AWARDS
Legend of Camping "Skippy Award"
Purpose: To recognize professionals who have given over and beyond to the YMCA Camping Movement in the Mid America Region. It is understood that this is to be a “capstone” award, recognizing the career of an individual whose contributions have impacted the very core of the institution of camping.
The Legend of Camping Award, named in honor of Robert “Skip” Wilke: Skip attended his first MACC conference in 1968, and attended annually until 2017, missing the conference only once in that time. In 1972 he served as chair of the MACC conference. He grew up attending YMCA Camp Widjiwagen in Minnesota. He served as YMCA Camp Menogyn’s Executive Director from 1968-1982, worked with the International YMCA, and the International Camp Counselor Program. He served on three different camp boards in his home state of Minnesota (YMCA Camp Widjiwagen, YMCA Camp du Nord, and YMCA Camp Menogyn). Skip served on the MACC planning committee from the mid 90’s until his passing on December 31st, 2017, handling registration, photography, evaluation, binder assembly, and more. The Legend of Camping award was established in his honor, with the award’s criteria being inspired by Skip’s career, dedication, and legacy.
Purpose: To recognize professionals who have given over and beyond to the YMCA Camping Movement in the Mid America Region. It is understood that this is to be a “capstone” award, recognizing the career of an individual whose contributions have impacted the very core of the institution of camping.
The Legend of Camping Award, named in honor of Robert “Skip” Wilke: Skip attended his first MACC conference in 1968, and attended annually until 2017, missing the conference only once in that time. In 1972 he served as chair of the MACC conference. He grew up attending YMCA Camp Widjiwagen in Minnesota. He served as YMCA Camp Menogyn’s Executive Director from 1968-1982, worked with the International YMCA, and the International Camp Counselor Program. He served on three different camp boards in his home state of Minnesota (YMCA Camp Widjiwagen, YMCA Camp du Nord, and YMCA Camp Menogyn). Skip served on the MACC planning committee from the mid 90’s until his passing on December 31st, 2017, handling registration, photography, evaluation, binder assembly, and more. The Legend of Camping award was established in his honor, with the award’s criteria being inspired by Skip’s career, dedication, and legacy.
Past Legend of Camping Award Recipients
2013: Dave Wright
2015: Gerald Carman
2017: Luke Austenfeld
2019: Brian Rupe
2020: Anne Derber and Fritz Cheek
2021: Scott Brosman
2023: Bruce Spoelman
2013: Dave Wright
2015: Gerald Carman
2017: Luke Austenfeld
2019: Brian Rupe
2020: Anne Derber and Fritz Cheek
2021: Scott Brosman
2023: Bruce Spoelman
MACC Mission Award
Purpose: To recognize a leader in the camping industry who actively contributes to education, connection and motivation within the MACC community.
Criteria: An appropriate nominee for the Award will be an individual who meets the following conditions:
Nomination: Any person may nominate an individual for this recognition by filling out the Mission Award nomination form (linked below)
Purpose: To recognize a leader in the camping industry who actively contributes to education, connection and motivation within the MACC community.
Criteria: An appropriate nominee for the Award will be an individual who meets the following conditions:
- Works in a professional capacity in YMCA Day or Overnight camping in the Mid America region, and has supported the Mid America Camping Conference through attendance, presentation, or other avenue.
- Takes intentional steps to create a community of support for individuals and the camping movement through collaboration, connection and resource sharing.
- Collaborates with experts in the field; creates opportunities and environments for mentorship, fellowship and growth; motivates other camp professionals to be inspired and connected to their work in service to youth through dedication to the YMCA core values.
Nomination: Any person may nominate an individual for this recognition by filling out the Mission Award nomination form (linked below)
Program Innovation Award
Purpose: To recognize a camp or individual that demonstrates a commitment to Program Innovation in the YMCA Camping movement highlighting youth development, healthy living, social responsibility, and DEI.
Criteria: An appropriate nominee for the Program Innovation Award will be a camp or individual who meets the following conditions:
Works in a professional capacity at the YMCA Day or Overnight camp in the Mid America region, and has supported the Mid America Camping Conference through attendance, presentation, or other avenue.
Has created a program or whose program as a whole addresses the specific needs of their community in an innovative way.
Has engaged, strengthened, or cultivated one of the following: youth development, healthy living, social responsibility, or DEI in their program.
Nomination: Any person may nominate an individual or camp for this recognition by filling out the Program Innovation Award nomination form (linked below)
Purpose: To recognize a camp or individual that demonstrates a commitment to Program Innovation in the YMCA Camping movement highlighting youth development, healthy living, social responsibility, and DEI.
Criteria: An appropriate nominee for the Program Innovation Award will be a camp or individual who meets the following conditions:
Works in a professional capacity at the YMCA Day or Overnight camp in the Mid America region, and has supported the Mid America Camping Conference through attendance, presentation, or other avenue.
Has created a program or whose program as a whole addresses the specific needs of their community in an innovative way.
Has engaged, strengthened, or cultivated one of the following: youth development, healthy living, social responsibility, or DEI in their program.
Nomination: Any person may nominate an individual or camp for this recognition by filling out the Program Innovation Award nomination form (linked below)
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