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HEY THERE CAMP FAMILIES, It’s that’s time of year where camp is closer to starting than it is to the close of last years’ season. If you’ve been reading these for a while you’ve heard me talk about being “camp sick.” Quite honestly, I’m feeling that more and more these days. I don’t know about you, or your campers, but there’s something about the soothing sound, and warm glow of a campfire that is softly and gently calling to my spirit right now. I’ve also been thinking about just how important the experiences that we create at camp are to individual growth and overall well-being. I have made no secret of the fact that camp was an element of my life that didn’t show up until much later than it does for some people. And yet with that, I’ve become a die-hard believer in my belief that camp is not just a luxury experience but an essential experience for youth. There is something quintessential about the overnight camp experience that allows our youth to learn, grow, and become better community members in the wider world. You see at camp we can find ourselves at cross paths with those around us, but we teach the skills to navigate those instances with grace, and an opportunity to learn when we have mis-stepped. We also are given very little choice but to disconnect from the world. An overnight camp experience is exactly what I need right now, and I’m willing to bet there are more than a few of my friends reading this who could use a break from the chaos of the real world this summer as well. I hope to see you all at Camp Roger this summer, I’ve missed you dearly this off season. Jake Green YMCA Camp Roger Director
FEBRUARY 2026
HELLO EVERYONE! I recently attended the Mid America Camping Conference and have had time to reflect on what I learned, engage in meaningful conversation with peers across the country, and reflect on my experiences with YMCA Camp Roger and YMCA Mill Hollow. Some of you may or may not have seen me or met me before – navigating the oversight and support of two wonderful, unique camps, and as we all know, we can’t be in two places at once. Additionally, for those of you that I got to talk to, say hello to, or even smile or wave at last summer, I had a broken foot and that did not help either. Where this has led me to a goal to know you all better – the parents and caregivers of our campers. This is something I need to do, and want to do, in order to make our camps better for your and future campers. I need to be able to have conversations with you all, about what your kids experiences are like, what you dream for them to experience at camp, what their challenges are, what you hope for them to learn, and so much more. For those of you that already include that in our parent surveys – I thank you – and I don’t think that replaces the intangibility of human interaction. I want to be able to get to know you better, because your children are fantastic – and it will only help all of our experiences grow to enhance and expand our camp community. My phone number is 385.269.7200, and my email is bwittig@ymcautah.org Please, if you ever want to ask questions about camp, share things that you experienced as a parent of a camper or that your child experienced as a camper, or just want to get to know the person responsible for keeping your child safe while you are at camp – text, call, or email me. I am deeply grateful for your trust in the YMCA and cannot wait for another summer. Ben Wittig Director of Camping
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YMCA OF NORTHERN UTAH OVERNIGHT CAMPS
This program is supported by the YMCA of the USA's Strategic Initiatives Fund.
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A LOVE POEM ABOUT CAMP: Mill Hollow, Mill Hollow, Without You, I feel hollow. From the occasional moose, And staff akin to a silly goose-- You are the ultimate summer camp, Where we all feel like a champ. Definitely not Shakespeare, but hey, at least you can tell I didn’t use AI. That’s a homegrown poem, folks! Lately, I have been going through my photos and videos from 2025 to share with you all on our social media as we ramp up for another summer. I love reliving all those memories but the ones that really stick out are the moments where our campers feel on top of the world (like champions, to reference the famous poet, C. Gurnicki’s ‘A Love Poem About Camp’). At camp, we want to create a space where young people are celebrated and lifted up. I love watching campers work up the courage to dance or sing at campfire and be met with a standing ovation. I love when a camper is elated after tagging “the fast counselor” during camp game. I love hearing a group of campers start to chant someone’s name who is trying archery for the first time. I love watching our staff slow down, get on the camper’s level, and be present with them as they share with us their jokes, stories, and dreams. Thanks for sharing these moments with us summer after summer. Cali Gurnicki YMCA Mill Hollow Director
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