Last year saw the demolition of the depot where countless canoe trips packed out since the late 1960s.
This year sees a new building rise in its place – it will be ready for limited use this summer.
The depot, or “boathouse” to old timers or “shop” to others, was
built in 1966 – the 75thanniversary of Camp Stephens - to originally serve for canoe, sailboat and motorboat storage and during summer months, for staff to repair canoes and sailboats.
The depot served camp for more than 50 years, but it was no longer up to today's standards, and a decision was made to build a new structure that will serve as a hub for camp activities for the next 50 years.
The YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg has launched the Building a Legacy fundraising campaign. Its goal is to raise $1.2 million to provide funding for the new depot building. Funds raised through
the campaign will also support adequate staff cabins on the island.
the campaign will also support adequate staff cabins on the island.
“Since the beginning of Camp Stephens in 1891, the contributions
of alumni and private donors has allowed camp to be a positive force for thousands of children,”said Kent Paterson, President and CEO of the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg. “That need for giving is ongoing.”
of alumni and private donors has allowed camp to be a positive force for thousands of children,”said Kent Paterson, President and CEO of the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg. “That need for giving is ongoing.”
“Camp Stephens has a tradition of developing young people for positive healthy living, respect for one another and valuing the wilderness,” Paterson said. “The Building a Legacy campaign will help continue this tradition for our young people.”
Paterson added the new 4,507 square-foot building will include a kitchen for the preparation of out-of-camp meals, a boat repair facility, equipment storage, a trip planning room and a display area to showcase camp memorabilia.
“One of the reasons why Camp Stephens is the longest-serving summer camp in Canada is due to the generosity of alumni and our donors,” Paterson said.
“Donors to the Building a Legacy campaign will allow future generations of young people to benefit from the camp experience,
helping them grow in spirit, mind and body, and develop the skills to be the next generation of leaders.”
helping them grow in spirit, mind and body, and develop the skills to be the next generation of leaders.”
For more information about the campaign, please see ywinnipeg.ca/buildalegacy
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