YMCA Overnight Camps: Marston • Surf • Raintree
Summer 2019
Dining Hall Done Right
At the dedication of the spectacular new dining hall at Marston,YMCA CEO Baron Herdelin-Doherty noted, “Not only are we celebrating a wonderful new dining hall, we’re recognizing that it’s a building ‘done right.'” More than 100 guests, donors and alumni gathered on Saturday, June 15, to cut the ribbon on this distinctive addition to YMCA Camp Marston.
I told the crowd that day, if the old Gilmore Dining Hall lasted 90 years, this one will last a century and serve over one million happy campers. The new hall comfortably seats over 300 campers and an additional 100 on the outdoor dining deck. Special consideration was given to acoustics, there are five bathrooms, modern audio-visual capabilities and the indoor/outdoor fireplaces add charm. The theme of the new hall honors the Julian Gold Rush of 1869 with historic pictures and a Marston Mine facade, circa 1921, our founding year.
Special thanks were given to Dann Mallec, Rick Engineering; Drew Hubbell, Architect; CREW Builders, General Contractor; Simon Hansen, Zayanne Thompson and the camp facilities staff &emdash; John, Brian, Dusty, Danny and Dale.
Donor Molly Schulz spoke at the event, opening by reciting the Raggers Creed, honoring her father Dan McKinney, a proud White Ragger. Other major donors included Cargill Philanthropies, Mark Foster and the Foster Advised Fund at the San Diego Foundation and the County of San Diego Neighborhood Reinvestment Program. Many of our “Buy A Brick” donors also attended, seeing their $250, $500 or $1000+ stones installed on the courtyard wall. We’re still selling stones where you can share a quote and honor your history with camp, simply go to www.ymcasd.org/brick to order yours.
View Camp Marston Dining Hall Images on Facebook
Raintree Ranch's 50th Anniversary
The other recent alumni event celebrated Raintree Ranch’s 50th Anniversary. Over 200 alumni and friends braved the conditions on a 49-degree day in May to share memories and life-long friendships. The warm fellowship more than made up for the chill as we welcomed back so many alum, including former Raintree-1’s Biff Buchan and Shawn Coner, and furthest traveler Hannah MacDonald from Scotland. We were honored to have Valentine Hoy speak, sharing how Raintree was acquired in 1969. Val was joined by Raintree’s inaugural director Jeff Wohler and first season staff member Greg Herreman. Special thanks to current Raintree Program Director Shari Walls for orchestrating the event with pony rides, live music, excellent food, commemorative tie-dye shirts and more. As the motto goes, and certainly in evidence that day, “Raintree Ranch, come for the horses, stay for the people!”
View Raintree Ranch Images on Facebook
For more news from camp, see the Pines to Palms newsletter for alumni and friends of YMCA Overnight Camps.