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DEWITTVILLE -- YMCA Camp Onyahsa served the community through the summer and early autumn with expanded day camps, overnight family weekend programs, outdoor adult fitness and small-group rentals.
Nonetheless, the inability to offer full overnight youth camping, resident fall and winter outings, and large rentals has impacted the 122-year-old program's annual finances. To close the gap, director Jon O'Brian will fundraise through a Polar Bear Plunge at noon on New Year's Eve.
"We fulfilled our mission by giving kids a sense of normalcy, quality childcare for families, and service to the community; but as with most small organizations, 2020 has been a rough," O'Brian said. "Our motto is 'rough and ready,' and like everyone else, I am 'ready' to conclude the year."
He states that jumping into the cold water, under the supervision of a trained lifeguard, is a fitting way to do so. The Onyahsa Polar Bear Club's early morning dip in the lake is a summer tradition, but now the Director hopes he does not have to break ice to do a quick entry and faster winter exit.
Camp Onyahsa will livestream the event on its Facebook page, and is accepting donations through its Gofundme profile or via its website, www.onyahsa.org.
"We are going to take our 2020 success and apply it toward responsible and expanded youth day and overnight programs in Summer 2021. This event will help us to start our 123rd year strong," said the Director. More information on the Camp's Winter through Spring family cabin rentals, or its planned array of summer offerings is available at the Camp's website.