About
Camp Wood YMCA
MAINTAINING HIGH STANDARDS
Since 1916, Camp Wood YMCA has provided high-quality camping programs in a caring family environment tucked within the beautiful Flint Hills of Kansas.
Gaining new skills, increasing self-respect and developing a sense of independence are trademarks of our program. Campers participate in life-changing, outdoor experiences that foster healthy decision-making, lasting friendships, skill development, and strengthened values in a safe, friendly environment.
Safety is our top priority. We are accredited by the American Camp Association – a process that has over 300 safety and quality standards to which we must adhere. Our dedicated staff are carefully screened, trained and certified (by such organizations as the Red Cross and the Certified Horsemanship Association) to serve as positive role models and help with your child’s skill development and growth. There is also a nurse on site while camp is in session and our camp doctor is local and on call, should we ever need him.
Our camp has a one-of-a-kind view, too. Sitting atop the Cottonwood River Valley with the Flint Hills as its backdrop, Camp Wood YMCA features 630 acres of Kansas Tallgrass Prairie and is the only YMCA camp in the United States located in this unique ecosystem.
Become a part of the Camp Wood YMCA family and start making the friendships and memories you’ll cherish forever.
MEET THE STAFF
Ken Wold - Executive Director
“The Camp Wood YMCA outdoor experience is essential to living in a world that’s grown small. It allows youth the experience of being a part of a whole and learning where they fit. They become comfortable with themselves, their environment, and with others that come from a variety of settings. I love the smiles and noise that comes from a dining hall filled with 200 campers and staff … and the setting of the Tallgrass Prairie is breathtaking.”
Ryne Witt – Senior Program Director
Ryne joined the Camp Wood YMCA family in December of 2011. He came from YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow, which is near San Antonio. A native Kansan, Ryne is happy to be home and serving the community that he loves. Ryne is a lifelong camper, since he hasn’t missed a summer at camp since 3rd grade. He believes in the power of camp for young and adult. Ryne’s favorite part of camp is campfire because of the songs and skits performed there. He says, “Songs and skits allow everyone to be a kid with good innocent fun. It brings an honest smile to everyone’s face.”
Ummar Anjum – Events Coordinator
Ummar Anjum is from Cambridgeshire, England and joined the Camp Wood YMCA family full time in December, 2011. He has been involved with summer camp since 2008, holding both Senior Counselor and LIT Director positions. Ummar is currently the Events Coordinator which entails coordinating all group events such as weddings, proms, residential trips, and school excursions. Ummar loves living in the United States and having the opportunity to meet and impact so many new people!
Laura Pasternak - Summer and Family Camp Director
Laura joined the Camp Wood YMCA family in the Spring of 2011 after receiving her degree in Outdoor Recreation and Camp Management at SUNY Cortland. A New York native, Laura has enjoyed the open feel the environment brings and the slower paced lifestyle. “No matter where I am in the country, my camp mission will never change; to bring people together to experience nature, socialize, and grow as individuals.” Laura’s favorite part of camp is the down time; the moments between activities, rest hour, and waiting before meals. “These moments are where the great counselors shine. I look forward to seeing what my staff will do to bring their campers together and connect on a deeper level, a level that will be remembered for a lifetime.”
Nancy Scott - Office Manager
“I enjoy watching the campers come through the office to do service projects and being able to offer encouragement and a thank you.”
Jeri Stout – Book Keeper
“The staff always intrigues me. By the middle of the summer they become more than a name on a paycheck. Getting to know them is always a positive experience.”
Mark Davis - Maintenance Director
Mark Davis joined the Camp Wood YMCA team in the fall on 2010. A man of many trades, Mark is also the Fire Chief of Chase County, a father of four, and now a proud new grandfather. Being an avid hunter and fisher, working in the outdoors is an ideal settling. Having the opportunity to watch the campers enjoy the work he does, like the two gaga pits he crafted, is just an added bonus.
Sharon Smith - Housekeeping Director
“What I like about camp is the freedom campers feel as a part of their experience. I also enjoy watching as they try many new experiences.”
Countdown to Summer Camp
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