Latest News - Archives

December 2007 – BCCYMCA and Facebook
Are you a Facebook user? There are tons of groups you can join on Facebook (http://wwwfacebook.com) to stay in the loop with BCCYMCA. Why not search for “BCCYMCA” (currently 420 members) next time you are on Facebook. Or, you could also try Becket Staff (234 members), “Chimney Girls” (385 members), “Mary T Is My Home Girl” (60 members), “BCCYMCA Family Camps” (44 members), “I Love Chimney Corners Camp” (287 members). Each of these groups has dozens of photographs that you can peruse. Of course, always make sure that you are connected with us officially too! You can do this by making sure that we have your latest contact information. If you are unsure, visit: http://www.bccymca.org/reconnect and update your contact information.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2204759667

December 2007 – Women’s Wellness Weekend Activity Line-up Announced
Bigger and stronger than ever, our January 2008 Women’s Wellness Weekend promises to be exceptional. With traditional activities of Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Ice Skating and Downhill Tubing, along with Arts and Crafts and knitting, our Women’s Wellness Weekend has added activities: Indoor Climbing Wall, Wine-tasting, Japanese Cooking, xxx, yyy, zzz, Estate Planning.
http://www.bccymca.org/seasons/programs/adult/women.htm

December 2007 – New CIT Program Announced for Day Camp
In 2008, the Becket Day Camp will now offer a structured CIT Program. The program will accept CITs between the ages of 13-15 to participate in the 2-9 week program. All CITs must attend a training week, scheduled for Week 1, Week 4 and Week 7 of the Day Camp season. After attending the training week, CITs must participate as a CIT for an additional week in order to graduate. Finally, CITs will be able to remain at Day Camp for any number of weeks thereafter, refining their skills and learning to become strong, effective staff members.
http://www.bccymca.org/daycamp/CIT - this page has yet to be created.

December 2007 – BCCYMCA Still Number One Camp in the USA
Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA has retained the lead more than 12 months since gaining the Number 1 position on the popular camp rating website campratingz.com. With hundreds of responses, BCCYMCA has pulled ahead of 2nd and 3rd place, and continues to lead the nation in camp ratings.
http://www.campratingz.com/ShowMost.jsp?query=2

November 2007 – Winter Camp and February School’s Out Join Forces
The popular residential program Winter Camp has combined with our Daily School’s Out Program to create a super-camp. Keeping the name Winter Camp, the program will allow day participants and overnight (residential) participants to get involved in camp each winter. The Winter Camp Program allows kids to reconnect mid way between summers, but it also allows them to get outside and be active for a week in the middle of winter.
http://www.bccymca.org/wintercamp/

November 2007 – Chimney Corners Unveils New Look Website
Chimney Corners today released its new look website. Check it out.
http://www.bccymca.org/chimney/index.htm

November 2007 - Development Office Launches Annual Fund Appeal
http://www.bccymca.org/annualfund/index.htm

November 2007 – The Beard Comes Off [and Raises 40 Grand]!
Burnsie Beard article and pictures
Burnsie Bear dLink
http://www.bccymca.org/galleries/work_weekend/fall07/index.htm

November 2007 – Work Weekend a Success
Work Weekend Fall 2007 was a major success! It was one of the largest work weekends with have ever had, with more than 140 attendees. Work projects ranged from rebuilding a section of the Chimney waterfront fence, rebuilding floating docks for Camp Becket, raking a lot of leaves, adding 16 pick-up trucks worth of woodchips to our Chimney Low Ropes course, building benches for various spots around camp, building firewood storage boxes, building a deck for our ropes equipment at the high ropes course, and tons of other neat stuff!
http://www.bccymca.org/galleries/work_weekend/fall07/index.htm

November 2007 - Camp Becket and Chimney Corners Camp Announces Reunion Dates
Please join us at the Newton Marriott on Monday, November 5 at 7:00 PM to reconnect with friends, staff and alumni and meet the new Camp Becket Director, Chris Burke. There will be snacks, songs, games, a slideshow from the summer and plenty of time to socialize. Please help camp by inviting friends who might be interested in camp for next summer.
http://www.bccymca.org/news/promotionaldates.htm

October 2007 - Summer Camp Promotional Events
We’re offering the following events as a way to learn more about our camps and to meet others who are affiliated with Chimney Corners and Becket. The camp directors will be on hand to make a slide presentation and to meet with prospective campers and their families.
http://www.bccymca.org/news/promotionaldates-2007-2008.htm

October 2007 – New LIT Program Announced for Winter Camp
Blurb by Emily?
http://www.bccymca.org/wintercamp/LIT - this page has yet to be created.

October 2007 - Becket Welcomes New Director - Chris Burke
Chris is a graduate of Penn State University - State College, PA with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation & Park Management. Currently Chris is the Director of YMCA Camp Lincoln in Kingston NH and before that was the Boys Camp Director at YMCA Camp Coniston in Grantham, NH. Chris has been in the YMCA for seven years, has his YMCA Senior Directorship, serves on the ACA New England Program Committee and is an ACA Visitor.
http://www.bccymca.org/chrisburke.htm

October 2007 – Chimney’s New High Ropes Course Complete
Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA has just completed the installation of a brand new High Ropes Course at Chimney Corners Camp this fall. Thanks to the generosity of Justin Hillenbrand, Board of Trustees, the summer camp and year-round operation can now benefit from these additional High Ropes options.
http://www.bccymca.org/galleries/outdoorcenter/ccchighropes.htm

September 2007 - Berkshire Outdoor Center Launches New Website
The Berkshire Outdoor Center – the year-round component of BCCYMCA – has launched a new website this week. The new website provides information on all of our programs – for individuals, families, schools, colleges, youth groups and adult conferences and retreats. With more than 10,000 participants a year, the Berkshire Outdoor Center is a fantastic destination for any one of many programs.
http://www.bccymca.org/seasons/index.htm

September 2007 – Alumni Weekend and DeLuca Farewell

August 2007 – BCCYMCA Announces New Family Camp Director
Don Jennings, Camp Becket’s very own Program Director, will now play host to all of our family camps throughout the year. Bringing all kinds of family camp experience, Don promises to grow our Family Camps. Family Camps are the perfect opportunity to get away from the 'real world' and relax up here in the Berkshires. We have a variety of Family Camps to choose from, ranging from the week-long Becket Family Camp in August, to the 3 day Memorial Day Family Camp in Spring, Fall Foliage Family Camp for those wanting to be among the changing leaves in the Fall, and the parties & carnivals of New Year's Family Camp.
http://www.bccymca.org/seasons/programs/family/family_camp.htm

June 2007 – Summer Photos Now In Slideshow Format
Camp Becket and Chimney Corners Camp summer photographs will now appear in slideshow format. This will make the photos safer and appear to the viewer in a more entertaining format.

April 2007 – Wilder First ‘Civilian’ on Indoor Climbing Wall
Dan Wilder made history today as the first participant to climb on the new Chimney Indoor Climbing Wall. Constructed during March this year by Entre-Prises, the new climbing wall is the latest addition to the comprehensive BCCYMCA Challenge Course. Dan made several climbs throughout the late morning, and gave the wall a big “thumbs up!” Simon Sievwright and Michelle Stantial, both Outdoor Center Senior Program Instructors also climbed the wall.
http://www.bccymca.org/galleries/projects/2007officialopeningclimbingwall/index.htm

April 2007 - Online Registration for Camp Now Available
The Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA runs programs for more than 10,000 participants each year. We offer four-week residential summer camp experiences for boys and girls. Our Youth Travel Programs send teens all over the country and around the world to participate in meaningful service learning projects and homestays. Our Outdoor Center runs family camps, wellness weekends, school and college programs, retreat weekends and a fantastic Winter Camp throughout the year.
http://www.bccymca.org/registernow.htm

March 2007 – Alumni Weekend 2007 Shaping Up
This year's Alumni Weekend is shaping up to be one of our greatest ever. To learn more about coming back-to-the- Berkshires this September, and reliving your younger days at Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA, visit our new website.
http://www.bccymca.org/alumni/programs/alumniweekend.htm

??? 2007 – BCCYMCA’s Largest Fundraiser Ever: $4,000,000
??

March 2007 – New Chimney Indoor Climbing Wall Complete
Entre-prises (http://www.entre-prises.com) spent the week constructing our new Indoor Climbing Wall at the Chimney Corners Dining Hall. The Entre-prises guys were supported by Dave Wright & Paul Casino (Property & Maintenance) and Simon Sievwright, Andrew Winston & Georgette Keator ( Outdoor Center). The new wall has been generously funded by Dan Wilder and his family and the Camp Becket Dads' Association. The new wall will allow the next generation of CCC campers and a whole range of Outdoor Center guests to participate in climbing activities throughout the year, unaffected by adverse weather conditions. The wall provides enough challenge for adult groups, college groups and children and teens alike.
http://www.bccymca.org/galleries/projects/2007indoorclimbingwall/index.htm

January 2007 – What’s It All About? by Phil Connor
The summer is long over…..gone are the twelve and thirteen hour days from dawn to dusk, the long days of noisy meals, loud songs, constant chatter and unabashed laughter of both campers and staff.
http://www.bccymca.org/publications/newsletter/winter07.pdf

December 2006 – Legacy Campaign Nears Completion
The Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA’s capital campaign – the Tradition and Vision-Our Legacy Campaign – is approaching its successful completion. As of mid-December we have raised $3,866,547 from more than 560 donors. With only $133,000 remaining to reach the $4 million goal, there’s still time to participate in this significant and valuable campaign.
http://www.bccymca.org/publications/newsletter/winter07.pdf

December 2006 – Elovirta Retires
After sixteen years of faithful service to the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA, Maddy Elovirta has decided to retire. A surprise retirement party at the Chimney Corners Camp Dining Hall on December 9 th drew more than 150 people – YMCA staff and volunteers, friends from the community, and many members of the Elovirta family.
http://www.bccymca.org/publications/newsletter/winter07.pdf

December 2006 – Helping Hands Around the World: Spotlight on ICEP Costa Rica
The Costa Rica YMCA is based out of San Jose, and helped to set up visits to the Talamanca Indigenous Reserve, Guanacaste on the Pacific Coast, and Camp Oikoumene in the mountains outside of San Jose. Xinia Brenes is our host partner, and the Executive Director of the YMCA in Costa Rica.
http://www.bccymca.org/publications/newsletter/winter07.pdf

November 2006 – CCC Gala a Night to Remember
On October 28, Chimney Corners Camp celebrated its 75 th Anniversary at Boston’s Westin Copley Place Hotel. The black-tie event drew more than 300 people – seven decades of CCC involvement were represented.
http://www.bccymca.org/publications/newsletter/winter07.pdf

October 2006 – Don’s “One Year From The Library Porch” Project Complete
Photographing Rudd Pond from the Library Porch at Camp Becket over the course of a year was the latest project by Camp Becket’s Program Director Don Jennings.
http://becketintheberkshires.blogspot.com/

September 2006 – BCCYMCA Named Number One Camp in the United States
Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA has earned the title as the Number 1 summer camp in the United States, according to the popular camp rating website campratingz.com. With more than 70 responses, campers and parents alike have rated us Number 1!
http://www.campratingz.com/ShowMost.jsp?query=2

September 2006 – Alumni Weekend a Great Success
Great people, great food, great weather! Those six words sum up the 2006 Alumni Weekend at the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA (Oh, and did we mention a truly incredible location?). Approximately 150 people attended the event, enjoying the spectacular weather and participating in all forms of activities.
http://www.bccymca.org/publications/newsletter/winter07.pdf

August 2006 – Chimney Gala Invitations Announced
Henry & Ina Gibson started Chimney Corners Camp with nine campers in the summer of 1931. Howard & Evelyn Smith, Jeanne Shellenberger, Susan (Irons) Frantz and Shannon Donovan-Monti have carried on the traditions of CCC and added new ones of their own. Today there are thousands of women throughout the United States and abroad who are proud to call themselves CCC alumnae. We hope to see many former campers and staff members at the gala!
http://www.bccymca.org/gala/

June 2006 – Chimney Corners Dining Hall Construction Complete
The new Chimney Corners Dining Hall construction has been completed, with days to spare before the first summer campers begin to arrive for the 2006 summer season. Thousands of images have been collected throughout the construction of the dining hall and are available on our website.
http://www.bccymca.org/dininghall/progressreports.htm

June 2006 – Final Arts Center Meal Served – Number 129,308
The temporary kitchen is finished with. It is being dismantled beginning today. After almost 18 months, the kitchen is no longer needed. All kitchen equipment that can be transferred to the new kitchen has been transferred. The final meal served in the Arts Center was today - it was a thank you barbecue for all the staff on site. Phil gave a thank you speech on behalf of BCCYMCA in which he thanked the workers for their excellent workmanship and skill in building the new Dining Hall.
http://www.bccymca.org/dininghall/progress_june-2006.htm
http://www.bccymca.org/dininghall/staff.htm

May 2006 – Rain Won’t Slow Construction: CEO
Eight days of rain have not stopped work on the Dining Hall. Now a completely climate-controlled weather-tight building, the Dining Hall is almost finished. The wrap around deck is being finished, the railing has even gone up at one end. The railing overlooking the climbing tower has been installed.
http://www.bccymca.org/dininghall/progress_may-2006.htm

May 2006 – BCCYMCA Receives $250k Kresge Grant
Amy Hurwitz Gutschenritter and David Irons, Co-Chairs of the Tradition and Vision: Our Legacy Campaign, are pleased to announce that we have received a $250,000 Challenge Grant from the Kresge Foundation. Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, Kresge is a $2.9 billion national foundation that helps to build stronger non-profit organizations – specifically by focusing on capital campaigns. In 2005 Kresge awarded 217 grants totaling more than $131 million to non-profits throughout the world.
http://www.bccymca.org/publications/newsletter/spring06.pdf

May 2006 – YTP Announces New Destinations
This summer, some of our ICEP (International Camper Exchange Program) participants will – to borrow a phrase – boldly go where no one has gone before. For the very first time, programs to Costa Rica and New Zealand will be offered, joining our other 2006 destinations (Sweden/Russia, Chile, Australia and Japan).
http://www.bccymca.org/publications/newsletter/spring06.pdf

April 2006 – Board of Trustees “Wowed”
The Board of Trustees inspected the progress of the new Dining Hall today, following the April Board Meeting. The most commonly heard expression during the tour of the new Dining Hall was "Wow!"
http://www.bccymca.org/dininghall/progress_april-2006.htm

March 2006 – Main Truss Installed
The main truss in the center of the Dining Hall, weighing in at 8,200 lbs (3,719 Kg - equivalent to 3 Volkswagen Jettas or 1.5 Ford F-250s or 0.5 F/A-18 Hornets), is in place. The truss spans the entire width of the main Dining Hall, right down the center. Today, workers are completing its installation.
http://www.bccymca.org/dininghall/progress_march-2006.htm

March 2006 – Wastewater Installation Begins
Work has begun on the new BCCYMCA Wastewater Treatment Center. While not a glamorous project, the wastewater installation will allow BCCYMCA to continue to serve campers as it has for more than a hundred years, with minimal impact on our precious environment.
http://www.bccymca.org/galleries/projects/wastewater/index.htm

March 2006 – Now you can Donate to the “Best Camp Ever” Online!
You can now Donate to Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA online using your favorite credit card. Charitable gifts to the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA help provide camperships, fund programs, improve facilities, support program & staff development and assist in creating other exceptional leadership opportunities for staff and campers worldwide. While we offer high quality programs, the tuition covers only a portion of the cost of programs and related services. Gifts and income from our endowed funds make up the difference.
http://www.bccymca.org/donate

February 2006 – Brewster House Receives Facelift
Built in 1786, the Brewster House is the oldest building on our property. A Georgian-style Colonial house, the Brewster House was originally owned by the Brewster Family. It has been maintained by the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA since it was acquired in 1973. The Brewster House has received some touch-up repairs this winter, with the siding on the Northern and Western sides being completely redone. Similarly, the siding at the top on the Southern side has been completed, all the work done by local contractor John Goddard.
http://www.bccymca.org/news/february2006/brewsterhousefacelift.htm

February 2006 – The Outdoor Classroom: Spotlight on the Outdoor Center
Throughout the year, school groups of all ages avail themselves of the opportunities that exist at our Outdoor Center. Our 1300-acre outdoor classroom provides an excellent venue in which to learn about environmental science. Fields, forests, ponds, streams – even a bog with carnivorous plants – are all here to be explored. Many groups also take advantage of our extensive challenge course facilities – climbing towers, bouldering room, alpine tower and high and low ropes courses – to help build community and a sense of teamwork.
http://www.bccymca.org/publications/newsletter/winter06.pdf

February 2006 – Construction of Dining Hall Speeds Along
The slab in the kitchen was poured in the last few hours, and the roof is being framed on the tower entrance. The stair wells are almost operational and the first of two chimneys is under construction. The trusses for the roof above the main offices have arrived. There is a lot of busy, busy work down at the site this week, and the building is really coming along quickly. These are the weeks when the most visual changes will occur rapidly.
http://www.bccymca.org/dininghall/progress_nov29-2005-feb23-2006.htm

February 2006 – Legacy Campaign Hits $3 million
We’re pleased to announce that, since December 2005, the Tradition & Vision: Our Legacy Campaign has received an additional $700,000 in gifts and pledges. This brings the campaign’s total – to date – to just under $3 million. We’re well on our way to the target goal of $4 million.
http://www.bccymca.org/publications/newsletter/winter06.pdf

January 2006 – “Letter from the CEO” by Phil Connor
Just over a year ago I shared with you my first impressions of the organization and the opportunities and challenges facing the institution. Looking back over the past twelve months we can celebrate many things, particularly the successful camp programs for youth, adults and families. Our mission endure because of your continued support. This enables us to provide an experience which has been and continues to be the foundation for positive youth development.
http://www.bccymca.org/publications/newsletter/winter06.pdf

January 2006 – Board of Trustees Visits Construction Site
The Board of Trustees visited the building site today as part of their quarterly Board Retreat to the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA. The inspection included a look at the main dining space, the side dining rooms, the kitchen and food storage, the indoor climbing tower, and the basement and maintenance areas downstairs.
http://www.bccymca.org/dininghall/progress_nov29-2005-feb23-2006.htm

December 2005 – White Birch Campaign Surpasses $100,000
The 2005 White Birch Campaign – our yearly appeal for sustaining dollars that provide campership support for deserving children and families – has exceeded $100,000 in total gifts. Two hundred twenty-nine individuals contributed to White Birch in 2005. This remarkable level of generosity will help children and teens attend day camp, resident camp, youth travel programs and family camp programs.
http://www.bccymca.org/publications/newsletter/winter06.pdf

December 2005 – Christmas Passes, Construction Continues
Christmas was obviously quiet at the site, as was the next day, but you can see construction here is ready to continue into the new year. All the plastic you see everywhere is just a bit of protection from the cold elements up here in Becket over the winter. The guys on the site are working pretty hard and this allows them a bit of a break from the cold winds that sometimes pick up.
http://www.bccymca.org/dininghall/progress_nov29-2005-feb23-2006.htm

December 2005 – Contrasting Cultures: Spotlight on Sweden/Russia
Since the International Camper Exchange Program’s (ICEP) inception in 1966 with the first trip to Austria, Becket-Chimney Corners campers have embarked on adventures around the world.
http://www.bccymca.org/publications/newsletter/winter06.pdf

September 2005 – Chimney Corners Dining Hall Floor Plans Unveiled
Schmidt Copeland Parker Stevens (http://www.scpsohio.com/) – the architects working on the new dining hall designs have released the final floor plan of the new dining hall. With completion expected in May or June 2006, the plans are looking good with the final layout of the building viewed by BCCYMCA’s directors.
http://www.bccymca.org/dininghall/plans/floorplan.jpg

September 2005 – Dining Hall Foundation Being Poured
With the boulders and other rock now out of the way, work has begun on the foundation of the building. As you can see, placings have been created and the basic layout of the building can already been seen. The Dining Hall is now ahead of schedule, with workers still running 7am until 7pm days.
http://www.bccymca.org/dininghall/progress_aug4-nov28-2005.htm

July 2005 – Official Groundbreaking and Annual Luncheon
BCCYMCA’s Annual Luncheon was held in the temporary “Dining Tent” today, and was combined with an official Groundbreaking Ceremony at Chimney Corners Camp. The entire Chimney Corners Camp community wore orange Groundbreaking T-Shirts that stood out beautifully on the warm summer’s day. Many Board of Trustees were present, as were legends of Chimney Corners, such as Jeanne Shellenberger.
http://www.bccymca.org/galleries/annual_luncheon/05/index.htm

July 2005 – Artist’s Rendering of Dining Hall Released
Schmidt Copleand Parker Stevens today released the latest artist’s rendering of the new CCC Dining Hall. This is a large pdf file and requires high-speed internet for download.
http://www.bccymca.org/dininghall/plans/july30rendering.pdf

May 2005 – Spring Work Weekend a Success!
Despite wet and cool weather, the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA Spring Work Weekend (held April 29 – May 1) was a great success. More than 160 people attended. Projects included – among others – laying the floor in the Chimney Corners Dining Tent, building firewood storage boxes, cleaning the Camp Becket kitchen, moving many boats and preparing Lane Farm for Summer Day Camp. Meals were delicious and recreational activities included indoor four square and Saturday evening bingo. Sunday morning’s chapel service was appropriately themed “Lend a Hand.” While clothing was soggy and the footing was muddy, spirits were high from start to finish. We gratefully thank all our volunteers and staff for their hard work.
http://www.bccymca.org/galleries/work_weekend/spring05/index.htm

May 2005 - Spaces Still Available for 2005 Summer!
We still have some openings at both camps for the 2005 summer season. In particular, second session (July 24 – August 20) has space available. If you know of families looking for a quality camping experience for their sons and daughters, please refer them to the camp office and web-site. If you’d like to help promote the camps, we’d be pleased to send you enrollment packets and our new DVD.
http://www.bccymca.org/dvd/index.htm

May 2005 – Join Us for Work Week
From June 12 to June 17, we bring in a portion of our summer staff to begin the process of readying the property and facilities for another camping season. There’s lots to do, and we can always use a few extra hands. If you would like to join us for a day or two – or even the whole week – we’d love to have you! We’ll feed you, house you, and give you a good dose of that Becket-Chimney Corners spirit! Help us get the 2005 summer off to a great start. Please call Dave DeLuca or Shannon Donovan-Monti on (413) 623 8991 if you’re interested in joining us.

May 2005 – Staff Visit YTP Partners to Prepare for 156 Participants
This summer 156 teens will participate in cultural exchanges through our youth travel programs. International destinations include Australia, Chile, Russia/Sweden, Japan and French Polynesia. Domestic experiences include Teen Leadership & Service – a cycling program around Lake Champlain, REACH – traveling out to the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota, and Yellowstone Adventure & Service – an environmentally-themed program in Montana and Wyoming. In preparation for this summer’s experience, several YMCA staff have made visits to our partners. Chimney Corners Program Director Emily King traveled to St. Petersburg, Russia in early March and volunteered at the Ozerky YMCA’s winter camp. Laurie DeLuca (Associate Director of Development & Alumni Relations) and daughter Allison spent two weeks in French Polynesia working out the details of the upcoming ICEP experience. Youth Travel Program Coordinator Elsie Stapf made an April visit to both Wyoming and South Dakota to establish program itineraries and service projects for YAS and REACH. These visits help to strengthen relationships and build closer ties with our partners around the world.
http://www.bccymca.org/ytp

May 2005 – Becket Dads’ Association Donate Raffle Funds to CCC Dining Hall Fund
At their 4/29/05 meeting, the Camp Becket Dads’ Association Executive Committee decided that all proceeds from the 2005 Dads’ Weekend raffles will be directed toward the Chimney Corners Camp Dining Hall Fund (you can contribute too - click here for pdf). It is hoped that this decision will allow for greater donations of raffle items and more extensive participation in the raffle. Our two camps are incredibly intertwined and Camp Becket is pleased to offer support as Chimney Corners Camp plans for the rebuilding of its dining hall.

April 2005 – Chimney’s Big Top Going Up
Today's the day the Big Top started going up. Now keep in mind when you look at these images that this is far from the finished product. This 60x100' Classical Tent will be illuminated from within by indirect lighting around each of the three main peaks. In the coming weeks a floor will be built and the tent will receive all the extras it needs to make this summer PHENOMENAL for Chimney Corners Camp. It will truly be an amazingly fun summer to remember
http://www.bccymca.org/dininghall/progress_jan_aug_05.htm

April 2005 – Rudd Pond Dam Spillway Repaired
A large helicopter appeared at camp on the morning of April 4 th and, throughout the day, shuttled hoppers of concrete from the main Becket campus to the spillway across Rudd Pond. Twenty-four cubic yards of concrete were poured over the course of the day. BCCYMCA’s maintenance team, along with Craig Tighe and his team, repaired the spillway, saving Rudd Pond.
http://www.bccymca.org/galleries/projects/dam/index.htm
http://www.bccymca.org/publications/newsletter/spring05.pdf

April 2005 – Boardroom to the Ropes Course: SAPPI’s Corporate Retreat
“Obviously there’s a tremendous fondness of the camps, that’s a major reason for coming up here. But the great part is that coming up here takes people out of their normal work environment. It’s a great way to learn, to meet each other, get to know each other, and to train. It’s a place that is away from the sterile day-to-day world. A place that’s unique - one people will always remember.”
http://www.bccymca.org/publications/newsletter/spring05.pdf

March 2005 – Empanadas and the Andes: Spotlight on ICEP Chile
Since 1995, the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA has been working with the Valparaiso YMCA in Chile to develop programs of international exchange and support. In addition to receiving our ICEP groups each summer, the Valparaiso YMCA has hosted an International Partnership Conference that gathers staff and volunteers from YMCAs in the United States and Chile.
http://www.bccymca.org/publications/newsletter/spring05.pdf

March 2005 – Chimney Arts Center Works as Temporary Dining Hall
We have already commenced operations out of our new Arts Center Dining Hall facility. More than 600 meals have been served by Tommy, Mik and Keith, our wonderful food service staff. Features of our new kitchen facility included a heated foyer area and kitchen, large dry storage area, a Food Service Director office, emergency escapes, walk in coolers and freezers, waste storage area, prep kitchen and a loading dock. With over 600 meals served and an average food evaluation greater than 4/5, we are right on track for a spectacular spring season at the Outdoor Center.
http://www.bccymca.org/dininghall/progress_jan_aug_05.htm

January 2005 – Shellenberger Plaque Found
The plaque honoring Jeanne and Don Shellenberger for their 18 year commitment to Chimney Corners Camp was one of the few items salvaged from the fire.
http://www.bccymca.org/dininghall/plaque.htm

January 2005 – Summer Camp 2005 and Outdoor Center Season to Operate as Scheduled
Chimney Corners Camp and the Outdoor Center seasons will operate as normal beginning February 2005. Staff and volunteers are hard at work implementing an interim plan for providing food service to outdoor center groups and a full summer plan. Continue to check this site for details.
http://www.bccymca.org/dininghall/

January 2005 – “First Impressions” by Phil Connor
It was 8:00am Friday January 14 th , when I received the call asking me if I had signed my letter of agreement to become the new CEO of the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA and at the same time informing me that the Chimney Corners dining hall had burned to the ground. Nothing like getting a “warm welcome” to a new job. The next morning I was sitting in the basement of the Administration building meeting with staff and trustees developing an action plan to address the situation. I was in a temporary state of incompetence and I needed to define reality.
http://www.bccymca.org/publications/newsletter/spring05.pdf

January 2005 – Directors Pen Letter to Camp Community
The Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA CEO Phil Connor and Chimney Corners Camp Executive Director Shannon Donovan-Monti today released a letter to the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA community explaining what has taken place at Chimney Corners Camp, and what the immediate steps will be .
http://www.bccymca.org/dininghall/directorletter.pdf

January 2005 - New CEO, Phil Connor, Volunteers and Staff Meet the Day Following the Fire
New CEO, Phil Connor, volunteers and staff, quickly responding to news of the fire, met the morning of January 15 at the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA Administration Center. They are seen here inspecting the ruins of the CCC Lovejoy Dining Hall.
http://www.bccymca.org/dininghall/meeting.htm

January 2005 – Chimney Corners Dining Hall Destroyed by Fire
Chimney Corners Camp's Lovejoy Dining Hall was destroyed by fire in the early morning hours. Fire crews were quick to arrive on the scene, and the fire was contained, although the building could not be saved. No one was injured in the fire and no other buildings were damaged. Articles presented below will be updated on a regular basis.
http://www.bccymca.org/dininghall/images/index.htm
http://www.bccymca.org/dininghall/news/berkshireeaglearticle.htm

January 2005 – White Birch Fund Wraps Up
Our 2004 annual sustaining funds drive – the White Birch Fund – recently wrapped up. More than $104,000 was contributed by 401 donors.
http://www.bccymca.org/publications/newsletter/winter05.pdf

January 2005 - January 2005 – Connor Named New CEO
In early January, the Search Committee identified Phil Connor, an experienced YMCA executive, to become the new CEO of the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA. Phil’s wife Mary Jo has served as a nurse at Chimney Corners Camp during the past two summers, and their children Sarah and Sam have been campers here. Oldest son Andrew is a college freshman in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Connors family currently lives in Muskegon, Michigan.
http://www.bccymca.org/newceo.htm

December 2004 – Jerry Courtney Heads to Milwaukee
In late September, after seven years of service as the Chief Executive Officer of the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA, Jerry Courtney submitted his resignation. Jerry has returned to the Midwest to assume the position of Executive Director of the Schroeder YMCA & Aquatic Center, a branch of the YMCA of Greater Milwaukee. This represents a wonderful career opportunity for him.
http://www.bccymca.org/publications/newsletter/winter05.pdf

April 2004 – Farmhouse Memories
By Lynn Hover?
http://www.bccymca.org/galleries/projects/farmhousedemolition/index.htm

January 2004 – Chimney Icon Remembered
Nest in a positive light by Emily???
http://www.bccymca.org/galleries/projects/2004nestdemolition/index.htm

October 2003 – New Summer Camp Promo DVD Complete
We are pleased to announce that our new promotional DVD has been completed and is now being sent to prospective camp families. It provides a wonderful introduction to Chimney Corners Camp and Camp Becket for those interested in learning more about our resident camping programs.
http://www.bccymca.org/publications/newsletter/winter05.pdf

September 2003 – Becket Day Camp Enjoys Growth
The Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA Day Camp, located at Lane Farm, has experienced significant growth over the past two years. This summer, day camp filled over 385 spaces with children ages 3-12 from surrounding towns. A new activity barn was a welcome addition to the facility, allowing for a spacious rainy day spot and expanded arts & crafts activities.
http://www.bccymca.org/publications/newsletter/winter05.pdf

August 2003 – D Allen Cohen Presents “ Four Square” at Family Camp
“Each summer under August skies and waning summer suns
The Families cast away their cares, the frenzied lives they run
And gather in the Berkshire Hills with cooling breezes damp
To spend a precious family week at Becket Family Camp.”
http://www.bccymca.org/publications/newsletter/winter05.pdf

May 2003 – Becket Centennial Dinners Attract Hundreds
Camp Becket hosted two Centennial dinners – in White Plains NY and Wellesley MA – this May in celebration of 100 years of operation.
http://www.bccymca.org/galleries/centennial/becketwhiteplains/index.htm
http://www.bccymca.org/galleries/centennial/becketwellesley/index.htm

?? 2003 – Becket Centennial Gala at The Westin, Copley Square
http://www.bccymca.org/galleries/centennial/becketgala/index.htm

May 2003 – Cabin Pine Moved Onto Foundation
Cabin Pine, the staff cabin located behind Moose Field at Camp Becket – today was lifted high in the sky and placed on a new foundation. Moving it onto the foundation will allow it to be winterized and used year-round. Dan Karlin remembers building the cabin as part of Construction Cabin at Camp Becket in the 1990s and found small memorabilia around the cabin left behind during those original construction days.
http://www.bccymca.org/galleries/projects/cabinpine/index.htm

April 2003 – Becket Digitizes Historic Photos
Camp Becket released dozens of digitized historic photos today on the new website. These photos are from a range of time periods between 1903 and the late 1960s.
http://www.bccymca.org/galleries/summer04/archives/index.htm

March 2003 – Becket Amphitheater Receives Acoustic Shell
??
http://www.bccymca.org/galleries/projects/becketamphitheatershell/index.htm

March 2003 – Becket Builds Lacrosse Field
On the site of the old Tennis Courts at Camp Becket – behind the Frontier Automat for those too young to remember, Craig Tighe used his excavating equipment this season to build Becket-s latest Dads’ Association gift – a brand new Lacrosse Field. Becket currently has only 2 large fields – Moose Field and the Soccer Field. The new Lacrosse Field will allow more field space for playing sports, as well as more tent space on Dads’ Weekends!
http://www.bccymca.org/galleries/projects/2003becketlacrossefield/index.htm

May 2002 – Becket Challenge Course Gains New Attraction
The Camp Becket Dads’ Association have proudly sponsored the construction of Becket’s latest attraction – a 30 foot Climbing Tower constructed by Northeast Adventure’s John Lazarus. The Climbing Tower will feature 3 main climbing sides, and will contain a storage shed within. The climbing sides will be rated easy, medium and difficult, with an overhang on the difficult side. The tower will provide a challenge for summer campers as well as other participants in our year-round Outdoor Center programs.
http://www.bccymca.org/galleries/projects/2002becketclimbingtower/index.htm

August 2001 – First “New Generation” Iroquois Cabin Completed
Becket’s Construction cabin has completed the first in a series of 8 new camper cabins in Iroquois Village. The new cabins feature large windows, skylights, a mud room, hardwood floors and three staff bedrooms. The new cabins are rustic, “ no electricity” was the popular vote in a recent camper survey. Camper cabins will be built by construction cabins at each of the camps – one per year until the village and unit are completed.
http://www.bccymca.org/galleries/projects/newcabins/index.htm