Every donation to YMCA Camp Hanes makes a significant impact. The following capital projects identified by volunteers, donors, and Camp staff are part of the long-range strategy to improve program offerings and enhance our infrastructure.
Challenge Course Enhancements: We often hear from parents how much children grow confidence at Camp. Our Challenge Course is integral to that process. We plan to expand our current climbing wall, create more grounded activities, and add additional high ropes elements, including the Giant’s Ladder which fosters team building. This eight feet-wide log rung tower allows small groups of twos or threes to work together to advance up the ladder as each step gets bigger, from three to six feet apart. ($20k)
Staff Lodging: YMCA Camp Hanes is currently able to lodge 10 staff. By expanding housing options, we will be able to serve even more children. We plan to renovate two existing cabins including the outside exterior, porches and add square feet (insulate and dry wall). Each unit will have a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen area. ($30k)
WIBIT: One of the hallmark attractions of Camp is the waterfront. We hope to expand our current offerings by adding a state-of-the-art WIBIT® obstacle course on the water with six modules, such as various obstacle course challenges. The popular WIBIT® product line is built to maximize fun and safety. WIBITS® are unique due to their modularity, allowing Camp to customize, separate, combine and switch out options as needed. ($15k)
Portable Rock Climbing Wall: Visiting community events with a special attraction helps spread the word about Camp. Vertical Reality’s custom-designed Auto-Belay system and rock-like profile makes rock climbing both safe and challenging for participants. This portable rock climbing wall would be used on-site and off-site. ($30k)
Mountain Bike Trail and Bikes: The beauty of our natural surroundings is ideal for enjoying physical activity. The foot of the Sauratown Mountain is ideal for Mountain Biking, the sport of riding bicycles off-road, often over rough terrain. In partnership with a local bicycle shop, we hope to create a new mountain bike trail. ($20k)
Enhance Rifle Range: We are in need of updates to our Rifle Range to enhance the existing facility to make it even safer. The upgrade will include a pulley system to ensure campers do not have to walk on the range during their rifle experience, which adds an additional safety system and allows for variable distances while shooting. We will also add a new metal roof to sustain our rifle range for future campers. ($10k)
New Dining Hall Tables: Meal time at camp is one of the best times to build relationships. Between long tables and poor acoustics, that is sometimes a challenge. Folding oval-shaped tables are ideal for maximizing space and keep a cabin close enough to hold engaging conversations. ($20k)
Porches on Cabins 11-14: Porches at camp provide an ideal spot for campers to engage in conversations and make life-long friends. ($24k)