FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT® FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
2019 YEAR IN REVIEW
Board Members 2019
Nate Blumenshine
Allison Burke
Tom Burket
Andrew Bussey
Lucy Cosgrove
Kris Donnelly
Beth Dutcher
Brian Edstrom
Carolyn Ellstra
Marjorie Fedyszyn
Earl Fleck
Jacqui Forbes
Marilyn Franzen
Cindy Gardner
Mark Garrison
Anne Hartnett
Colleen Healy
Meike Hengelfelt
Tom Hiendlmayr
Megan Holleran
Chris Johnson
Katie Kelsey
Doug Kleemeier
Peter Loewenson
Sara Mairs
Bob McKlveen
Dave Mink
Peter Murray
Leigh Onkka
Ned Patterson
Kit Piltingsrud
Jeff Rick
Tom Rock
Shor Salkas
John Saxhaug
Mark Schroeder
Ben Sheets
Annie Walsh
Kris Weum
Yolanda Womack
Camp Widjiwagan Strategic Roadmap 2018-2021
BY JOHN SAXHAUG, CAMP WIDJIWAGAN BOARD CHAIR AND NED PATTERSON, PAST CHAIR
In October 2017, the annual Camp Widjiwagan Community Board convened at camp to prepare the groundwork for a strategic roadmap that would guide our work for 2018–2021. With Matt Poppleton’s first summer completed as executive director and Ned Patterson providing leadership as board chair, it was an opportune time to set the tone for what would become a nine-month process. Board member Anne Hoyt Taff expertly guided the session and brought out the unique perspectives and experiences of each individual board member present to build a deep and shared understanding of the Camp Widjiwagan community as it is today and will be in the future.
Using a “sunrise/sunset” exercise, the board created a list of implications and opportunities. The session concluded by establishing basic parameters for the development of specific board actions that included:
l An openness to change
l A recognition of changing demographics, culture and values
l The need to embrace more diverse communities
l The call to expand enrollment to a broader range of financial and demographic participants
Members of the Camp Widjiwagan community met that November to participate in a strategic roadmap workshop, again led by Anne Hoyt Taff. This group included campers, staff, past board members and past directors, representing a broad range of ages and experiences. They took the work accomplished by board members at the October retreat and brainstormed actions the board can take to support and serve the mission of Widjiwagan for the next four years. The result was the following six actions, displayed in a diagram of the strategic road map, shown at right.
In May of 2018, board committee chairs met to strategize how best to move forward with the actions of the strategic road map plan, taking advantage of actions that could be achieved readily in the short term with consideration of actions that will take a longer-term commitment to accomplish.
SHORT TERM ACTIONS
In the shorter term, actions that provided immediate impacts included:
l The successful 90th Anniversary Camp Widjiwagan Reunion
l The Groveland School Bridge Program, providing a pathway for students attending the Outdoor Learning Program to participate in Camp Widjiwagan’s summer program
About the cover: Close to 240 Camp Widjiwagan alumni, staff and families gathered to celebrate at the 90th Reunion July 12-14, 2019. Also pictured are the two restored historic BN Morris canoes originally owned by Joe Seliga.
l The integration of the Y’s Bold and Gold Program, an education program designed to develop cultural competency and leadership skills in young men and women through challenging outdoor activities with Camp Widjiwagan, including an internship program to develop possible future staff.
l The consolidation of the Financial Development and Annual Fund committees
“As the board approaches the halfway point of our strategic roadmap work, we will continue to complete and expand our efforts for a successful conclusion.”
John Saxhaug and Ned Patterson
2019 Year In Review Director’s Column
Refine fundraising processes and innovate new strategies
Advance leading strategies and policies in outdoor programming within Widji, the YGTC, and the greater outdoor industry
2018-2021
Facilitate opportunities for community connections, understanding and communication
Take action on Widji’s Diversity and Inclusion statement
young people, respect for self, community and the environment, through wilderness adventure and environmental education.
LONGER TERM ACTIONS
In the longer term,
l The Environmental Responsibility and Indigenous Culture task forces were established to address issues that will have a continuing impact on the camp now and into the future
l Discussions continue on the definition and application of the “Widji Way”
l A foundation is being laid for a cohesive diversity and inclusion strategy; a key component of this strategy is an exploration of gender identity at camp
As the board approaches the halfway point of our strategic roadmap work, we will continue to complete and expand our efforts for a successful conclusion. If you have any questions, comments or concerns about the strategic road map and plan, please feel free to contact Matt Poppleton, Ned Patterson, John Saxhaug or any member of the community board. t
BY MATT POPPLETON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
2019
2019marked Camp Widjiwagan’s 90th anniversary, and it was an honor to be part of such a momentous year. It was also a year of challenge and loss that serves as a strong reminder of how each day and interaction with others should be valued. Like any great adventure, it is the journey that counts more than the destination.
Our Outdoor Learning Program started the year with a particularly cold winter. Daytime temperatures of -20° F degrees throughout January required some schools to reschedule and our instructors to find the balance of keeping students warm and engaged while still having fun and learning. I am happy to report that there were no incidents of frostbite, and many students went home proud of their ability to have fun and learn while in the outdoors of the north woods.
While our Outdoor Learning Program was underway, there was much activity in planning for a busy summer. In addition to a full summer of campers and advanced trips, our 90th Reunion Planning Committee gathered even before the year started to plan and organize a reunion to remember! A big thanks to co-chairs Sara Mairs, Mark Holloway and the rest of the 90th Reunion Planning Committee. So much time and consideration went into the development of the event with the overarching goals of celebrating Camp Widjiwagan and welcoming everyone who attended. You can read more in the full article on the 90th Reunion, but highlights for me included meeting and celebrating Lois Eyinck, the first Woman Voyageur Leader from 1956; rededicating two B.N. Morris canoes that were expertly restored for future Widji campers; celebrating the legacy of Joe and Nora Seliga in the book Canoeman Joe that was released at the event; and seeing old friends and making new ones. It’s hard to believe that we fit so much into a weekend, but we did and celebrated with more than 240 guests.
A strong theme of the 90th anniversary was recognizing the past, present and future of Widjiwagan. As summer ended, our staff and board continued our work on Widjiwagan’s Strategic Roadmap, which outlines our priorities through 2021. Great work is happening to address tough questions around inclusion, history and how Widji can best serve campers today and into the future.
We also experienced transition and loss throughout the greater Widji community this year. An interesting part of our Sunday service at Chapel Point during the 90th reunion reflected on loss within a community. The tone was solemn, but the service also provided space for real emotions that can sometimes get pushed aside in the spirit of being at Widji and always focusing on the positive. In December 2019, we lost Armin “Whitey” Luehrs who had been the Widjiwagan Camp Director starting in 1951 and who opened Camp du Nord. Whitey’s impact and influence on Widjiwagan can still be felt today with our focus on small group experiences, the wilderness, inclusive programming and a deep mission of respect. We were fortunate to have Whitey share these thoughts at our Spring Banquet in April 2019.
So like the end of long portage or steep ascent, 2019 is a year to be proud of. Looking back, the view is beautiful and filled with stories. And like the anticipation of the next trip, our path continues with new adventures around the corner. t
The Widji Board will take the following actions to best serve Widji’s mission.
Develop strategies to define and celebrate the “Widji Way” and Widji’s responsibility to the environment in an ever changing world.
Cultivate the Widji Community
To develop, in
Matt Poppleton
90th Reunion Committee
Mark Holloway, Co-Chair
Sara Mairs, Co-Chair
Nancy Berry
Nate Blumenshine
Phil Bratnober
John Bussey
Bruce Casselton
Tim Commers
Leigh Currie
Marilyn Franzen
Cindy Gardner
Jane Gilje Clements
Katie Godfrey
Tom Hiendlmayr
Ned Patterson
Matt Poppleton
Linda Ramacier
Ginner Ruddy
John Saxhaug
Julia Sugarman
Additional thanks to the many staff and volunteers who contributed to the success of the weekend.
Widji Celebrates 90 Years
BY MARK HOLLOWAY & SARA MAIRS
Widjiwagan is built on its rich history, present leadership and operations, and a mindful eye toward the future.
In 2019, Widji turned 90, and throughout the year past, present and future came together to ring in nine decades of success, culminating in a summer reunion on the shores of Burntside Lake where Widjiwagan began and continues to thrive.
After almost a year of planning and amidst the buzz of summer sessions, we squeezed this wonderful event into a July weekend. The doors to camp opened to welcome folks from all generations, and Widji alum came from all over the country. Starting at the Sigurd Olson Center with hugs, pictures and wooden name tag coloring, the excitement grew as folks settled back into a place so special. The weather cooperated beautifully all weekend, and our days were filled with sunshine, blue skies and the right amount of wind. We kicked up our heels on Friday night with a barn dance in Kirby Dining Lodge, and we addled and hiked throughout the area on Saturday morning after (or before) visiting a pop-up museum in the Trail Building. Saturday afternoon we dedicated two of Joe Seliga’s historic B.N. Morris canoes back to Widjiwagan with several Seliga family members present, and celebrated the release of Canoeman Joe, a children’s book about Joe Seliga. On Sunday, we had a lovely reflection service at Chapel Point and enough time to linger with old friends and share stories. Just when we needed it, a cool gust from Burntside would blow through camp. Oh, it was nice!
As Widji alums of a similar era, we felt fortunate and humbled to chair the 90th planning committee. It was good work, like a Widji trip—portaging or climbing a pass, ultimately reaching the blue water or mountain vista. And our trail group, wow! A solid group of gracious, gifted and dedicated volunteers helped us with the event planning. Strong in spirit and mind, they were the driving force throughout the entire planning process.
Camp Widjiwagan’s leadership was instrumental in the success of the 90th reunion. The opportunity to work with our friend and spirited Widji Executive Director Matt Poppleton was amazing. He kept the committee on track, grounded and open-minded while guiding a collaborative vision. Karen, Joe, Amy and Kathleen—along with the trail, kitchen and maintenance crews— kept the schedule moving along, always able to find ways to say “yes” and “I can help with that,” which made the weekend that much more memorable and meaningful. It was incredible to see the energy and passion of all the people involved working together for this event.
The 90th was a blast … celebrating Widjiwagan is fun and very important. The 95th and 100th year anniversaries are right around the corner, and we should all look forward to ringing in these amazing benchmarks with as much if not more excitement, enthusiasm and pride as we did this year. Happy birthday, Widjiwagan! t
YEAR-ROUND STAFF 2019
Matt Poppleton, Executive Director
Karen Pick, Outdoor Learning Program Director
Kathleen Floberg, Wilderness Program Director
Amy Hadow, Summer Program Director
Joe Smith, Property Manager
Erik Johnson, Kitchen Manager
Mike D’Arcangelo, Canoe Master
Katie Godfrey, Administrative Coordinator
“It was incredible to see the energy and passion of all the people involved working together for this event.”
Building the Groveland Bridge Program: Assessing, Planning, Partnering
BY AMY HADOW, SUMMER PROGRAM DIRECTOR
People are often surprised when I tell them that Camp Widjiwagan serves between 1,500 and 2,000 students during the fall, winter and spring months. Our Summer Wilderness Adventure Program receives much of the focus and recognition despite serving about half as many young people. Students participating in our Outdoor Learning Program (OLP) often have a life-changing experiences becoming comfortable with the outdoors, themselves and their classmates. Very few young people have the opportunity to see the night sky free of light pollution, and many have never explored outside at night. From a practical perspective, safety concerns often necessitate caution and curtail after dark activities in city neighborhoods and parks. We ask many OLP students to confront an understandable fear of darkness when we send them out for a night hike eight hours after arriving at Widji. Most students return from the night hike feeling thrilled by the joy of adventure, proud of themselves for overcoming their nerves and supported by new friendships formed by the unifying experience of navigating uneven ground in the dark. Some students truly thrive in this environment. Their faces glow as they talk about the woodcock they watched dancing in the spring or the zooming otter they saw slide down Molly’s Cliffs. For students like these, we hope that the OLP will serve as an introduction to a long-term relationship with the Widji community and outdoor experiences.
Students like these have the feeling of following in someone’s footsteps—participating in a community-recognized rite of passage—when they return for an Intro trip in the summer. However, developing a mutually shared community and culture that grows more intertwined over time has proved more challenging in schools that serve populations with a majority of students of color and low income students. More generally, we have noticed that the students who make the transition to our summer program disproportionately come from middle and upper income economic backgrounds and identify as white even though many Widji OLP students don’t fall into this demographic. The Widji team has noticed this gap but consistently struggled to bridge it despite feeling committed to supporting long-term relationships with the outdoors for all interested students.
Groveland Elementary School from Saint Paul has been visiting Widji in the fall for more than 25 years. Widji is a part of the Groveland community and culture, and students anticipate visiting for months. This anticipation overflows in exuberant chatter as the Groveland fifth graders unload from their buses on the day they arrive. These students can’t wait to share the stories they have heard from 6th graders and older siblings. Yet despite the excitement, comfort and connection that Groveland students feel with Widji, we see a divide between those who continue to participate in Widji programming after their OLP experience and those who only visit Widji once.
appropriate gear or know where to borrow it. And they can still pass as part of the Widji community even when they wear borrowed outdoor gear because the color of their skin allows them to blend in with our camper population. With so much anticipation, excitement and familiarity with Widji, we knew that Groveland presented an opportunity to focus on navigating color, economic and other barriers.
“We hope that students who fall in love with the north woods will continue their growth as competent outdoors people, stewards of natural places and confident young adults.”
We also hope that students who fall in love with exploring the north woods will continue their growth as competent outdoors people, stewards of natural places and confident young adults by registering for a summer canoeing or backpacking trip, and many of these students do. As a result, Widji becomes a part of the community and the culture of schools that repeatedly visit the OLP as much as their students become part of the Widji community and culture. Older siblings of some students go to Widji, and that helps build anticipation too. Some students even have parents who have participated in our programming.
Groveland is an incredibly diverse elementary school by all metrics. About half their student population claims free or reduced school lunch, the measure of economic diversity traditionally tracked by the school system. Groveland students hail from all over the world. The students who continue to access our programming, however, tend to be the students whose families speak English, allowing them to more easily navigate our website, materials and registration system. These families typically have the economic means to purchase
At Groveland, we also have an incredible advocate in 5th grade teacher, Mr. Jeff Sambs. Mr. Sambs came to the Widji administrative team with a plan to address the multitude of barriers that many young outdoors people face as they try to access Widji. Together, five of us created the Groveland Bridge Program with the goal of helping connect young people from Groveland with our summer programming. We worked together to streamline our scholarship process, provide translation for families completing our registration process, identify medical providers to offer physicals to these campers, and provide summer counselors additional training related to diversity and inclusion. Most important, Mr. Sambs is a familiar presence who also knows about Widji and can answer the questions these campers and their families ask. Campers participating in the Groveland Bridge Program receive two years of support at this level before we help them transition to registering by the process our general camper population uses. Groveland Bridge Campers start at Pathfinders for their first year and then return as Intro to Canoeing campers or Boys and Girls Outdoor Leadership Development campers (BOLD/GOLD) for their second year. This program started small with only three campers in 2019 but we are growing in 2020 and hope to continue this trend. Based on the reviews of our first Groveland Bridge Fellows, we are excited to watch where this program will go. t
Outdoor Learning Program
WHAT IS WIDJI?
WRITTEN BY A STUDENT FROM NORTHROP SCHOOL, MINNEAPOLIS — FALL 2019
“Camp Widji is a great camp. I am so glad we get to go. It is fun getting outside in nature and much more. You do lots of team-building games. You also learn about voyageurs and food waste. We get to learn to be without our electronics, which sometimes can be tough, but at Widji it was actually easy.
“At Widji, almost everything you do is outside. You play games outside, you hike, make fires, learn to canoe and more. Everyone has fun outside! It is a great time to learn about team building!
“Team building may not sound like a big part of Widji, but it is. This is what I learned most at Widji. You play games about it or just help a friend. Either way, at Widji it is fun.
“Learning is not always fun, but at Widji it is always fun. Learning at Widji is like playing your favorite game. They make it so fun!” t
OUTDOOR LEARNING PROGRAM GROUPS-2019
Anne Murphy & Friends
Blake School
Board Retreat
Board Work Weekend/Widji Leaders
By the Light of the Moon - SISU
Knitting Weekend
Carondelet Catholic
Ely 7th Graders
Expo Elementary
Fall Sampler
Fall Women’s Retreat
German Exchange
Great River School
Groveland Park Elementary
Jefferson Community School
King of Kings
Lake Country Montessori
Life House, INC.
LSS - Oh No! 18
Many Rivers Montessori
Marshall School
Northrop Urban Environmental School
Oak Hill Montessori
Olson Middle School
River Grove Elementary
Seward Montessori
Shakopee Area Catholic School
South High School
Southern Adventist University
St. Paul Academy
St. Therese School
Sunny Hollow Montessori
University of MinnesotaInstitute of Child Development
Valley View Middle School
Winter Women’s Retreat
Buildings & Property Update
JOE SMITH, WIDJI CARETAKER
Widjiwagan continues to prepare for its future while recognizing and preserving the values and characteristics that help us provide experiences that mean so much to so many people. The most notable projects of the last year include:
l Building a new septic system to let us replace Hillside and Hilltop in the future with housing more suited for long-term, year-round use by our program directors.
l Adding a backup generator to provide enough electricity for Widjiwagan to function in the event of a long-term power outage.
l Converting the lights in the Kirby kitchen to more energy efficient LED fixtures.
I would like to emphasize how much thought goes into the selection and implementation of these projects by the Widjiwagan staff, the Buildings & Property Committee and the Widjiwagan Board. With all of these projects there are many questions to answer. “How will it benefit program?” “How does it affect our aesthetics?” “What are the environmental impacts?” “Does the design reflect our commitment to social values?” And the big one, as always, is this: “How are we going to pay for it?” Rest assured, all of these questions are raised and analyzed in committee meetings,
site tours and board meetings until we feel appropriate answers are found.
Standards and needs have changed over time. What was considered an adequate septic system in the past would not get a permit today. The need to allow for personal privacy is recognized today. Our need to accommodate greater numbers of trail groups at a time in the summer has increased. Our environmental education program’s success creates demand for dependable year-round infrastructure. These are rewarding challenges in that Widjiwagan becomes stronger as we meet them. We are currently in discussions about how to replace the sauna with a userfriendly building that will allow more trail groups at a time, satisfy privacy needs, be safe and efficient, all with minimal impact. t
YMCA CAMP WIDJIWAGAN HERITAGE SOCIETY MEMBERS
Thank you, Heritage Society Members, for your commitment to future generations.
Anonymous (2)
Julia & Jim Adams
James C. Andre
Matthew Bailey & Kristin Gendron
Walt & Ginger Bailey
Armand & Beverly Ball
Sandra Bjorndahl
Paul H. Boening
Gretchen & Brian Boyer
Greg E. Bradbury
John & Jill Bradford
Mary Broeker
Carmen Brunner
John Burke & Kathleen Joyce
Polly M. Burnham
Michael & Marcia Bussey
Peter Butler
Arta P. Cheney
Jane Gilje Clements
Douglas & Kathleen Clock
Paul & Rachel Craighead
Karen & Alan Crossley
Grace Ann & John Curry
Blake & Sandy Davis
Kelly Davis & Bill Stump
Steven Diede & Anne Zerby
Mairi C. Doerr
Charles Driscoll
Carolyn & Sara Ellstra
Sharon K. Erickson
Ann & Dwight Ericsson
Betty Felix
Elizabeth P. Fesler
Nancy Fesler
Elizabeth Flinn
James D. Flinsch Sr.
James & Joan Gardner
Jamie & Cindy Gardner
Edward & Dana Garvey
Judith Gavin
Jean Geist
Laura J. Giaquinto
Jean K. Godfrey
Robert & Susan Greenberg
Ann I. Guhman
Linda Gustafson & Roxy Port
Rose M. Gustafson
Linda Brown Harris
Tom Hiendlmayr & Jan Ormasa
Geoffrey & Linda Hirt
Christine & Douglas Hlavacek
Lucy Hollinshead
Mary Horak Binger
Ruth & Alvin Huss
John & Polly Jackson
Nathanial Jacobson
David & Judy Jerde
Charlotte & Ward Johnson
Eric Johnson
Frank & Meredith Johnson
Arthur Kaemmer
John & Sally Katter
Cheryl & Daniel Kelley
Esther Kellogg
Dessie P. Koch
Thomas & Cheryl Kranz
Bethanne Kronick
Mary Levins
Judith Frost Lewis & Stephen Lewis
Georgia R. Lindeke
Darwyn & Marie Linder
Kay Lyford
Kent & Barbara Lyford
Kristine Maritz
Gayle Rose Martinez
David & Sherla Mayer
Paul T. McArthur
Elspeth Savage McClelland & William McClelland
Greg McNeely
Lynne Meyer & Mary Walser
Ranlet & Beth Miner
Jonathan & Martha Morgan
Anne & David Murphy
Janet E. Nast
Uri Neren
Robert & Sarah Newman
Nedra Nicholls
Richard & Nancy Nicholson
Mark & Janell Niemann-Ross
Joan Ostergren & James Alexander
Doug & Phyl Ostergren
Joanne Oyen
Thomas Paper & Eleanor Bigelow
John Patterson & Julie Sonier
Thomas & Sally Patterson
Steve Patzman
Nancy G. Priedeman
Mary Jo Quehl
Thomas Racciatti
Linda & Dominic Ramacier
Margaret Rarig
Katie Reed
Gary & Gale Rick
Tom & Donna Riley
Gwyneth Rochlin
Winthrop & Barbara Rockwell
Virginia Ruddy
Donna Runyon
Alan & Sally Ruvelson
Constance & Kenneth Sansome
John Saxhaug & Lynn Rabinovitch
Kathy Schwarz
John Shepard & Suzanne Brust
Linda & Spencer Silver
Lee & Margaret Skold
Michael Smuk
Connie & Byron Starns
Mary Stoick
Edward & Jean Therrien
Rolf Thompson & Carol Jacobson
Rev. Kathryn A. Tiede
James & Marianne Ude
Jane E. Verby
Anne & Daniel Walsh
Jennette Wasmund
Linda Western
Jim & Ann Wheeler
David & Suzanne White
John & Janice Wilke
Barbara J. Williams
Mary Williams
Dan & Ruth Ann Willius
Nathan Zietlow & Sarah Risser
Restored: Two Historic, History-Making B.N. Morris Canoes
The entire Widjiwagan family celebrates the historic, oneof-a-kind wood and canvas canoe fleet that makes the camp experience so unique. Of the 201 canoes in the fleet, 114 are either wood canvas or wood fiberglass canoes, 57 of which were made by Joe Seliga. Many others are Old Town canoes. But have you heard of B.N. Morris Canoes? They were made in Maine in the early 1900s, and Joe Seliga owned two of them. In 2019, Widjiwagan launched both canoes, fully restored and just in time for the 90th Reunion Weekend.
Bruce Casselton documented the restoration, and in Wooden Canoe magazine—the journal of the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association—he published a full, two-part account of the process, the history and the relationship with Joe Seliga.
The canoes came to Widjiwagan as donations. In 1994, Joe and Nora Seliga donated a 15-foot Morris Special Indian (Model 62) to Widjiwagan, and his nephew and wife donated an 18-foot Morris in 2005. Joe’s father Stephen purchased the canoes in 1905 and 1906. In an interview in 1984 in Wooden Canoe (No. 18), Joe Seliga said, “I don’t think anyone built a finer canoe than B.N. Morris. It’s a canoe that when it gets in the water, it is like a swan—proud.”
As Casselton notes, “The Seliga Morris canoes are significant because [Joe Seliga] used the 15-foot canoe as a mold to build twenty-seven 16-foot Seliga canoes; and the 18-foot became the model for the forms he used to build a small number of 18-foot Seligas and a larger number of 17-foot canoes, a model he preferred for wilderness tripping.”
From a restoration standpoint, a canoe made more than a century ago that also served as a form for building other canoes poses considerable challenges. Casselton notes that the 15-foot Morris had absorbed more than 59,000 hammer blows during the years Joe and his family used it to build their own wood canvas canoes.
Widjiwagan entrusted the restoration work to Alex Comb of Stewart River Boats and Canoes in Knife River, Minnesota, and Tim Eaton at Urban Boatbuilders, a Saint Paul-based youth program helping teens develop life and work skills through boat building.
As the photos indicate, the restored, water-ready canoes are a beautiful addition to Widjiwagan’s fleet. Each summer, select Widjiwagan groups will use these canoes on trail. In doing so, Widjiwagan will continue the Morris and Seliga legacy, keeping alive the spirit, creativity, optimism, uniqueness and strength of these canoe builders. t
Part 1 of Bruce Casselton’s in-depth story of the Morris canoe restoration project appeared in Wooden Canoe in December 2019 and Part 2 following in the Spring 2020 edition. With, the permission of the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association, both articles are available on the Widjiwagan website at: www.ymcamn.org/camps/camp_widjiwagan/forms__publications
ENROLLMENT HISTORY, 2013 – 2019
Linda Ramacier builds Widji relationships–even in retirement
BY KATHY CLOCK
From eager young employee to energetic retired volunteer, Linda Ramacier’s path has been to work for the good of YMCA Camp Widjiwagan.
GENUINE CONNECTIONS
“I believe people know this, but Linda cares deeply about Widji,” notes former Widji Executive Director Liz Flinn. “What I really appreciated about her was this was at the core of all she did.”
“Linda is completely genuine,” agrees friend, former board member and coworker, Connie Starns. Developing relationships is part of a fundraiser’s job, but it’s never just a job with Linda. She does it because she loves it.”
A WIDJI SOCIAL NETWORK
You could say that Linda has a gift for social networking. Colleague and friend, Jeri Glick-Anderson of the YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities, loves hearing Linda say, “’Have I got a story for you,’” and that story will guide you through a whole web of Widji connections.
A MULTIGENERATIONAL VIEW
Former coworker Tom Burket has his own story about Linda’s multigenerational view of the Widji community: “I stopped working at Widji in 1991, and my wife and I booked our daughter’s first Widji trip in 2013, and there was Linda at the check-in table.“
“In 22 years,” Tom continues, “I had only seen her once or twice. I’m not kidding, but the second or third thing she me asked was, ‘How are your parents?’ She had remembered they lived on a farm and were teachers. And she was genuinely curious about their health and how they were enjoying retirement.”
“No one, but no one,” says Tom, “could see Widji’s big picture like Linda, and know so many of the fine details, too.”
PROVIDING STABILITY
As Camp Widjiwagan has grown throughout the years, there have been transitions. Thanks in no small part to Linda’s depth of knowledge and the stability of her presence, Widji continued to thrive.
Sally Patterson, board chair during a particularly challenging transition, recalls: “I remember how valuable Linda was in 1999–2000, when we lost our
executive director. It was Linda who held us all together, communicated constantly, and related to each of us with her dedication and true love of Widji. We finally found Tom Kranz by December. No one will ever be able to replace her, period.”
INVESTING IN SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS
Thanks in large part to Linda’s behind-the-scenes wizardry, Widji fundraising and volunteer events have become popular social gatherings. As former Executive Director Rolf Thompson recalls, “Call Nights became fun, uplifting gatherings of old Widji friends because of Linda’s attention to the food, materials, supporting data and general ambiance.” Dedicated garage sale volunteers enthusiastically agree.
Matt Poppleton found Linda’s help invaluable through his first year and a half. “Now,” adds the current executive director, “I get to work with Linda as a volunteer, and she is equally helpful and insightful. Her commitment and care for Widjiwagan, though, is so strong that not a week goes by that we are not connecting.”
BEHIND THE SCENES
Like a stage manager, Linda is a pro when it comes to handling the behindthe-scenes details that make a production a success. “She is persistent and tenacious in completing whatever needs to be done, but at the same time she always acts with grace and patience and kindness,” says friend and colleague Arlene West. “I picture her like the duck that glides serenely across the water, making it easy to forget that she is vigorously working below the surface.”
Linda credits husband Dominic Ramacier for his generous support of her work, and in providing his own efforts as a volunteer. On behalf of the Widjiwagan Community, thank you Dominic for sharing Linda and for your many contributions to camp over so many years!
THE PATH AHEAD
What else should people know about Linda Ramacier?
“Linda has an adventurous spirit and travels extensively with her husband Dominic,” notes Matt Poppleton. “Together they have visited most of the National Parks. And she is a constant caregiver, always on call, and supporting her family almost daily.”
“Not to forget,” adds Liz Flinn, “Linda has a great laugh!” t
Linda and Dominic in Death Valley National Park
In Memoriam
Remembering Whitey
BY JOE NASVIK
For this 2019 Year in Review, we asked longtime member of the Widjiwagan community Joe Nasvik to reflect on the deep and lasting influence Armin “Whitey” Luehrs had on Widjiwagan and on his own life. Joe has much to share because in so many ways the stories he relates about Whitey Luehrs are also foundational stories about Camp Widjiwagan that continue shaping what it is today. Below are excerpts from the longer article Joe wrote at LINK.
“Whitey was one of those larger-thanlife people that one encounters maybe once in a lifetime. When I was on the staff at Widji from 1959 to 1962, we all stood in awe of him. He commanded respect without ever asking for it and seemed to know everything that was going on in camp, including the pranks and things we staff members tried to keep from him. And he was always a supportive friend and good listener. He preferred not to be in the spotlight. In his mind it was never about ‘me’ and always about ‘we.’… His sense of humor often came out at those times, and every now and then you could get a glimpse of his mischievous side too.”
“Whitey looked for two qualities when he hired program staff: good camping and trail skills and good people-working skills. He said that if he had to pick one over the other, good people-working skills were the most important. Widji would teach the camping skills. As time went on, Widji was able to hire staff from within, campers who came back year after year who knew the ‘Widji Way.’ Widji knew they could be good counselors.”
“He was skilled at managing and supervising staff, and his catch phrase was ‘expect and inspect.’ He had great faith in his staff and delegated enormous responsibility to them. But he felt it was also his responsibility to know that his trust was well placed. … He also made himself available to staff whenever they needed to discuss things with him.” t
Thank you, Joe, for so eloquently remembering Whitey Luehrs and celebrating the many ways he impacted your life and Widjiwagan as a whole. His tenure as Widjiwagan’s director began in the 1950s, but his legacy lives on today in Widjiwagan’s emphasis on small group wilderness experiences and the initiatives he took to create programming for girls and young women.
Whitey Luehrs also founded Camp du Nord, for which many generations of families are deeply grateful. May his vision, foresight and energy continue to inspire us all.
And how many couples trace some of their earliest days together to shared adventures at Widjiwagan? A nurse named Ginny worked at Widjiwagan in 1956 when Whitey was director. Little did they know they would be blessed with 60 years of marriage, three children and four grandchildren. t
Read a more comprehensive reflection from Joe Nasvik on Whitey Luehrs on the Widjiwagan website: www.ymcamn.org/camps/camp_widjiwagan/forms__publications
In Memoriam
At age 91, Peter Anson died peacefully on January 17, 2019, surrounded by his family, after a long struggle with dementia. Peter is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sally, and his children and grandchildren: Catherine (Peter Vaughan), and children Elliot, Angus and Carl; Michael (Nancy), and children Pau and Nora; David (Nancy), and children Colin and Trevor; Leslie von Wangenheim (Detlev), and children Theresa and Constantin, and one great-granddaughter, Molly Anson.
Peter was a corporate lawyer at Faegre & Benson, and later became a partner. He loved the intellectual, logical and problemsolving aspects of the law. In Peter’s retirement years, his love of history and exploration led Sally and him on many hiking and expedition trips all over the world. He loved fixing and building things. He would design jewelry, repair cars, build the best fires and pitch any tent, and he taught his children to do the same. He took them on countless camping, canoeing, fishing and hunting trips. Peter had a fabulous sense of humor, a strong sense of fairness and a deep sense of integrity.
Peter served on many boards over the years and joined the Widjiwagan Board in the 1980s. Most of his children and grandchildren have been campers and trail counselors. Peter and Sally have supported many Widjiwagan annual and capital campaign efforts over six decades. Through the generosity of the Anson families, many campers who could not afford the camping experience have benefitted and will for generations to come.
Age 59; Kathryn (Kathy) Lynn Ball succumbed to cancer at her home in Fort Myers, Florida, on June 3, 2019. She was the beloved daughter of former Widjiwagan Camp Director (1962-1974) Armand and his wife Beverly Ball. Kathy was preceded in death by her brother, Robin. She is survived by her sister, Helen Pounds; nieces, Nicole Sterrett, Stephanie
Stephen, Lyndsey Ball and Rachel Pound; nephews, Rhyan Ball and Jonathan Pound; as well as long-time friends, John Burnett, Todd Dittmer and Joyce Knudson. She also leaves behind many friends and loved ones in the Meadow Lake Circle neighborhood, Minnesota, and from her years at Camp Widjiwagan in Ely.
When Kathy moved to Saint Paul and began spending her summer at Widjiwagan she was just a toddler, and the staff fell in love with this little girl even though she would pester them all the time. She was the only young child in camp for a number of years and made her first canoe trip with her family at age 5. Kathy spent 12 summers with her family at Widji, becoming a camper and developing many lifelong friendships. She loved the northwoods and Widji.
Kathy was born in Nashville, Tennessee. Her family moved to St. Paul and then to Bloomington, Indiana, where she graduated from high school. After a stint in college, she moved back to Minneapolis where she worked as a painter for a number of years and volunteered with the American Red Cross. She moved to Fort Myers in 2002 and continued her career until her recent illness.
Kathy’s legacy will live on through the Camp Widjiwagan General Endowment Fund, providing the Widjiwagan experience to children and alumni in years ahead.
Age 82; Bill Cunningham passed away suddenly on July 24, 2019, after suffering a major heart attack. He is survived by wife Mary Ellen, children Peg Desrochers (Mark), Mary Ann Cunningham (Tom Finkle), and John Cunningham; grandchildren: Madeleine, Leo, Freya, Linnea, Sophy, Ella and Alita.
Bill was a professor at the University of Minnesota in cell biology and genetics, and later shifted to conservation biology and environmental science in response to increasingly urgent environmental concerns and the interests of his students.
Bill loved being in the wilderness, and he camped and canoed
often with his family in the Boundary Waters. He helped persuade Congress to create the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) act in 1978. He also loved books, conversation, music, novel foods, travel and sour cherry pie.
The Cunningham family has been du Nord campers for many decades. Their children, son-in-law and some of their grandchildren have been Widjiwagan campers and trail counselors. Bill and Mary continued their involvement with the Widjiwagan and du Nord Garage Sale for 50 years. Proceeds from the sale have provided many opportunities for teens and families who could not afford the programs to participate at Widjiwagan and du Nord. Bill’s legacy will live on at du Nord and Widjiwagan through his many contributions, which will benefit campers for generations to come.
Age 95; Dorothy Ferro passed away peacefully on December 30, 2019. Preceded in death by her loving husband Fred and son Scott, who was a Widji camper. She is survived by her sons David (Jane), Gary (Jan), daughter Debra, one granddaughter, three great granddaughters, two step grandchildren and three step great granddaughters.
She loved baseball and was an enthusiastic Minnesota Twins fan. She enjoyed music, reading, playing tennis, hiking and running — so much so that at age 59, she ran the Twin Cities Marathon. She and Fred led a very active life of traveling and hiking around the world, and she loved the outdoors and especially loved summer vacations in Ely and winters in Florida. She was always active as a volunteer and supporter of causes and projects she believed in.
At the tragic loss of Dorothy and Fred’s son Scott, they established an endowment fund in his memory at Camp Widjiwagan. The proceeds from the fund have provided financial assistance for underserved campers and perpetuated Scott’s legacy for many decades.
Peter Anson
Kathy Ball
Bill Cunningham
Dorothy “Dottie” Ferro
Age 76; Al Johnson passed away peacefully on July 8 at home surrounded by family after living with dementia for several years. He is survived by wife Jan, daughter Alissa, sister Judy and brother Ted.
From a young age, Al developed a lifelong passion for wilderness canoe trips through YMCA Camp Widjiwagan, where he was a camper and counselor, and paddled to both Hudson Bay and the Arctic Ocean. He was a Voyageur camper in 1960, and led a Voyageur trip in 1965. Al remained a loyal Widjiwagan volunteer throughout his lifetime and supported the annual fund for decades.
Al dedicated his career to the automotive industry, working mostly with Saab and Subaru. He was called “the car whisper.” He dedicated his later years to caring for his rescue dogs, bicycling and volunteering for local and national political campaigns.
Memorials were directed to the Widjiwagan Herbert O. Johnson Family Endowment in Al’s memory. His legacy will live on providing financial assistance to campers and will serve as a living memory for Al and his family.
Age 88; Martin Kellogg passed away peacefully Thursday, March 21, 2019. He is survived by wife Esther; children Joe (Joanne), Doug (Needhi), Bill (Jennifer) and Jeannine; and grandchildren Sarah, Ian, Ben, Erik, Sam, Elias and Kiran.
Martin’s lifelong passions spanned family, canoeing, business, conservation, law, politics and community service. He inspired many and by example taught kindness, devotion, generosity, humility, humor, service and love of family.
Martin earned a degree in industrial engineering and business administration, a master’s degree in accounting and economics and a law degree. He also served as captain in the Marine Corps. Martin worked in several construction and accounting
firms before becoming vice president and treasurer of Tennant Company. In 1983, he joined UFE Incorporated, an international manufacturer of precision molded plastics, where he eventually became president, CEO and co-owner.
A love of the outdoors motivated Martin to work tirelessly throughout his life to conserve wilderness for future generations. He helped lead the effort to establish Voyageur’s National Park, and worked closely with the Minnesota Parks & Trails Council for more than 50 years. He also served on numerous conservation group boards.
Martin’s legacy will live on at Camp Widjiwagan through the Kellogg Family Endowment Fund, ensuring wilderness camping is accessible for generations to come.
Age 58; Steven C. Tyler passed away on August 20, 2019. He is survived by son, Alex; brother, John (Carol); sister, Julie (Scott) Baumeister; nieces, Brianna and Brooke. Memorials in Steve’s honor were directed to the Camp Widjiwagan General Endowment, enabling campers to create life-lasting experiences like he had so many years ago.
Steven was a Widjiwagan Camper in the mid to late ‘70s. His counselor Bruce Casselton remembers Steven as a very pleasant young man with a quick sense of humor. He made the group laugh a lot all through their Explore Canoe trip. Widjiwagan had made a big impact on him, one that followed him through his whole life.
Steve’s employer, Advanced Care Inc, said: “You had an outstanding natural ability to care for those in need. Your compassion did not go unnoticed. It extended above and beyond your role, which brought joy and comfort to your clients and allowed them to remain independent in their homes and in the community. You will be missed dearly by everyone who was blessed to have known you.”
Allen “Al” Kent Johnson
Martin Kellogg
From the left, Jeff Rick, Steve Tyler, Bruce Casselton, Bill Mohn, Dan Mueller and Scott Bixby.
Every Fund Tells a Story
THE PEOPLE AND STORIES BEHIND WIDJI’S NEWEST ENDOWMENT FUNDS
Widji has a legacy of intergenerational support with each generation supporting the next through the endowment. Each named endowment fund has a story to tell, honoring life-changing Widjiwagan experiences and memorializing friends and loved ones who were an important part of the Widji community.
In 2019, three endowment funds were started or updated.
Lynne Meyer Family Endowment Fund
Over the years, Camp Widjiwagan has been a source of empowerment, strength and joy for Lynne Meyer and her family. Now Lynne is passing this legacy to the next generation through the new Lynne Meyer Family Endowment Fund.
Lynne’s dad, Walt Meyer, was an active member of the Midway Y, and loved camping and canoeing. A good friend at the Y suggested he send his daughter to Widji. Lynne’s older sister Susan was the first to make the trip to Ely, and Lynne got her chance at age 13, followed by younger sister Carol. As a teen, Lynne couldn’t wait to get back to Widji every summer, and in 1967 she became a Voyageur, paddling from Savant Lake to Sioux Lookout.
“In the 1960s there were not a lot of places where women could excel in the same way as men. Widji was a lifeline for me,” Lynne said. “My wish with this endowment fund is to create the groundwork today that will make those experiences available to young people for many years into the future. It’s a commitment and a gift to future generations.”
“My wish with this endowment fund is to create the groundwork today that will make those experiences available to young people for many years into the future. It’s a commitment and a gift to future generations.” –Lynne Meyer
Western-Leaf Family Endowment Fund
George Leaf never attended Camp Widjiwagan, yet he was a big supporter. George’s brother-in-law had been a Widji camper, as had his daughter’s husband Richard Western—a Voyageur and staff member—and George could see the impact Widji had on their lives.
John and Sarah Western, Richard and Linda’s children, became the third generation in the family to be connected to Widji. George had the pleasure of sending off his grandchildren on the Widji bus over many summers, as they progressed to become Voyageurs and later trail staff.
Linda and Richard carried on this tradition, sending off their own grandchildren—Lauren, Nicholas, Kiera and Bryn—for Widji adventures.
When Richard passed away on August 16, 2019, the family wanted to remember Richard and honor this multiple-generation Widjiwagan tradition. They renamed and expanded the George Leaf Memorial Endowment Fund to become the “Western-Leaf Family Endowment Fund for YMCA Camp Widjiwagan.” From generation to generation, the Western-Leaf family is creating a legacy that will support the Widji mission and programs for many future generations of campers.
Henry Zietlow Endowment Fund
Henry Zietlow (2000–2019) approached life with a sense of joyous ambition. Described as brilliant, engaging, humble and wise beyond his years, he was as comfortable racing a single rowing shell as he was canoeing in the Ontario wilderness. And he was equally adept at performing Wieniawski’s Violin Concerto No. 2 in D minor as he was at presenting research at an international science competition.
Henry spent six summers at Widjiwagan, which included two backpacking trips and four canoe trips, culminating in a 40-day, 600-mile Voyageur trip down the Thelon River in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. He held a deep and abiding love for the natural world and treasured these trips into the wilderness. His unbreakable spirit continues to lift up those who knew him. Henry was much more than a light. Henry was a lighthouse.
The Henry Zietlow Memorial Endowment Fund will benefit Widjiwagan campers in perpetuity. Supporting Widjiwagan, with a special preference for financial assistance and program subsidies, this fund will bring exceptional camping experiences to youth and teens over the many years ahead. We remember Henry and celebrate his life in this most meaningful way.
Henry Zietlow
Lynne Meyer
Richard Western
Financial Picture 2019
Every year, we review the financial picture for YMCA Camp Widjiwagan; every year, we are humbled by the continued support of our community and the enormous role you play in helping young people to learn and grow from a Widji experience. The charts below offer a snapshot of the revenues and expenditures that make up Widji’s financial base. Your annual contributions and earnings from Widji’s endowment made up 24% percent of our revenue in 2019.
That strong and sustained support helps us advance our mission of developing in young people a respect for self, community and the environment through wilderness adventure and environmental education. We couldn’t do it without you.
Thank you.
The Widjiwagan Financial Development Committee
2019 REVENUES
CONGRATULATIONS TO 2019 YOUTH THRIVE AWARD NOMINEE ANNA GRACE HOTTINGER
The Widjiwagan staff team is excited to congratulate our 2019 Youth Thrive Award Nominee, Anna Grace Hottinger. This annual award is given to one youth member from each Y branch of the YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities, and recognizes outstanding community service by young leaders. Anna Grace completed her 10th grade year in 2019 at EdVisions Off Campus High School. In addition to her commitment to her academic success, Anna Grace served as a powerful advocate for addressing climate change and other environmental concerns in Minnesota and nationwide. We delighted in watching Anna Grace encourage lawmakers to pass a Green New Deal for the state of Minnesota during a press conference at the state capitol. Anna Grace and her peers at Minnesota Can’t Wait worked to draft this bill and advocated for it.
As a member of the Widji Leaders Leaders of the Leaders (LOL) Committee, Anna Grace also encouraged other Widji campers to become involved in community causes through the impressive example she set and by connecting her peers with organizations effecting change. In addition to all of these contributions, Anna Grace served as an emotionally aware leader who consistently worked to include all members of Widji Leaders. She also brought joy to our meetings with her sense of humor and lively spirit. We feel lucky to have young people like Anna Grace in our community, and look forward to watching her continue to make the world better place!
2019 FINANCIAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
# OF CAMPERS AMOUNT
Summer Campers: $80,624 52 Campers
BOLD & GOLD and Organizational Groups: $21,900 25 Campers
Outdoor Learning Program Students: $37,224 468 Campers
TOTAL: $139,748 545 Campers
2019 Endowment Donors
James Adams Memorial Endowment Fund
Jim & Julia Adams
The Bakker-Arkema Family US Bancorp Foundation
Allison Anne Anderson Memorial Endowment Fund
Netflix
Jennifer Silver
Ellie Wood
Kevin Burke Memorial Endowment Fund Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness
Patrick Butler III Memorial Endowment Fund
Patrick & Twiss Butler
Charles and Michael Cheney Memorial Endowment Fund
Arta Cheney
Doug and Kathy Clock Advanced Trip
Kelly Davis Advanced Trip Endowment Fund
in honor of Sally & Tom Patterson
Jane Davis Bennett
David Warner Doerr & Charles Adams Doerr Memorial Endowment Fund
Kathie Doerr
Scott Bradford Forro Memorial Endowment Fund
Dorothy Forro
Gardner Family Endowment Fund
Jim & Joan Gardner
Gilje Clements Family Endowment Fund
Kathryn Gilje & Trish Chapman
Otis H. Godfrey Jr. Endowment Fund
Paul & Mary Sue Godfrey
Greenberg Family Endowment Fund
Sue & Bob Greenberg The 614 Company
Ju-Ka-Lin Gustafson Endowment Fund
Linda Gustafson & Roxy Port
Hirt Family Endowment Fund for Advanced Trip Program
Geoffrey & Linda Hirt
David E. & Judy Jerde Endowment Fund
Erik & Elizabeth Jerde
Herbert O. Johnson Family Endowment Fund
in memory of Allen K. Johnson
Erma Comstock
Penelope Ellsworth
Frances Homans & Allan Torstenson
Karen & Robert Hoyle
Alissa Johnson
Dennis & Alice Johnson
Robert & Susan Mantell
Judith Miller
Laura & Scott Miller
Donna Nelson & William Allen
Jan Nicodemus
Mary Louise Nicodemus
Janice & Mike Weum
Carol Wolff & Jeffrey Isaacson
Sally & Berhane Worku
Ann J. Wynia
Amy Yunis in honor of Alissa Johnson
Judith Miller in honor of Jan Nicodemus
Judith Miller
Kim Koch Memorial Endowment Fund in memory of Kathy Ball
Elizabeth Furman
Lynne Meyer & Mary Walser
Bruce Koci Memorial Wood Canvas Canoe Endowment Fund
Robert & Ruth Baker
Ann I. Guhman
Rodger & Katherine Lundberg Endowment Fund, which benefits YMCA Camps du Nord & Widjiwagan
Susan Lundberg Johnson & Michael Johnson
Armin & Virginia Luehrs Campership Endowment
Armand & Beverly Ball
Windy & Marie Linder
Christopher T. Lyford Memorial Endowment Fund
Kathryn Lyford
William & Katherine Mackenzie Endowment Fund In Honor of their Grandchildren
Thomas & Judith Mackenzie
Dave & Sherla Mayer Family Endowment Fund
Dave & Sherla Mayer
McNeely Endowment Fund
Greg McNeely
Lynne Meyer Family Endowment Fund
Walser Family Foundation of the Saint Paul Foundation in memory of Marjory Meyer
Nancy & Richard Dana
Tom Hiendlmayr & Jan Ormasa
Lynne Meyer & Mary Walser
Harry & Shirley Nye Endowment Fund
Penny Maines & Knute Johnson
Robert Olander Ecology Endowment Fund
Olander Family Fund of the Orange County Community Foundation
Ormasa-Hiendlmayr Endowment Fund for Advanced Trips
Jan Ormasa & Tom Hiendlmayr
KC Racciatti Family Endowment Fund in honor of Tom Racciatti
Bank of America Charitable Foundation
Sara & Kris Johnson
Mark & Alecia Stenseth
Linda & Dominic Ramacier Endowment Fund
Linda & Dominic Ramacier in memory of
Kathryn L. Ball
Nicholas A. Blees
Donna R. Galles
William P. Cunningham
Alyssa E. Jaehne
Martin N. Kellogg
Armin F. Luehrs
Marjory Meyer
William B. Randall Endowment Fund for Environmental Education Programs in memory of Victoria B. Cross
Barbara & Joe Halligan
John Rarig Boulware Memorial Endowment Fund
Margaret A. Rarig
Rick Family Endowment Fund in memory of Robert A. Rick
Joanne Oyen in memory of Armin Luehrs
Jeff & Rocky Rick in memory of Steven C. Tyler
Jeff & Rocky Rick
Jay F. Rochlin Memorial Endowment Fund
Bethanne Kronick
Gwyneth Rochlin
Rob Runyon Endowment Fund
Sharon & Donald Fleming
Donna Runyon
Lois Runyon Kadlec
Nora & Joe Seliga Wood Canoe Endowment Fund
The Bell Bern Family
Deborah Johnson
Geoff O. Seltzer Memorial Endowment Fund
Matthew Seltzer & Caroline Schultz
Jim & Marianne Ude for Advanced Trip Endowment Fund in memory of Kathryn L. Ball in memory of Robin A. Ball
Jim & Marianne Ude in honor of Jim Ude
David I. Wright & Deborah L. Smith-Wright
Western-Leaf Family Endowment Fund in memory of Richard Western
Edward & Kathryn Ambrozich
Gary & Kelli Ashe
Dolores & Gary Benjamin
Carolyn & Thomas Davies
James Davis & Vanessa Tanaka
Friends of Richard Western
Lorna & Bruce Gustafson
Paul & Merdys Ingvoldstad
Linda Lammers
Mary K. Lammers
Paul Carroll & Melanie Leite-Carroll
Carrie & Joseph Meeuwsen
National Fluid Power Association
Bette Peltola
Io & Mark Schug
Ruthana Stock
The Book Club
Robert Townsend
Jean & W.M. Volna
Wanda & Donald Wentworth
Linda Western
Sarah Western & Henry Sullivan
Ellen & Thomas Wilmeth
Nancy Wilson
Henry Zietlow Memorial Endowment Fund in memory of Henry Zietlow
Mark Absey
Ann Anaya
Marilee & David Anderson
Tracy Arnold
Glenn Baron
Mark Bartlett & Ann Palmer Bartlett
William Bluhm
Renee Campion & David Walsh
Chris & Quinn Cheney
Lynn Christensen Randazzo
Paul & Susan Clabo
Sue & Steve Clewis
Tim & Kelli Commers
Martha & Richard Corfman
Jeffrey & Melinda Cotton
Brian Covell
Bonita B. Davis
2019 Endowment Donors, continued
Daniel Covell
Leah Dale & Josh Peterson
Susan Helms Daley
Bonnie & Jim D’Aquila
EDP Foundation
Clarence & Molly Falk
Janey & Dan Farber
Marilyn & Greg Franzen
Angie & Russell Freeman
Rosemary & Art Froehle
Katie & Mark Frohardt
James & Cindy Gardner
Gerald & Patrice Halbach
Susanna & Michael Gibbons
Henry & Charlotte Gjersdal
Susie & Hal Goldstein
GIFTS IN KIND
Molly Goodyear
Anise Grajeda
Stephen Harrington
Daniel Hedlund & Robin Hedlund
Meike & Robert Hengelfelt
Christine & Randy Hills
Eileen Hunter
Mary E.S. Indritz
Sarah Johnson
Jonathan M.& Margaret C.H. Kelly
Cynthia & Thomas Klecatsky
Julie Kunkel & Thomas Hall
Laura & Tony LaCroix-Dalluhn
Cheryl & John Lalonde
Chris Landgrebe
Anne Larsen Hooley & Mark Hooley
Marit Larson & Adam Sobel
Elyse & Ron Levine Less
Sally Loomis
Jo Lucas
Macalester Master Swimmers
Toby McAdams & Wendy Crowell
Andrew Mellin Family
Joy E. Miller
Minneapolis Rowing Club
Lois Morrison
Bill Mott
Susan Munson-Regala
Mason C. & Gwen S. Myers
Wendy & Daniel Nathan
Erika & Tim Nelson
North Star Chapter of the Sierra Club
Kristi Okane
Katherine & Michael Ostrem
John Patterson & Julie Sonier
Tom & Sally Patterson
Tom Burket – Donation of time and expertise as “project manager” for Year In Review
Cindy and Jamie Gardner – Support of major upgrade of maps on the Widjiwagan Map Board, new furniture for the Staff Lounge and cabins and improvements to the aesthetics of Trail Building.
Michael Gibson and family – Donation of two Polaris snowmobiles
Joey Hann – Donation of PakBoat
Arlene West – Donation of time and expertise with Year In Review design
STAFF TRAINING VOLUNTEERS
Mark Bixby, Kris Henker, Monk Kareken, Amery Robinson, Shor Salkas, Kurt Simer
GARAGE SALE VOLUNTEERS
Numerous and dedicated volunteers drove the garage sale to success once again last year. Sale proceeds benefit Camps Widjiwagan and du Nord Garage Sale Endowment Fund to support scholarships.
NON-BOARD COMMITTEE MEMBERS & VOLUNTEERS
Bruce Casselton, Nora Donnelly, Megan Glavin, Anna Grace Hottinger, Lynne Meyer, Dave Mink, Kim Otte, Linda Ramacier, Erin Walsh, Laura Wellington, Noa Winikoff
2019 HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Gail Hansen
Martha Hickner
Karen Loewenson
Erin Omann
Jeff Peters
Susan Schloff
Julie Schultz
Sandy and Bruce Scott
Sharon Sivertsen-Modrijan
Tom Stoa
Tom Patterson
Jennifer Pitt
Matt & Kristen Poppleton
Bart Richardson
Larry & Edis Risser
Daniel Simkowitz & Mari Nakachi
Beth & Ken Snyder
Christina & Rob Spence
Sara St. Antoine
Peg Stice
Bob Striker
Sylvia Strobel
Gary Tabor
Nancy & Tony Tauber
Jim & June Vanvalkenburg
Theresa & Stan Walker
Doug Welch
Tim Welsh
Jennifer & Jerry Will
Charlotte Zietlow
Nathan Zietlow & Sarah Risser
YMCA Camps Widjiwagan & du Nord Garage Sale Endowment Fund
2019 Garage Sale Proceeds
YMCA Camp Widjiwagan General Endowment Fund in memory of Kathy Ball
Gloria & Ronald Busch
Blake & Sandy Davis
Doug & Keitha Herron
Karen Maloney
Barbara Wenschlag
Mary Williams
Geoffrey Brewster in memory of Gregory Bruns
Jonathan Bruns in memory of Martin N. Kellogg
Tim & Kelli Commers
Deanna Sande in memory of Mick Lundy
Larry Lundy in memory of Stella E. Strathy
Charlotte Carlsen in memory of Homer B. Thomas
Steven M. Thomas
2019
Mountaineer & Voyageur Trips:
Boys Mountaineer — Gates of the Arctic, led by Nick Gardner
Girls Mountaineer — Gates of the Arctic, led by Allie Horick
Boys Voyageur — Coppermine River, led by Brent Saxton
Boys Voyageur — Kazan River, led by Shawn Cope
Girls Voyageur — Elk and Thelon Rivers, led by Margaret Cahill
Girls Voyageur — Kazan River, led by Caroline Herman
Girls Voyageur — Coppermine River, led by Claire O’Brien
Girls Voyageur — Elk and Thelon Rivers, led by Sela Patterson
2019 Annual Fund Donors
2019 Explorer Leaders
Diana & Mark Abbott
Grant Abbott & Elaine Tarone
Lily Ahrens
Henry Alexander
Deborah Allan & Lawrence Wackett
Andrews Allen III
Richard Allyn
Anastasi Jellum, PA
Elizabeth & Robert Andersen
Carly Anderson
David & Virginia Anderson
Owen Anderson
Annie’s Charitable Fund
Anonymous (5)
Sally Anson
Sally & Peter Anson
Thomas Arneson
Paul Aslanian
Margaret Backstrom
Pamela & Richard Backstrom
David & Abbie Bahnemann
James E. Bailey
Matthew Bailey & Kristin Gendron
Walter & Virginia Bailey
Baker Boy
Armand & Beverly Ball
Linnea Barron
Lauren Barry
Stephen & Jill Barry
Rebecca & John Bartlett
Eric Bendickson & Teresa Mastrangelo
Olivia K. Benson
Annelie & Shawn Bergerson
Sheldon Berkowitz & Carolyn Levy
Brent Berwin
Kevin Bevis & Arlene West
Chris Bewell
Carrie & Joseph Bird
Michael Blandford
Janet Bliss & James Hands
Nathan Blumenshine
Thomas & Teresa Boatman
Deborah Boehm
Paul H. Boening
Patrick & Colleen Bollom
David Booth & Ann Tobin
Jay Boren
Laurel Bradley
Gerald & Karen Bren
Geoffrey Brewster
Kathleen Briguet
Nancy Brittain
Thomas & Victoria Broadie
William & Julie Brown
Donald L. Bruestle
David & Lisa Bruns
Emily Buckner
Christine G. Buetow
Jennifer Bunce
Allison Burke
Thomas Burket & Kimberly Otte
The Mans Burnett Family
Benjamin Bursell
Susan & Craig Bursell
Kay & Nicholas Cahill
Mary & Mark Cahill
Howard & Christine Cammack
Bonnie Carlson-Green & Martin Green
Bruce Casselton & Linda Wainio
Roger A. Cedarblade
Donald & Anjali Chen
Katherine Chinn
Larry & Pat Clemens
Gregory & Pam Clements
Douglas & Kathleen Clock
Chris Cochran
The Wallace/Cochran Family
James Collinge
Megan Collins
Hilarie & Caitlin Conboy
Philip Connor & Mary Jo Erickson-Connor
Alexander Cook
Lucy Cosgrove & Joseph Larsen
Paul & Rachel Craighead
Michael & Pamela Crane
Dana K. Crawford
Karen & Alan Crossley
Samuel Crossley
Mary Cunningham
Andrew Currie
Leigh & Peter Currie
Grace Ann & John Curry
Marilynn Curtis
Conor F. Cusack
Ella Daniels
Jane Davis Bennett
Blake & Toni Davis
James Davnie & Cara Letofsky
Judith & Bruce Derauf
Steven Diede & Anne Zerby
Andrea Diehl
Daniel Dobler & Julie Brown Dobler
Brooks Donald & Karen Mackenzie
Kris Donnelly
Dave & Pat Drew
Charles Driscoll
Melissa Driscoll & Jay Hambidge
John & Jodie Duntley
Sally Durgerian & Allan Schwabacher
Beth Rice Dutcher & Dave Dutcher
Brian Edstrom
Barbara & Thomas Elliott
Carolyn & Sara Ellstra
Nancy & Rolf Engh
Steve Euller & Nancy Roehr
Sarah Evert & Gary Baker
Kristi Fackel & Thomas Halverson
Virginia & Jim Fajt
John & Linda Farwell
Marjorie Fedyszyn & John Rock
Libby & Andy & Andrew Fena
Nancy Fesler
Meghan & Matthew Fiala
Louis Fink & Pamela Grich
John & Betsy Flaten
Earl & Constance Fleck
Elizabeth Flinn
Kathleen Floberg
Patricia Fontaine
Jacqueline Forbes
Jean Fox
Thomas M. France
Marilyn & Gregory Franzen
James & Carol Fruehling
Deborah Fulton
David & Leslie Gardner
James & Joan Gardner
Jamie & Cindy Gardner
Molly Gardner
Paula & Stace Garrett
Mark & Norah Garrison
Judith Gavin
Robert & Sue Gehrz
Thomas & Judith Gehrz
Cathy Geist
GEN Financial Management, Inc.
Jean Gendron
Patrick & Martha Gerkey
Barbara Gipple
Sam Glenn
Timothy & Julie Godfrey
David Goldes & Sheryl Mousley
Katherine G. Goodrich
Kate Greenberg
Timothy Griswold
Leah Gruhn & Jere’ Mohr
George Guthrie & Suzanne Stamatov
Helen Haddad
Katherine Hale
Jay Hambidge & Melissa Driscoll
Ora Hammel
Elizabeth Hand
Haney/Moore Family
Jacob & Mary Pat Hansen
Richard Hansen
Jane & Norm Hanson
Jen Hanson
Anne & James Hartnett
Patricia Hauser
Mark Hawkinson & Carol Anderson
Geoffrey & Shawn Haynes
Colleen Healy
Jerome & Joan Helfand
Meike & Robert Hengelfelt
Richard & Trudy Henke
Lisa Henner
Reuben F. Henriques
Nils Heymann
Martha Hickner & John Floberg
Leah Hiendlmayr
Elizabeth & Steven Hill
Ann Hobbie & Jeff Benjamin
Russell & Cynthia Hobbie
Sarah Hobbie & Jacques Finlay
Philip Holleran
William & Mary Hollinshead
Mark Holloway & Briley Brown Holloway
Jan & Katherine Horak
Allison Horick
James & Nancy Horn
Gladys L. Howell
Sandra & Steven Hunt
John & Ruth Huss
James & Deborah Ingebretsen
Sarah Jackson
Francis & Sally Jo Jefferson
David & Judy Jerde
Mark & Sarah Jerde
Dwight & Patrice Jewson
Charlotte & Ward Johnson
Eric Johnson
Gary Johnson
Nancy Johnson
Sara & Kris Johnson
Lawrence & Carol Jones
Louise & Richard Jones
David & Joy Kareken
Esther Kellogg
Joseph & Joanne Kellogg
Kathrine Kelsey
Dawn & Jim Kerwin
Patrick Kerwin
Stephen & Jane Kilgriff
Bruce Killips
David Kilpatrick & Julie Schultz
Philip & Ginna Kilpatrick
John Kimberly
Stephanie & Scott King
Eleanor Kinkead & Marty Babcock
Doug Kleemeier
Les & Janice Klos
Knox Foundation
Theodora J. Koeppen
Timothy Kohls
Marian E. Kramer
Barclay Kruse
Jan & Robb Lageson
Jeffrey & Gretchen Lang
Mary & Steven Langlie
Caroline Lauth
Katherine I. Lauth
James Lee & Jean Miller
Ernest & Sarah Lehmann
Joy & Robert Leibman
Eric & Laurel Lein
Daniel Liljedahl
LaVonne & James Liljedahl
Karen Lindig & Gary Bond
Margaret Little
Alice Loewenson
Peter & Karen Loewenson
Gary Lowenberg
Jo Lum
Lawrence Lundy
Jean MacConnachie & John Kearns
Bruce Mackay
Hilary & Fritz Magnuson
Stephen & Katherine Mahle
Thomas & Katie Mahlum
Sara Mairs & Daniel Steinhacker
Richard Malecek
Daniel Mammel
Mark & Nancy Mammel
Adam Mans & Elizabeth Burnett
Krista & Jeff Margolis
Sherla & David Mayer
Sean McCauley & Joselyn Raymundo
Elspeth & F. William McClelland
Daniel McConville
Nicole & Michael McCullough
Melanie McCully
Kate & Jordan McGowan
Charlotte McKlveen
Margot McKlveen
Robert McKlveen & Ellen Jones
Ted McKlveen
Kevin P. McNellis
Mary S. McNellis
Hilary Mead
Hugh & Mary Meier
Miller Family
Elizabeth & John Miller
Judith Miller
George & Rita Mills
John & Judy Miner
Ranlet & Beth Miner
Bjorn & Margot Monson
Betsy & Jim Moore
Jonathan & Martha Morgan
James & Nancy Mulvey
Chris & Shannon Murray
Lynda & Phil Murray
Peter A. Murray
Emily Myhre
Barb & Steve Naramore
Kathryn & Joseph Nasvik
Sallie Neall
C. Roger & LaVonne Nelson
Thomas Neufeld & Suzanne Permuth
Nicholson Family
Mark & Janell Niemann-Ross
Claire O’Brien
Francine & Timothy O’Brien
Catherine O’Dell
Gary & Lynn Olson
Leigh Onkka
Original Bug Shirt Company
Jan Ormasa & Tom Hiendlmayr
Douglas & Phyllis Ostergren
Arthur Page & Anne Bergman
Thomas Paper & Eleanor Bigelow
John Patterson & Julie Sonier
Ned Patterson & Susan Schloff
Sela E. Patterson
Thomas & Sally Patterson
Bryan & Elizabeth Pershing
Karl Peters
2019 Annual Fund Donors,
Carolyn & Rolf Peterson
Patricia Peterson
Stuart & Corrine Peterson
Jay Pfaender
Philip & Katherine Nason Fund of the
Saint Paul Foundation, directed by
Polly & Robert McCrea
Anne Pick
Karen Pick & John Pierce
Carolyn & Peter Pierce
Katherine L. Pierce
Katherine & Todd Piltingsrud
Roberta Pisa
Susan Pollock & Carla Bates
Alexandra Pope
Matthew & Kristen Poppleton
Sharon & Terry Poppleton
Robert & Karen Porter
Billie Pritzker
Samuel Pritzker
Laura Puckett
Mary Jo K. Quehl
R.C. Lilly Foundation
Nancy & Roger Ralston
Linda & Dominic Ramacier
David & Carol Rankin
Emily Ranta & Zachary Via
Melissa Raphan & Tom Rock
Alexander & Cynthia Read
Catherine Reeves & Steven Utne
Peggy Reichert & Carl Ohrn
Jane & John Reusch
Stephen & Marietta Rice
Jeff & Roxanne Rick
Jessica Rick & Jesse Alston
John & Arlis Riedel
Gale & Derek Robb
Sandra Roe
Susan Roe
Donna J. Roost
Charles G. Rossmann
Ramsey G. Rossmann
Katherine & Chuck Rothstein
Scott & Teresa Roussin
Virginia Ruddy
Ronald & Carolyn Rude
Paul Rusterholz & Barbara Lomas Rusterholz
Steve Ruther
Jennifer Sahlin
Shor Salkas
Martha Sample
Richard Samuelson
John Saxhaug & Lynn Rabinovitch
Teresa & Stephen Saxton
Hugh K. Schilling Sr.
Jeffrey Schmidt
Eliza Scholl
John Schomaker
Cedric & Janet Schrankler
Mark & Lisa Schroeder
Maureen & John Schulz
Penelope Scialla
Richard & Sandra Scott
John & Sheilah Seaberg
Gordon & Jeanne Shepard of the Saint Paul Foundation
