One story at a timeOne story at a time

The Campaign for YMCA Camp Hi-RockThe Campaign for YMCA Camp Hi-Rock

“ A mind, once stretched

by a new idea, never regains

its original dimension.”Oliver Wendell Holmes

Camp

Hi-Rock...simply a thing apart

For over 150 years, the YMCA has enriched families and communities with quality programsand facilities. Millions of people carry formative memories of their time spent as “just another kid at the Y.” Far more than just a swimming pool, or a basketball court,the local YMCA was a place to go, an oasis.Their prevalence is not a result of fancy facilities, or trendy programs, but rather of stability. Strong communities have a YMCA,and a YMCA helps make a community strong.

The YMCA has grown far beyond the implied boundaries of its name.The values inherent in the Y system have been infused into every constituency in every community.The basictenets of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility find no limitations in anyone’s life.

For a century and a half, the YMCA has lent structure to our communities. For over 50 years,YMCA Camp Hi-Rock has been a star in that constellation. It is, quite simply,a thing apart.Thousands of children have come up the mountain, dipped their feet inPlantain Pond, and been transformed. For many of them, inner city youth with difficult livesand dim futures, Camp Hi-Rock has introduced them to a world beyond their imagining.They are opened, in the most literal sense.Their eyes open wide and their jaws hang slack. Into those portals can flow the values of the YMCA, as well as the introduction of new standards and experiences.

Every child who attends Camp has his/her own story.Yet it is the same story.The YMCAleadership intends to tell all of those stories, and in so doing, communicate the oneuniversal truth about Camp Hi-Rock, the fact that allows it to have the same positive impact on thousands of kids from myriad backgrounds: Camp Changes Lives. It is a staggering responsibility, and a tremendous opportunity, and it is taken very seriously.At Camp Hi-Rock, we like to think that we do not pay attention to all of our kids; we pay attention to each of our kids: One Story At A Time.

... this campaign represents the next opportunity for strategic growth at Camp Hi-Rock.

what does Hi-Rock mean to you?

YMCA Camp Hi-Rock was founded in 1947. At that time, the YMCA waslooking for a location to build an overnight camp for boys affiliated with theBridgeport YMCA metropolitan community. A search was conducted and thecommittee discovered a tremendous site just across the Connecticut line intoMassachusetts. Previously privately owned, the location comprises almost 900pristine acres with an 89-acre, stream-fed lake in the middle of the property.The Camp’s facilities have developed approximately 115 acres of the land, withtrails and camping sites scattered around the remainder.The Appalachian Trailruns along the eastern boundary of Camp.

A group of community leaders from Connecticut emerged with a vision for thefuture of Camp Hi-Rock.They did not like the idea of burdening the YMCA witha substantial mortgage.They created a group – the Plantain Pond Mortgage Club– that would pay down the mortgage for the Camp. Named for the lake atCamp, that group began meeting once a year to raise funds through membercontributions.The original mortgage has long since been paid, but the Clubcontinues to meet and raise funds for projects at Camp.

The facilities at Camp Hi-Rock enjoyed a growth spurt in the 1960’s.The CampOffice, Infirmary and Dining Hall were all added across a period of several years.Originally begun as a Camp for boys only, the Camp converted to co-ed in the 1980’s. In the 1990’s, Hi-Rock developed outreach programs in many of the communities of Southern Berkshire County.With the arrival of the newmillennium, the objectives of this campaign represent the next opportunity for strategic growth at Camp Hi-Rock.

one place visited, many lives changed

In recent years, greater attention has been focused on the long-term stability of Camp Hi-Rock. Forward-looking leaders have asked what sort of campingexperience can be provided for future generations.The question they are askingis not five or ten years from now, but rather, what sort of camping experiencewill be available for children 50 or 100 years from now? That question cannot beleft for future generations.We must answer it, and we must answer it now. Just asthe members of the Plaintain Pond Mortgage Club laid the foundation 50 yearsago for the camping experience that is available today, it now falls to us to setthe stage for tomorrow.

The objective of this campaign is not to construct a resort. Part of Camp Hi-Rock’s value is the rustic nature of the experience. Nonetheless, there is stillroom for improvement. Not change for the sake of change, but rather change for the sake of the children who come here. Being the best is not about beingthe biggest, or the newest. It is a singular distinction that draws upon myriad factors and points to a uniquely suitable conclusion.The areas that will beaddressed through the campaign are, for the most part, those aspects that makeCamp Hi-Rock unique and unsurpassed.

tell me your story aboutParker Seeley

Parker Seeley Lodge is one of the five lodges that stood on the property at the time the Camp was purchased by the YMCA. Mention Parker Seeley to the older alumni of Camp Hi-Rock, and their eyes start to drift away. Meremention of it allows people to transport themselves back to their days as acamper. Memories of camp are a conduit through which we can access thesimple values instilled during our days at Hi-Rock. For most alumni, Parker Seeley is the manifestation of all that is good about Camp Hi-Rock.

Unfortunately, Parker Seeley is also symbolic of much of the work that needs tobe done at Camp.The building has deteriorated to the point where substantialrehabilitation is necessary.The building must be renovated to once again servethe role of the Camp’s focal point. In form, it must evoke the same feelings,project the same sense of presence, and reside within the same footprint. Infunction, it must provide again the dynamic space that has been diminished dueto Parker Seeley’s decline.

The exact design of the building remains a question for further debate. Somefeatures, though, seem clear.The design of the building will allow for a great dealof flexibility, with the hope that it will serve a variety of programming functions.The building will open to the waterfront, with key design features mimicking thecurrent structure. Our commitment is toward a renovated building capable ofevoking the same feelings in future generations of alumni.That is a responsibilitywe will honor, and meet.

Campchanges

lives

a home away from home

The centerpiece of Camp Hi-Rock has always been, and willalways be, Resident Camp. For the children who come andspend weeks at a time at Camp, their cabin becomes ahome away from home. It is the building to which they feelthe strongest personal connection. Decades later, they willtell you how they stayed in “Frontier” or “Mohawk.” Someof the cabins need renovation in order to provide adequatespace for the campers. Other cabins are in need of generalrepair and refurbishment.

Since its inception, the Camp Hi-Rock driveway has traveledin part across the property of a local family.The campaignwill fund the construction of a new driveway, owned entirelyby Camp Hi-Rock.

The Dining Hall is a central gathering point at Camp. Staff,campers and guests all pass through here multiple timesduring the day.The form of this building leaves a powerfulimpression in peoples’ minds, which in turn shapes theirgeneral view of Camp Hi-Rock.The Dining Hall serves itsfunction well, but there is always room for improvement.Much could be gained with new equipment and greaterattention to the aesthetics of the building. Plans also call for the addition of a reception building at the entrance to Camp and a new maintenance facility.

Days and nights at Camp Hi-Rock are filled with activitiesmeant to foster self-esteem, tolerance, and teamwork.Theseare complex goals, and having the best possible activities and equipment facilitates the process.The plan calls forfocusing part of the campaign’s energy on critical programareas, such as the waterfront, the athletic fields, target sports,and adventure tripping.There is also the need for a new,open-air pavilion at Camp.This will provide an additionalvenue for programs, accentuating the connection with theoutdoors even on rainy days.

making a differencethroughout the Berkshires

Programs for Berkshire CountyFor decades, Camp Hi-Rock was merely a tenant inBerkshire County.That began to change when Hi-Rockdeveloped a Day Camp for local kids.The transition wasformalized several years ago, when Camp Hi-Rock absorbedthe Southern Berkshire Youth Association as its outreacharm in Berkshire County. Over the past several years, theSBYMCA has steadily grown as a critical resource forfamilies in local communities.

The SBYMCA functions as a “Y without walls,” providingprograms for children and families at a variety of facilitiesaround Southern Berkshire County.The After School Programprovides an afternoon childcare option for dozens of families.

The SBYMCA does a tremendous job of providing safe,secure, enjoyable programs for children across SouthernBerkshire County. It does not come close, however, to

fulfilling the needs of the entire market for such services.Thecampaign will allow the SBYMCA to expand the scope of itsservices by as much as 50%.

In addition to hosting kids at Resident Camp, Hi-Rock alsoprovides a summer Day Camp for hundreds of kids fromBerkshire County.These children are brought directly to the Camp and benefit from all the inherent facilities andprograms.The improved facilities there will serve not onlyResident Campers, but Day Campers as well.

Not every family that needs the services of Day Camp or the SBYMCA is able to afford them.The Camp and theSBYMCA provide scholarships to families so that anyonecan attend. It is a reflection of Hi-Rock’s and SBYMCA’scommitment to the community that no child has ever been turned away due to economic reasons.

The Nature Conservancy

partnerships for the futureThe future holds great promise for Camp Hi-Rock.To realize its potential, morefundraising, partnerships, increased operational costs and some long-term debtwill be necessary. One major component of this is a strategic partnership withthe Nature Conservancy.Their mission is dedicated to preserving the mostpristine natural spaces around the globe. Camp Hi-Rock sits astride the BerkshireTaconic Plateau, which the Conservancy has recognized as one of the world’s“Last Great Places.” No one disputes that Camp Hi-Rock, with its majesticforestland and globally significant bio-diversity, is worthy of such attention.

The partnership with the Nature Conservancy provides for Camp Hi-Rock’sfuture stability in a number of ways. First, the Conservancy will put a conservationeasement in place to ensure that the property will remain pristine in perpetuity.Preserving such natural settings is a primary focus of their mission, and isperfectly in sync with the goals of YMCA Camp Hi-Rock.

The leadership of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA has no plans for alteringthe level of development on the Camp’s property. Nonetheless, the Conservancyis willing to compensate the Camp – in the amount of $2.8 million – for removingthe possibility of future, dramatic changes in the use of the property.

Another concern for securing the future stability of Camp Hi-Rock is necessaryimprovements to the infrastructure of the Camp.The infusion of funds from thepartnership with the Conservancy will allow for much needed advancements inthe infrastructure of the Camp, particularly the recent addition of an advanced,environmentally friendly septic system.These improvements will ensure that theproperty can adequately support a Camp for the foreseeable future.

The long-term financial stability of Camp Hi-Rock will also be addressed throughthis partnership with the Nature Conservancy. Of the $2.8 million, almost 65%provides for an endowment dedicated solely to Camp Hi-Rock.This endowmentwill be left to grow for several years. In time, interest from the funds will providefor the substantial maintenance needs of the Camp.

Preserving Camp Hi-Rock’s natural setting is a primary focus of our plan.

Annual Support for Scholarships

helping children in need

Cost Projections

The minimum goal of the campaign is $1,500,000, which represents the bare necessities at Camp. Based upon the earlypledges we have received, as well as further analysis of the needs, the senior staff and volunteer leaders have set their sightson a challenge of raising $2,000,000. The different line items under that total would be as follows:

Camp Hi-Rock serves all the children of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA,and beyond, the Southern Berkshire YMCA for all the children of BerkshireCounty. However, for many families, the cost of Camp would prevent theirchildren from attending. Camp Hi-Rock answers that need by raising money toprovide scholarships, or ‘camperships’ as they are commonly known. Dozens ofchildren are able to attend Resident Camp or Day Camp at no cost. Hundredsmore receive some measure of financial aid.

Parker Seeley $300,000

Improvements to Cabins, Dining Hall and other Camp Buildings 650,000

Completion of the New Access Road 350,000

Programs in Southern Berkshire County 150,000

Enhanced Programs at Camp 100,000

Annual Support for Scholarships 150,000

Administrative Costs of the Campaign 300,000

Total $2,000,000

In truth, the total capital need at Camp Hi-Rock exceeds $3,000,000.There are a variety of avenues for addressing thatneed, including strategic partnerships (such as the Nature Conservancy), long-term debt, and the ultimate level of fundsraised through this campaign.

Gift Planning Chart

how can I help tell the story?

Gifts of all sizes are needed to reach the minimum goal of $1.5 million, or thechallenge of $2 million. Camp Hi-Rock suggests a pledge redemption period of five years, allowing people to give more by spreading it out. Below is a chartshowing how some five-year pledges could be structured.

There are a variety of ways to make a gift to the campaign. Camp Hi-Rock willaccept gifts of cash, appreciated securities, or property, among others. Camp Hi-Rock is a branch of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA, a federallyregistered not-for-profit organization. Gifts to the campaign are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Total Suggested Down Five Annual Quarterly MonthlyPledge Payment (10%) Payments Payments Payments

$250,000 $25,000 $45,000 $11,250 $3,750

100,000 10,000 18,000 4,500 1,500

50,000 5,000 9,000 2,250 750

25,000 2,500 4,500 1,125 375

15,000 1,500 2,700 675 225

10,000 1,000 1,800 450 150

The chart above presents just a few scenarios for structuring pledges. Camp Hi-Rock can often accommodate donors requiringgreater flexibility.

“I love Camp Hi-Rock because it has always been about

providing for the spiritual, emotional, and physical growth of our

children. Camp Hi-Rock provides a tremendous service to the

communities of Berkshire County.We must all join together

and support this cause, so that the children of tomorrow have

a haven to absorb the values of the YMCA.”

Bob NorrisCampaign Vice Chair

“For over 50 years,YMCA Camp Hi-Rock has strengthened

our kids, our families, and our communities. Now we have the

opportunity to put our resources to work, improving Camp for

generations to come. Please do all you can to help us provide

for the continued success of Camp Hi-Rock’s mission.”

Richard P. Bodine, Jr.Campaign Chair

“My family has enjoyed a relationship with Camp Hi-Rock for

three generations. I am proud to join this effort through my

own commitment of financial support and leadership.

I encourage you to stretch yourself and make a pledge worthy

of this critical endeavor.”

Ron NorenCampaign Vice Chair

FPO

The Campaign for Camp Hi-Rock needs key leaders and

donors to step forward and respond to this landmark

opportunity. For over five decades, Camp Hi-Rock has

served as a haven for the values of Caring, Honesty,

Respect, and Responsibility. If Camp Hi-Rock is to serve

future generations equally well, these improvements must

be accomplished. Once these objectives are met, Camp Hi-

Rock will emerge as one of the finest Resident and Day

Camps on the east coast.

Campchanges

livesYMCA Camp Hi-Rock

162 East Street • Mount Washington, MA 01258

Phone 413-528-1227 • Fax 413-528-4234

Campaign office • 413-528-6871

E-mail info@camphirock.com • Web site www.camphirock.com

YMCA Camp Hi-Rock is a branch of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA