Camping Awards
Legend of Camping (also known as "The 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.
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.
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 Recipients of the Legend of Camping Award
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
Emerging Leader Award
Purpose: To recognize an emerging leader in the camping industry who brings new ideas, creative approaches, a desire to learn, and a passion to the YMCA Camping movement.
Criteria: An appropriate nominee for the Emerging Leader Award will be an individual who meets the following conditions:
Has worked in a full-time 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 been working full-time for less than five (5) years.
Has not yet reached a senior-level position.
Has a track record that reflects passion, success, maintenance of the YMCA core values, and the potential for appointment to the highest levels of the professions.
Nomination: Any person may nominate an individual for this recognition by filling out the Emerging Leader Award nomination form (linked below)
Purpose: To recognize an emerging leader in the camping industry who brings new ideas, creative approaches, a desire to learn, and a passion to the YMCA Camping movement.
Criteria: An appropriate nominee for the Emerging Leader Award will be an individual who meets the following conditions:
Has worked in a full-time 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 been working full-time for less than five (5) years.
Has not yet reached a senior-level position.
Has a track record that reflects passion, success, maintenance of the YMCA core values, and the potential for appointment to the highest levels of the professions.
Nomination: Any person may nominate an individual for this recognition by filling out the Emerging Leader 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:
Has worked in a full-time 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:
Has worked in a full-time 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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