PRESS RELEASE
Waypoint Contact: Kat Strange, Communications Director
Phone: 603-566-3266 Email: strangek@waypointnh.org
YMCA Contact: Michael LaChance, CEO
Phone: 603-598-1533 Email: mlachance@nmymca.org
YMCA Camp Spaulding: No 2020 season
Penacook, NH, January 17, 2020… Waypoint and the YMCA of Greater Nashua report that they will not open YMCA Camp Spaulding in 2020.
Located on 55 wooded acres alongside the Contoocook River in Penacook, NH, Camp Spaulding is an accredited, residential summer camp for kids ages 8 – 15. Since 2014, the camp has been a partnership between the two New Hampshire nonprofits, with Waypoint as owner and YMCA of Greater Nashua as operator. With strong roots in youth development, the organizations formed the collaboration in order to build on the overnight camp experience, keeping it accessible to all campers who wished to attend, and to continue improving the quality, scope, and magnitude of the programs.
For five seasons, over 400 overnight campers and 500 day campers enjoyed the Camp Spaulding experience: swimming, horseback riding, adventure course, field games, canoeing, arts and crafts, theatre games, songs by the campfire, friendships, and more.
In 2019, as the five-year partnership agreement came to an end, the organizations explored options for a renewal. However, based on the financial commitments required to continue the camp to their collective high standards, the organizations agreed that it was not economically feasible to continue.
Despite the unavailability of Camp Spaulding in 2020, both Waypoint and the YMCA of Greater Nashua believe in the importance of summer camp in children’s lives and are committed to helping families find and access other camps in New Hampshire. To inquire about other NH camp opportunities, email jschupack@nmymca.org or camp@waypointnh.org.
“We are sad to not be able to open the camp this year,” says Borja Alvarez de Toledo, president and CEO of Waypoint. “But, we are grateful for the past five years of working together with the YMCA of Greater Nashua to expand the camp and keep it an affordable option for New Hampshire families and an amazing experience for so many kids.”
“Although we are disappointed to not be continuing the YMCA summer camp program at Camp Spaulding,” says Michael LaChance, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Nashua, “we are extremely proud of the tremendous positive impact our two organizations have made on the children and young adults served at the camp over the past five years.”
“While the future of Camp Spaulding is yet to be determined,” says Alvarez de Toledo, “looking at its long-range viability is a priority for Waypoint leadership. In our line of work, we never say never. Nothing is impossible.”
For further information on Waypoint and the YMCA of Greater Nashua, visit waypointnh.org or nmymca.org.
###
About the YMCA of Greater Nashua:
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Greater Nashua facilities engage over 35,000 men, women and children annually – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. For more information about the Y visit www.nmymca.org.
About Waypoint:
Waypoint, formerly Child and Family Services of NH, is the oldest nonprofit social service/children’s charitable organization in New Hampshire. Accredited by the Council on Accreditation, Waypoint’s mission is to empower people of all ages through an array of human services and advocacy. Through 14 sites and 28 programs, Waypoint reaches NH’s most at-risk populations across the state and is a leader in advancing the well-being of children, youth, families, and seniors. www.waypointnh.org
Click Images to Download High Resolution Images
Stay up to date on what's happening in your community! Subscribe to our blog for events, announcements, and stories.