“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.”

“I enjoy watching the campers come through the office to do service projects and being able to offer encouragement and a thank you.”

“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 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 a proud grandfather. As an avid hunter and fisherman, working in the outdoors is his ideal setting. Having the opportunity to watch the campers enjoy the work he does, like the two gaga pits he crafted, is just an added bonus.

“Camp Wood is such a beautiful place to work. I am totally enjoying being here and seeing the campers and staff every summer. One staff member when I first started at Camp many years ago told me his stomach was very important, thus the kitchen needed to feed him well. It has been my goal since to make sure all are fed well and enjoy their stay at Camp.”