip’s legacy. Widji’s innovations with pro-active risk management systems coincided with As CJ said in her eulogy at Skip’s memorial service last January, “Skip lived Skip’s tenure on the Board. When the Risk Management Committee was initi- service to others, demonstrated integrity, didn’t deviate from his values. Skip ated Skip enthusiastically volunteered to serve and continuously pushed for wasn’t about to share his inner feelings in emotional outpourings ending in effective improvements. Group Hugs—but we felt love, the caring, his honesty.” t

12 | YMCA CAMP WIDJIWAGAN Morris Canoe Restoration Project underway

oe Seliga was a friend to Camp Widjiwagan. The Widji is teaming up with Urban Boat Builders, a non- wood canvas canoes that Joe hand-built with his profit whose mission is to empower youth to succeed Jwife Nora have been an integral part of Widji’s in work and life through woodworking and experiential canoe fleet orf decades. In the early 2000s Widjiwagan learning, and Alex Comb, canoe builder and restorer of received two canoes from the Seliga family; an 18-foot Stewart River Boatworks in Knife River, MN. Over the BN Morris canoe and 15-foot BN Morris canoe. Joe next 18 months these canoes will be restored to the Seliga used this specific 18-foot Morris canoe as the point of being back on the water and helping extend model for his original Seliga canoe design, as well as Widji’s mission of respect. t to innovate future designs. The 15-foot canoe was used as a mold for the approximately 27 sixteen-foot 2017 Contributors: canoes he made. Judith Gavin Widjiwagan would now like to restore these canoes Bruce Casselton and Linda Wainio and integrate them back into the fleet of oodw canvas Wooden Canoe Heritage Association canoes. The opportunity for campers to know and paddle a canoe made in the early 1900s that also Morris Canoe Restoration Project TEEN THRIVE AWARD WINNER served as the inspiration for Joe Seliga’s canoe work, in memory of William Bjostad underscores Widji’s ethic of respect towards the wood Marlys and Phillip Engh canvas canoe.

Bella Sverdlin was a great addition to Widji Leaders during the 2016- 2017, Widji’s academic year service learning club. Bella has attended nearly all of our events and brings with her a positive attitude! Bella’s leadership, like Bella herself, is understated and motivated. Her can do-attitude and dedication quietly inspires others to participate to their fullest. Bella also is a master at raising the group’s mood with her dry sense of humor!! Bella would describe herself as a “Motivated Leader” and someone who “works hard to excel.” She attends Southwest High School. We have been so grateful for her leadership this year! t

YEAR IN REVIEW 2017 | 13 2017 Endowment Gifts

James Adams Memorial Endowment Dr. Bob Bjorndahl Endowment Fund AESL Garvey Endowment Fund Frank and Laura Nelson Memorial Fund, Linda and Dominic Ramacier Endowment Fund Betty Felix Edward & Dana Garvey which benefits MCAY Camps St. Croix Fund Jim & Julia Adams and Widjiwagan in memory of Robin Ball John Powers Bratnober Memorial Fund Otis H. Godfrey Jr. Endowment Fund The Bakker-Arkema Family Nicolle & Christopher Arkell Linda & Dominic Ramacier Phil Bratnober in memory of David Randall Godfrey Jana Ernakovich William & Sue Jane Bloss in memory of Molly Commers Jean K. Godfrey KeyBank Warner S. Brown Memorial Fund Connie L. Edwards Linda & Dominic Ramacier Ann & Tracy Godfrey US Bancorp Foundation Anonymous Craig Frericks & Sue Fre Paul & Mary Godfrey Maureen Scholl William B. Randall Endowment Fund Bussey Family Endowment Fund which UnitedHealth Group Foundation Allison Anne Anderson Memorial Jean & Ned Therrien which benefits Environmental Ed benefits MCAY Camps du Nord, St. Croix Dr. Judy T. Ohannesian & Endowment Fund in memory of Christina Gray Programs and Widjiwagan Douglas G. Tiffany David & Ada Alden Maxine Corder Charles Dana Michael & Marcia Bussey David L. Anderson Greenberg Family Endowment Fund in memory of William Gray John Rarig Boulware Memorial Jane & Edward Bardon Charles and Michael Cheney Memorial Susan & Robert Greenberg Jennifer Bunce Endowment Georg Ann Burns Endowment Fund Marian G. Duffy Hirt Family Endowment Fund for Margaret A. Rarig Lawrence M. Clemens Arta Cheney Marjorie K. Eisinger Advanced Trips Les & Naomi Cordes Sharon A. Fritze Rick Family Endowment Fund Doug and Kathy Clock Advanced Trip Geoffrey & Linda Hirt Janet Dold Adam Gray US Bancorp Foundation Endowment Fund Executive Financial Services, Inc. Hlavacek Family Endowment Fund William Gray in memory of Robert Rick in honor of Matt Poppleton Stephanie Fay & Nancy Aarsvold in honor of Linda Ramacier Nealna & Donald Gylling Joanne Oyen Douglas & Kathleen Clock Rebecca & Robert Galkiewicz Christine & Douglas Hlavacek Lynn & John Klaber in memory of Robin Ball Amy & Thomas Hammitt Cornwell Family Endowment Fund Elizabeth & Brian Luepke in memory of Edyrs Heywood David E. and Judy Jerde Endowment Fund Stanley & Betty Hunecke in honor of Krysten Cornwell, Karen & Larry Lundblad in memory of Mila Horak Erik & Elizabeth Jerde Jerome Johnson Laurie Osadjan & Sally Katter B. Ann & James McGuire in memory of Lyle Johnson Monica & Donald Klassen Judith & Charles Hillger Herbert O. Johnson Memorial Fund Karen E. Peterson in memory of Robert Rick Kiyomi Kowalski in honor of Alissa Johnson Lance & Donna Quick in memory of Dick Stockwell Chandler and Carol Davis Memorial Fund Margaret Madson-Brown & Judith Miller Betty J. Schisel Jeff & Roxanne Rick in honor of Blake & Sandy Davis William Brown Irene & David Schwartz Linda & Dominic Ramacier Waid Johnson Endowment Fund Rob Runyon Endowment Fund Mr. & Mrs. Peter Martin Nancy & Tom Thorkelson Corky Johnson Lois Runyon Kadlec Joanna McCulloch Kelly Davis Advanced Trip Endowment Ed & Maureen Waltman Gail Merriam Fund Bruce Koci Memorial Wood Canvas Barbara Wenschlag Schwarz Family Endowment Fund for Cheryl & George Moore in honor of Tom & Sally Patterson Canoe Fund Roger Wenschlag Advanced Camping Netflix Jane Davis Bennett Robert & Ruth Baker Paula West in memory of Fritz Schwarz Craig & Sally Nystrom Lynn & Mark Egerman David Warner Doerr & Charles Adam Armin & Virginia Luehrs Campership Harold C. Nicholls Memorial Fund Drs. Robert & Deanna Oliveira Sally L. Ehlert Revocable Trust Doerr Memorial Endowment Endowment Nedra Nicholls Deborah & Michael Padgett Ann & Dwight Ericsson Kathie Doerr in honor of Whitey Luehrs Lisa Palen Harry & Shirley Nye Endowment Fund The Ralph & Sylvia G. Green Mairi C. Doerr Judith Swanson Karen Reither Penny Maines & Knute Johnson Charitable Foundation Henry & Katherine Doerr Patricia & Norman Rustad Rodger and Katherine Lundberg Colleen Krebs Robert Olander Ecology Fund Mary & Richard Schentinski Donald Henning Eyinck Preservation Endowment Fund, which benefits MCAY Linda & Robert McAndrew Olander Family Fund of Orange County Sandra Schoenecker of Cabins & Grounds Endowment Fund Camps du Nord and Widjiwagan Kathleen B. Schwarz MD Community Foundation Susan & William Schoenecker which benefits Camps Widjiwagan, Susan Lundberg Johnson & John W. Stein Pam & John Seals St. Croix and Menogyn Michael Johnson Ormasa-Hiendlmayr Fund for Advanced Nora & Joe Seliga Wood Canoe Jennifer Silver Donald Eyinck Estate Gift David & Rose Lundberg Trips Endowment Fund Spencer & Linda Silver Tom Hiendlmayr & Jan Ormasa Liz Flinn Endowment Fund for YMCA Christopher T. Lyford Memorial Gary & Jane Clements Bette Stalsberg Camps Widjiwagan and Ihduhapi Endowment Fund KC Racciatti Family Endowment Fund Mary Sterzinger Thompson Jacobson Family Fund in honor of Liz Flinn Kay Lyford Sara & Kris Johnson Roberta & Barry Swanson/Clegg in honor of Rolf Thompson Mary Kay & David Herr Kent & Barbara Lyford The Racciatti Family Fund Marilyn & Morgan Tamsky Linda & Dominic Ramacier David & Judy Jerde in honor of Tom Racciatti Michael & Shannon Voytovich William & Katherine Mackenzie in Honor Louise & Richard Jones Bank of America Charitable Foundation Jim & Marianne Ude Camp Widjiwagan Shannon & Carrie Waldrop of Their Grandchildren Endowment Fund Anne Nelson Kersey Mark & Alecia Stenseth Advanced Trip Endowment Fund Gwendolyn Wells William & Katherine Mackenzie Family Dina Kountoupes & Martin Ruddy Jim & Marianne Ude Ellie Wood Fund of the Saint Paul Foundation Lynne Meyer & Mary Walser Martha Young & William Hanson Linda & Dominic Ramacier Anne and David Murphy Family Fund Linda Zdon Anne & David Murphy

14 | YMCA CAMP WIDJIWAGAN 2017 Endowment Gifts, continued Blanche & Russ Williams Family Thomas J. Rice in honor of Anne D. Pick David N. Crary Morgan Smith Memorial Fund Rod Sanders Barbara P. Young Karen & Alan Crossley Margaret & Roger Sorensen in memory of Terry J. Williams Ken & Magdalene Schaefer in memory of Robin Ball Susan & Gary Drtina Sarah Stockwell Terry L. Alewine Heather & Jason Schultz Armand & Beverly Ball Family Michael & Helen Esch Scott & Jennifer Van Katie Anderson Wayne J. Sisel Mary Walser & Lynne Meyer John & Mary Fischbach YMCA General Endowment Fund Adair & Charles Anderson Carolyn Sorensen Barbara Wenschlag Betty & Roger Fockler Karen Van Schyndel David Bahnemann Joan Sorenson & Wayne Jennings iin memory of Malcolm Cammack Polly & Fred Frawley Nancy E. Wolterstorff-Burrell Mr. John D. Barta Glenda & John Thors Katherine & Chuck Rothstein Margaret & Gerald Gerlach Maine Audubon Sherry & Charles Berde Barbara & Peter Thurmes in memory of Molly H. Commers Lori & Douglas Goetz John G Griep Insurance Agency Carol & Paul Boerger Jerome & Patricia Weaver Sally & Thomas Patterson Earl Goodwin Sally & Chris Bursch Lisa Westgard & Anthony Ricker in memory of Mary Lou Lamain Dorothy W. Greig YMCA of Greater Twin Cites Normal & Karen Carufel Jewel & Lance Williams Judith Gavin Mr. & Mrs. Roger Griffin Camp-Wide Endowment Funds Marilyn M. Cooper Cindy & Scott Williiams Rita C. Gutenkauf C. Richard Guiton Camp Scholarship Fund Blake & Sandra Davis Kathleen & Chuck Zuckerman Colleen Krebs Ken Harrington in memory of Stephen W. Erickson Dorothy Erwin in memory of Donald H. Ogden Molly Henke Richard Berndt YMCA Camps Widjiwagan and du Nord Heather & Dennis Finden Anne & Stephan Burgeson Richard Johnson & Michael H. Carlson Garage Sale Endowment Fund Greta & Tony Garmers Katherine & Chuck Rothstein Mary Kalish-Johnson Carol Carlson 2017 Sale Proceeds Lorna & Bruce Gustafson Beverly & Kenneth Voyles Keelin Kane & Mark Bixby Karayn & Edward Cunnington Karin & Dale Hawley YMCA Camp Widjiwagan General in memory of Ronald & Karen Pike Brigid A. Karelitz Sue K. Erickson Otis Hilbert Endowment Fund Ronald A. Pike Trust B, Estate Gift Esther & Martin Kellogg Phyllis & Donald Kerr Samuel & Marjorie Huffman Anonymous in memory of Jennifer Roy Eleanor Kinkead & Marty Babcock Ruth & Peter Maples Bruce Johnson Maddy Finn The Philemon C & Barbara Blanch Roy James & Gail LaFave Paul Melbostad Diana Keohen & Mike Beer Barbara Gipple Jr Fund Alison Malley Kula & Michael Kula Charles Meyerson Jan Kostal & Rosina Bianco Les & Janice Klos in memory of Richard S. Stockwell Barbara Mchattie-Olson & Steven & Sarah Nelson Cherie & Todd Kuechle Larry Lundy Elizabeth S. Andrews Bryan Olson Linda & Dominic Ramacier Ann & Dick Langlie Roland & Debra Renfro Anonymous Gayle Miels Sarah Weaver & Joshua Larson Rita & Bill Lawson Michael Smuk Anonymous Robert & Yvonne Momsen Gilbert Family Campership Endowment Pamela Meyer in honor of Liz Flinn Alice & Donald Baier Jeanne H. O’Neill Sprafka Scholarship Verla & Gerald Nelson Colleen Krebs Jerrice & Dennis Barrett Louise Ostergren Philip & Judy Gilbert Nancy Parlin in honor of Chad Nicholson Lynn & Charles Brown Joan Ostergren & James Alexander Beverlee J. Tomazin Estate Marlene Pechmann Nicholson Family Foundation Suzanne Brust & John Shepard Jeff Reardon Kathryn Rautio Darrell D. Butterwick Carl & Marilyn Simmons Griffin Scholarship Fund, to benefit the YMCA Overnight Camps Jack & Vicki Griffin Mooty-Glaser Campership Fund for Y’s 2017 Foundation Support Start Jane N. Mooty Foundation Trust Andersen Corporate Foundation - Wilderness Outreach and Environmental Education Bank of America Charitable Foundation - Endowment Bright Funds Foundation - Annual Fund Carolyn Foundation - Annual Fund Hugh J. Andersen Foundation - Wilderness Outreach and Environmental Education Joyful Women Fund - Annual Fund Knox Foundation - Annual Fund Merck Foundation - Annual Fund R.C. Lilly Foundation - Annual Fund Schneider Electric North America Foundation - Amnnual Fund TCF Foundation - Capital Project Terhuly Foundation Inc. - Annual Fund The K Foundation - Annual Fund The Saint Paul Foundation - Annual Fund Travelers Foundation - Employee Giving - Capital Project US Bancorp Foundation - Endowment

YEAR IN REVIEW 2017 | 15 2017 Annual Campaign

Diana & Mark Abbott Annelie & Shawn Bergerson The Cahill Family Grant Abbott & Elaine Tarone Bergerson Family Foundation Patricia Callaghan Alan Adams Siri R. Berg-Moberg Howard & Christine Cammack Aetna Foundation Sheldon Berkowitz & Carolyn Levy Bonnie Carlson-Green & Martin Green Deborah Allan & Lawrence Wackett Brent Berwin Carolyn Foundation Philomen Allen Kevin Bevis & Arlene West Shelley & Kyle Carpenter Elizabeth & Robert Andersen Bill Scherado Construction LLC Sarah R. Caruso Carly Anderson Joseph & Carrie Bird Bruce Casselton & Linda Wainio Logan S. Anderson Mark Bixby & Keelin Kane Roger A. Cedarblade Martha & David Anderson Mike Blandford Joan Cleary & Jerome Helfand Roz Anderson Janet Bliss & James Hands Gary & Jane Clements Sarah L. Anderson Nathan Blumenshine Douglas & Kathleen Clock Roger & Alicia Andre T. Peter & Linda Blyth The Wallace/Cochran Family Anonymous (6) Thomas & Teresa Boatman James Collinge Sally & Peter Anson Marjorie Boening John & Janet Comfort Thomas Arneson Paul H. Boening Timothy & Kelli Commers Paul Aslanian George H Boomer Sr Hilarie & Caitlin Conboy Alison & Zurich Awes Jay Boren Patrick & Patti Conlin William Dickey & Karen Steiner Nancy Fesler Margie Backstrom Kathy & Luis Borges Koetz Philip Connor & Mary Jo Erickson-Connor Steven Diede & Anne Zerby Louis Fink & Pamela Grich Pamela & Richard Backstrom Pitney Bowes Alexander Cook Don & Suzanne Dilla Maddy Finn Tom Baggett-Strouse Laurel Bradley Ann & Dodd Cosgrove William & Mary DiSomma John & Betsy Flaten James E. Bailey Wesley A. Braker Lucy Cosgrove & Joseph Larsen Daniel Dobler & Julie Brown Dobler Charles Flinn & Elizabeth Hayden Matthew Bailey & Kris Gendron Philip Bratnober Meghan Cosgrove & Colleen McGarry Katherine Dolan McGowan & Liz Flinn Gerald & Karen Bren Anne Cowie Jordan McGowan John Floberg & Martha Hickner Walter & Virginia Bailey Allison Domicone Bright Funds Foundation Lawrence & Kathryn Craighead Kathleen Floberg Armand & Beverly Ball Sara & Jock Donaldson Kathleen Briguet Brenda Cram Jacqueline Forbes John & Rebecca Bartlett Steven & Terry Dondlinger Clif Brittain & Peggy Ladner Michael & Pamela Crane Jean Fox Elizabeth & Mark Barton Maude & Ken Dornfeld Nancy Brittain Dana Crawford Thomas M. France Eric B. Bauman David & Patricia Drew Victoria & Thomas Broadie Laura Cripps & Mark Miller Louise Francis & Dennis Cusack Roger & Nancy Benjamin Charles Driscoll Roger & Ronnie Lee Brooks Karen & Alan Crossley Marilyn & Gregory Franzen Olivia K. Benson Frederick Driscoll William & Julie Brown Samuel Crossley Derek Fried & Elisabeth Currie Jack Duchin William & Christina Brunnquell Rawley D. Crow Deborah Fulton Darlene Dunn David & Lisa Bruns Crawford H. Cunningham Michael & Frances Galvin John & Jodie Duntley Jonathan Bruns Bill & Mary Cunningham Benjamin P. Gardner Sally Durgerian & Allan Schwabacher Kurt J. Bruns Andrew Currie Cindy & Jamie Gardner Beth Rice Dutcher & Dave Dutcher Daniel & Kara Buhr Jean & Thomas Currie David & Leslie Gardner Katherine & Arthur Eddleston Jennifer Bunce Peter & Leigh Currie James & Joan Gardner Thomas & Barbara Elliott Claire E. Burgeson Grace & John Curry Nicholas J. Gardner Carolyn & Sara Ellstra Thomas Burket & Kimberly Otte Marilynn Curtis Susan Gardner Dwight & Ann Ericsson Benjamin Bursell Conor F. Cusack The Garrard Family Ann Etter Susan & Craig Bursell Ella Daniels Paul Fish & Kandise Garrison Steve Euller & Nancy Roehr Barbara Keenan Bussen & Patrick Bussen Amie Davis James D. Garvie Sara & Mark Fabel Molly Bussen Blake & Sandra Davis Greta & Robert Gauthier Kristi Fackel & Thomas Halverson John Bussey & Andrea Brubaker Blake & Toni Davis Judith Gavin Jane Fankhanel & Roger Burkhardt Michael & Marcia Bussey James Davis Sue & Robert Gehrz Marjorie Fedyszyn & John Rock Jacob A. Cahill Tonya & Marcel de Jong Thomas & Judith Gehrz Libby & Andrew Fena Mark & Mary Cahill Judith Derauf Jean Gendron

16 | YMCA CAMP WIDJIWAGAN 2017 Annual Campaign, continued

Patrick & Martha Gerkey Reuben F. Henriques Les & Janice Klos Phyllis Maritz Howard Mielke R. James Gesell Caroline Herman Knox Foundation Valerie Mauney Jeanette & E. Keith Mielke Gerritz Linda & Wesley Gibson Tom Hiendlmayr & Jan Ormasa John & Susan Kolb John May David & Kathleen Miller Greg & Tammy Gilbert Lisa Higgs & Tobias Kohler Tom & Cheryl Kranz David & Sherla Mayer Greta Miller Sealy Ann & Timothy Gilles Craig Hill Colleen Krebs Peter & Rebecca Mayer Elizabeth & John Miller Candace Ginsberg Steven & Elizabeth Hill Barclay Kruse Sean McCauley & Joselyn Raymundo Judith Miller Barbara Gipple Geoffrey & Linda Hirt Anita Kunin Elspeth & F. William McClelland Margery Miller GiveMN Christine & Douglas Hlavacek John & Madelyn LaFave Daniel McConville George & Rita Mills Jeri Glick-Anderson & Charles Anderson Russell & Cynthia Hobbie Kevin Lagos & Mai Lee Polly & Robert McCrea Ranlet & Beth Miner Lillian A. Glynos Sarah Hobbie & Jacques Finlay Manuel & Sarah Lagos Margo McCreary & Peter Doughty Betsy & James Moore Paul & Mary Sue Godfrey Ann Hobbie & Jeff Benjamin Gretchen & Jeffrey Lang Mike & Nikki Vars McCullough Martha & Jonathan Morgan John Goggin & Julie Weighter Sarah Hohl Katja D. Lange Timothy McGree & Patricia Curtner James & Nancy Mulvey Eleanor S. Goodnow Megan & Philip Holleran William & Anne Langford Randall & Anita McKeeman Chris & Shannon Murray Katherine G. Goodrich William & Mary Hollinshead Penny & James Langland Charlotte McKlveen Emily Myhre Google Matching Gifts Program Greg & Samantha Holloway Andrew M. Larson Robert McKlveen & Ellen Jones Kenneth & Marnie Myhre Michele & Robert Graves Mark Holloway & Briley Brown Holloway David Lauth & Lindsey Thomas Kevin P. McNellis Theodore & Ann Naegeli Annalee & E.D. Gray Frances Homans & Allan Torstenson Catherine Lay & Henry Jerome Jennifer Mehmel & Sixto Guiang Philip & Katherine Nason Fund of the Greater Twin Cities United Way Linda Honebrink James Lee & Jean Miller Merck Foundation Saint Paul Foundation Joseph & Kathryn Nasvik Kate Greenberg Daniel W. Hoolihan Ernest Lehmann & Sarah Willius Lehmann Merjent Inc Sue & Bob Greenberg Allison Horick Joy & Robert Leibman Joseph P. Griffith David & Allison Howe Eric & Laurel Lein 2017 GIFTS IN KIND: Leah Gruhn & Jere’ Mohr Gladys L. Howell Christine & Anthony Lema George Guthrie & Suzanne Stamatov John & Ruth Huss Rebecca L. Levine 1969 Old Town Wood Canvas Canoe, Tom and Barb Elliot Mary & Guillermo Gutknecht Deborah & James Ingebretsen Stephen Lewis & Judith Frost Lewis Camping Equipment & Supplies, Judith Gavin Hannah Habermann Laurel E. Ipsen LaVonne & James Liljedahl Steve Hill for his work on restoring W.51 Michael E. Habermann Sarah Jackson Chip Lindeke & Terry Campbell Cindy and Jamie Gardner – Support towards the purchase of new Amy L. Hadow Stan & Janet Jacobson Darwyn & Marie Linder cross country skis for the Outdoor Learning Winter Program. Jenny & Scott Hagberg Francis & Sally Jo Jefferson Karen Lindig & Gary Bond STAFF TRAINING VOLUNTEERS Jay Hambidge & Melissa Driscoll John & Linda Jeffery Kaia M. Lindquist Mark Bixby, Amery Robinson, Peter Murray, Kurt Simer Christine Hammes Anastasi Jellum, PA Reid & Anne Lindquist Elizabeth Hand David & Judy Jerde Alice Loewenson GARAGE SALE VOLUNTEERS: Beth Haney & Scott Moore Dwight & Patrice Jewson Peter & Karen Loewenson Numerous and dedicated volunteers drove the garage sale to success Susan Hann & James Kellner Andrew & Julie Johnson Sophia Lopez once again last year. Sale proceeds benefit Camps Widjiwagan and du Nord Garage Sale Endowment Fund to support scholarships. Jacob & Mary Pat Hansen Dave & Elizabeth Johnson Jesse Lorenz Richard & Lynnette Hansen Eric Johnson Gary Lowenberg 2017 HEALTH PROFESSIONALS: Lauri Hanson Frank & Meredith Johnson Renee Luehrs-Henson & Ted Henson Jean Bentley Erin Omann Norman Hanson Gary Johnson Larry Lundy Peter Currie Jeff Peters Jan & Tom Hardel Sam & Dona Jordan Jean MacConnachie & John Kearns Pat Dooley Eid Deborah Ralston James & Ann Hartnett Joyful Women Fund Julie & Ted MacLeod Kevin Lagos Amery Robinson Katherine A. Hartnett Joy & David Kareken Hilary & Fritz Magnuson Karen Loewenson Julie Schultz Mark Hawkinson & Carol Anderson Sally & John Katter Stephen & Katherine Mahle Bob McKlveen Bruce Scott Audrey Haynes Karl & Sally Kaufmann Bonnie Mairs Sharon Sivertsen Modrijan Sandra Scott Geoffrey & Shawn Haynes Jennifer & William Kellogg Robert & Helen Mairs Susan Nordin Tom Stoa Robert Stubenvoll Dana Hazel & Michael Vespasiano Martin & Esther Kellogg Sara Mairs & Daniel Steinhacker Meike & Robert Hengelfelt Philip & Ginna Kilpatrick Chris & Ann Malecek NON-BOARD COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Bruce Casselton, Eric Johnson, Gary Clements, Richard & Trudy Henke Laura Kinney Mark & Nancy Mammel Lynne Meyer, Erin Walsh Lisa Henner Douglas & Melissa Kleemeier Adam Mans & Elizabeth Burnett

YEAR IN REVIEW 2017 | 17 Henry & Donna Slawson Court Storey & Pamela Neary 2017 Annual Campaign, continued James Slusarek Robert & Lynn Storey Thomas & Susan Smegal Robert & Karen Stubenvoll Helene Smith Byron & Ann Sugden Joe & Lindsay Smith Mark & Elizabeth Sugden Jeff & Roxanne Rick Robert & Kimberly Smith Paul & Barbara Sugden Philip J. L. Rickey Sarah & C. Ryan Solberg Joanne Sunquist & Tom Pritzker J. Timothy Ritchie Joan Sorenson & Wayne Jennings Cynthia Sutton Gale & Derek Robb Charles Southwick Tom & Laura Swain Bethanne Rochlin Kronick Kristi & Mark Specker Colleen & Charles Swope Peter Rode & Anne Hibbard Helen E. Sprainer Anne Taff & Timothy Quealy Sandra Roe St. Paul Y’s Service Club Slater & Cynthia Tai Susan Roe David St. Peter Christine & Annop Tantisunthorn Susan Roe & Joshua Glenn Brittiny L. Stapleton Steven & Erin Tarnowski Donna Roles & Terence Neavin Franklin E. Star TeamFootWorks Sarah C. Romans Alexander Starns Jeffrey Teckman Donna J. Roost Connie & Byron Starns Mark Ten Eyck & LaRaye Osborne Charles G. Rossmann Kathryn Starns Terhuly Foundation Inc. Ramsey G. Rossmann Jennifer Steans & Jim Kastenholz The K Foundation Katherine & Chuck Rothstein Leo & Christine Stern Mary M. Thomas Scott & Teresa Roussin Chris Stewart & Carol Cooksley Rolf Thompson & CJ Jacobson Virginia Ruddy Richard & Virginia Stockwell Travis & Anna Thompson Ronald & Carolyn Rude Mary & Mark Stoick Thrivent Choice Program Kurt & Lesley Ann Rusterholz Benjamin Storey Brian & Danita Thyr Lehan & Carol Ryan Sallie Neall Catherine Perron Jennifer Sahlin Sarah Neimeyer & Joe Warren Katherine Peterson Rebecca Salter C. Roger & LaVonne Nelson Patricia Peterson Richard Samuelson Sue & Doug Nelson Rolf & Carolyn Peterson Connie & Kenneth Sansome ANNUAL CAMPAIGN SUCCESS Julie & JP Newman Jay Pfaender Charles Sawyer The 2017 Annual Campaign surpassed our goal of $213,500 in Richard & Nancy Nicholson Anne Pick John Saxhaug & Lynn Rabinovitch Peter Nielsen Karen Pick & John Pierce Lee Schafer & Tanya Bell donations. Camp Widjiwagan is fortunate to have dedicated volun- Northfield Lines, Inc. Buzz & Carolyn Pierce Hugh K. Schilling Sr. teers who donate time every year to contact our alumni, campers, Claire O’Brien Katie Pierce Jeffrey Schmidt staff, family members and friends to raise money for this important Francine & Timothy O’Brien Roberta Pisa Schneider Electric North America campaign. The funds raised support camperships, which helped 119 Katherine O’Brien Susan Pollock & Carla Bates Foundation Janet & Cedric Schrankler summer campers fund their 2017 summer trip. In addition 508 par- Judith Olsen Robert Power & Connie Ford Samuel E. Schroeder ticipants received assistance through the Outdoor Learning Program Gary & Lynn Olson Samuel Pritzker Maureen & John Schulz during the fall, winter, and spring. This annual campaign also sup- Leigh Onkka R.C. Lilly Foundation Ralph & Dorothy Schwartz Douglas & Phyllis Ostergren Shervin Rabizadeh ports staff training and development, repairs and replacement of Richard & Sandra Scott Lauren A. Ott Lisa Raisner trail equipment, wood canoe maintenance and funds to purchase John & Sheilah Seaberg Roger & Marilyn Otte Nancy & Roger Ralston safety equipment. Sharon & Stephen Segal Arthur & Anne Page Linda & Dominic Ramacier The Selkregg Family The campaign to raise funds for 2017 was chaired by Megan Klaber- Thomas Paper & Eleanor Bigelow Melissa Raphan & Tom Rock John Shepard & Suzanne Brust Patagonia James Redmon & Connie Manske Holleran. Many thanks to the dedicated team of volunteers that helped Lansing Shepard John Patterson & Julie Sonier Catherine Reeves & Steven Utne Widjiwagan reach our goal. Annual Campaign Team: Megan Klaber- Stanley & Lucy Shepard Ned Patterson & Susan Schloff John & Arlis Riedel Holleran, Cindy Gardner, John Saxhaug, Tom Hiendlmayr, David Lauth, Jay & Ann Simonson Sally & Thomas Patterson JamieLyn & John Reinschmidt Nan Skelton & Peter Leach Ned Patterson, Sandra Samuelson, Dave Mayer, Court Storey, Marjorie Sela E. Patterson Karl Reitz The Skold Family Fedyszyn and Amy White. A special thanks to all of those who helped John & Libby Pearson Roland & Debra Renfro Slaggie Family Foundation call and connect during our general and major gift campaign. Suzanne Permuth & Thomas Neufeld Steve Rice Anne S. Slaughter Perrote

18 | YMCA CAMP WIDJIWAGAN 2017 Annual Campaign, continued

Laura Tiffany & Edward Foster William Ward III Amy White & Nick Johnson Margaret Tiffany & Philip Haire Michael Washburn David Whitman & Maura Donovan John & Amy Tillotson Jason & Jennifer Weinzirl John & Janice Wilke Miriam & Robert Titzler William & Barbara Welke Barbara J. Williams Martha S. Torstenson David & Sara Wellington Daniel & Ruth Willius Katherine Turnbull Stephen & Katherine Wellington Jeffrey & Sally Willius James & Cheryl Ullyot Jo Anne & Lafcadio Welsch Andrea & Heath Winters Upper Lakes Foods, Inc. Jerry Wenger Andrea & Michael Witt Joy R. Van Barbara Wenschlag Women’s Foundation of Minnesota Joseph & Lisa Van Clock Grace A. Werner David Wright & Debra Smith-Wright Kate Van Daele Peter & Lisa West Gregory & Jeanne Wright Peter Vantine Ann Westra Steven & Annie Yetter Gary & Judy Vars Mark & Mary Westra Barbara P. Young Angus A. Vaughan Janice & Michael Weum Keely Young-Dixon & Zachary Trotter Peter Vaughan & Cathy Anson Nancy & Ted Weyerhaeuser Wendy Youngren Mary M. Walser & Lynne Meyer Rick Weyerhaeuser & Annie Brewster Patricia Zurlo David & Monica Walsh Jim & Ann Wheeler Erin Walsh & Katie Fritz Chuck Handlon & Nancy Wheeler Handlon

Financial Picture, 2017

ach year, as we review the fi nancial picture of Camp important factor that helps to provide us with fi nancial generosity boost revenues from camper fees—together Widjiwagan, we are astounded by the continued strength and resilience through the years. this creates a strong, reliable, and consistent fi nancial Esupport from our community—from you. Your Each year we review a snapshot of camp’s revenues and base that allows the Widji Way to thrive. contributions and the earnings from our endowment funds expenses (see charts below) in order to highlight the The Widji community is what makes the camp experience made up 16% of Widji’s revenues in 2017. factors that keep our fi nancial picture strong. The contri- possible year after year. With sincere thanks for your That 16% helped to make camp possible for 119 summer butions and endowment earnings that come from your support, The Widjiwagan Financial Development Committee campers, including 51 participants in the BOLD and GOLD program and other organizational groups, as well as 508 participants in the Outdoor Learning Program through 20172017 Revenue Revenu e 2017 Expenses school or other group programs. $13,149 $57,781 $77,365 $214,925 1% 3% 4% Staff Expenses That’s 627 young people who had the chance to hike, 8% $115,359 Camper Fees 5% paddle, ski, sing, learn about the night sky, and cook over $408,756 $1,074,267 Program Expenses 16% Camper Fees $250,155 49% an open fi re—thanks to your support. Contributions 11% As an organization within an organization—the Y of the Contributions Depreciation EndowmentEndowment Earnings Earnings Greater Twin Cities—Widji’s fi nancial picture is unique. Occupancy Our fi nances look different than those of other nonprofi ts SalesSales & Misc. & Misc. since we do not cover the general costs of overhead Equipment (payroll, marketing, communication, etc.). Our fi nancial $1,934,978 $615,108 Misc. relationship with the greater association is another 75% 28%

YEAR IN REVIEW 2017 | 19 YMCA Camp Widjiwagan Administrative Office t The Douglas Dayton YMCA at Gaviidae • 651 Nicollet Mall, Suite 500 • Minneapolis, MN 55402 Camp Address t 3788 North Arm Road t Ely, Minnesota 55731 widji.org t phone 651.645.6605