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CEO Corner - Fall 2011 "Reflections of Summer" Most kids will tell you, summer ends too quickly. I have to agree. As I reflect back on this summer and summers past, I am awed at the powerful and positive impact camp has on our campers. Instead of being connected to the internet, they are connecting to each other. Instead of being who everyone wants them to be, they discover who they are. Even on some of the hottest and rainiest days, pure joy is apparent on the faces of our campers. Whether they are performing in the talent show, noodle joisting or just hanging out on the porch at Alford lodge, Phantom Lake YMCA campers are having a great time. Here are some of the highlights from the summer of 2011: Clean safety record – Thanks to our nursing staff we again had a clean safety record and were free of major incidents. This was significant in light of the extreme heat and high attendance this year. A special thanks to Sherry Will who coordinated all of our volunteer nursing staff. The Carman Welcome Center welcomes campers – The most noticeable change to Phantom Lake YMCA camp this year was the construction of the Carman Welcome Center. Phase 1 was completed in time for campers to begin using the new shower house facility. Fundraising is underway for the completion of the upper level that will provide a much needed indoor facility for our camp program. Sound financial health – For five straight years the financial statements for camp have been positive. National surveys tell us that the recession has hit camps hard. Too many camps shut their doors for good in these tough financial times. Our board understands that our financial health is key to the long term success and viability of camp. We are committed to being good stewards of the gifts entrusted to us. Counselors that are the best in the business – The reason kids at Phantom have such life changing experiences is because we have the best staff in the business. New buildings are nice, but the success of any camp comes down to quality staff. With so many former campers wanting to serve camp as counselors, we are able to hire the very best staff and invest in their training. This is the real reason why over 75% of our campers keep coming back year after year compared to a national average of 54%. “My daughter absolutely loves Phantom. She wears her Phantom gear at least once a week to school. I smile when I hear her singing Phantom songs. Thank you Phantom!” - Parent One of my favorite quotes hangs in the Dining Hall:“Sometimes the best way to figure out who you are is to get to a place where you don’t have to be anything else.” There is something special that happens at Phantom – you don’t have to worry about people accepting you for who you are – they just do. This is a place where backgrounds don’t matter, true friendships flourish and kids get to discover their genuine self. A desire to see these experiences available to future generations is what motivates the volunteers, staff and board members of Phantom. Those that really understand how truly special this place is choose to “pay it forward” and give back with their time and money. We have had a lot of exciting building projects and tremendous enrollments over the last few years, but the most important measure of achievement is the experience of the campers. As I look back at the successes of this summer and the plans for the future, it is this positive experience of the campers that will continue to drive us forward. Jeff Spang, CEO
CEO Corner - Winter/Spring 2011 "Dreams Become Reality" January marked my four year anniversary with the Phantom Lake YMCA family. Long before I had the honor of serving Phantom Lake YMCA Camp, others held a dream of building a new facility at camp. That dream is becoming a reality. Jeff Spang, CEO
CEO Corner - Winter 2010 "A Season to be Thankful" As we enter the holiday season I find myself humbled by the generosity of the Phantom family. Many Alumni have shared their stories with me of their time at camp and the lifelong impact it has made.
CEO Corner - Fall 2010 "The State of PLYC" Summer camp 2010 is officially over. As I reflect over the summer and the months of preparation that went into this camping season, I have been accessing the success of our summer. In reviewing the performance of any camp there are several factors to consider: Safety - Success begins and ends with safety. Once again we had a clean safety record free of major incidents. The staff in the health lodge reported that mosquito bites were our biggest medical issue this summer. Thanks and gratitude to our nursing staff that addressed any medical concerns that arose, day and night. Camper Satisfaction - If this was measured by children’s smiles, then we had a lot of happy campers! The survey results completed by the parents also tell us that the kids enjoyed their time at camp. The kids also told us that they were very happy with the food this year. That is great to hear as we continue to provide a menu with a variety of healthy choices. Enrollment - The performance measures that we track continue to improve. We saw a 5% increase in the overall number of campers. This year we also saw a significant increase in the number of kids attending camp thanks to the strong kids campaign. This is due to the generous donations of our alumni and the community who make it possible for children that would otherwise not have this experience to attend camp. Extending the use of camp - This year a special camp was setup in partnership with Easter seals so that children with special needs could enjoy camp. Camp was also host to our largest Alumni reunion. Over 200 former staff and campers joined us for the All-Era Reunion. The summer ended with Family Camp. This unique camp continues to grow in popularity. This year every tent was booked! It was great to reconnect with old friends, and to welcome so many more into the Phantom family. Staff and Campers growth in the Square - Our mission at Phantom is to help children to grow in wisdom, stature and favor with God and man. Kids this summer had an opportunity to put this into practice when a tornado hit a neighboring community. I am so proud of the campers and staff who organized a penny war, a cloths drive and opened the arms of the Phantom family to embrace some of the children from this community in their time of need. Financial stability - We are in our forth consecutive year with ending financials “in the black”. This financially stability has given us many choices. We are able to not only preserve the proud traditions of the past but also to make the investments necessary for future generations. In 2010 the following improvements were made to camp:
So has 2010 been a success? By all measures – Yes! I would like to thank the staff and volunteers at Phantom who have made this a wonderful summer. With all the positive things that are happening at camp, it is easy to forget what difficult financial times we are in. Thank you to all of our donors who continue to make camp a recipient of their charitable gifts. Finally thank you to the parents who trust us with their children each summer and the campers who make coming to Phantom a key part of their summer vacation. We look forward to seeing them at camp again soon. Jeff Spang, CEO
CEO Corner - Summer 2010 Jeff Spang, CEO
CEO Corner - Spring 2010 I’m looking out over the lake. It is frozen and covered with snow. Instead of campers in boats there are a few lonely ice fisherman. It is hard to imagine that in less than 100 days the campers will return! Jeff Spang, CEO
CEO Corner - Fall 2009 Dear Phantom Family: With the completion of family camp summer 2009, Phantom’s 114th year, is officially over. It was a year that saw many challenges and changes here at Phantom. Thanks to a great team and the support of many alumni, volunteers and staff members it has been a memorable and magical year. I came across the following Bible verse from 1 Timothy 6:18-19 (The Message) This verse really sums up what happened at camp this year. We were blessed with many generous gifts that helped us significantly improve camp and touch the lives of many children. In these tough economic times, many companies are finding it difficult to invest in capital improvements. Thanks to the improved financial health of camp, we were able to reinvest the majority of the money donated back into camp. Camp saw the following improvements to the property in 2009:
The number of first time donors to camp is on the rise. Parents who have seen what a remarkable experience their children had at camp have donated. Alumni, recalling the difference and life long impact camp has made on their lives have decided to give generously. Businesses wanting to make an impact in the community they serve have donated products and services. To the many that gave so generously this year, thank you for helping to preserve this special place for the future. For those considering a donation, we would welcome your financial support to ensure that this treasured place can be experienced for many generations to come. This summer Phantom hosted a wedding, a graduation party and several company picnics/outings. Camp is beautiful all year long. Please consider it for your next corporate or family event. Thanks to the creativity, generosity, and commitment of our staff, donors and volunteers, camp continues to be a place where children of all ages can experience this magical place. If you are interested in making a difference at camp, there are many ways that you can become involved. Please contact Jeff Spang at jeff@phantomlakeymca.org if you are interested in making a donation, or serving on one of our committees. We are always interested in growing the Phantom family. In closing, I hope all who participated in camp this summer feel touched by the Phantom spirit and have grown in wisdom, stature and favor with God and man. God Bless, Jeff Spang, CEO
CEO Corner - Summer 2009 The Kids Are Back in Town! June 14th marks the beginning of summer camp 2009 - and the 114th year for Phantom Lake YMCA Camp. For me the return of the kids is like a change of seasons. A far more beautiful sight then the leaves changing colors in the fall, or that very first snowfall of winter. Camp is once again full of laughter, smiles and the abounding energy of our many campers. The safety of our campers is always our primary concern. No matter how difficult the economic times may be, we are committed at Phantom to providing a safe environment for the children to grow in mind, body and spirit. To that end the following improvements have been since last summer: God Bless, Jeff Spang, CEO
CEO Corner - Spring 2009 Spring is such an exciting time at camp. It is amazing to watch as nature renews itself. Within a few short weeks, the trees will be green again, the flowers blooming and the lake once again a beautiful blue. If only the man made structures would awaken from winter freshly painted and updated. This spring, that is exactly what is happening due to the generous donations made by alumni to specific building projects.
If there is a part of camp, that holds special memories for you, I would encourage you to contact me directly at 262-363-4386 or jeff@phantomlakeymca.org We are in need of alumni, families, and organizations to “adopt” special areas around camp, including tents, sailboats, trails etc. If you donate money to a specific project – that is where the money will go and we are making an extra effort to see to it that those projects are completed in a timely manner. Please bring your family out to camp on April 4th for Breakfast with the Easter bunny and our annual Easter egg hunt. I’d also like to invite you join us for Fred Lee Day on April 25th. This is a great chance to give camp its spring face lift, to meet the amazing summer staff, check out the renovations and connect with old friends. I hope you will find a way to join us as the board, alumni and staff work to update, restore and improve our facilities at Phantom. It is only through our combined efforts that we can preserve this special place and ensure that it is here for future generations to enjoy. God Bless, Jeff Spang, CEO |
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CEO Corner - January 2009 Camp is a very different place this time of year. The sights and sounds of busy children are only an echo. The paths and trails that wind through the beautiful Kettle Moraine forest are covered with snow. Camp is resting now, but those that have the privilege of working here are not. Plans are shaping up for an exciting 2009. Enrollments are up over last year, giving us hope for another year of record setting enrollment and profitability. Despite a downturn in the economy, the experiences and opportunities that camp affords today’s young people, is not something parents are willing to forgo. One of the most heartwarming parts of my job is hearing from past campers. I continue to hear from campers from last summer who share with me what an impact this camp has made on them. I also hear from campers from fifty years ago, who still remember camp as a place where they strengthened their Christian values, learned to forgive and became more accepting of themselves and others. This year Phantom Lake YMCA camp celebrates is 113th year of operation. My goal is to ensure that this magical place is here for another centennial. To do this, we must constantly adapt to the changing needs of today’s youth, recruit and retain passionate counselors and adopt the best business practices that will allow camp to survive in the ever changing economic conditions. Alumni input and support is crucial to our continued success. We welcome your ideas, and encourage you to become part of the committees and volunteer efforts that are needed to generate and implement new ideas. I find so much relevance in our mission verse Luke 2:52. Even as adults we all need to continue to grow in wisdom and favor with God and man. As we make changes and try new things it is my hope that the Alumni that were so pivotal to the past success of camp, will continue to support us and work side by side with the staff to provide this life changing experience for future generations.Jeff Spang, CEO
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CEO Corner - Our Successful 2008 Season by Jeff Spang It is hard to believe that summer 2008 has come to an end. The last week has been spent closing up the tents, saying good-bye to old and new friends, reflecting on the successes of the past season and making plans for an even better 2009. Summer was off to a very soggy start thanks to spring flooding. I was so touched by the e-mails and calls of concern for camp during that difficult time. Thankfully, the damage was primarily limited to our road. The summer ended with a very successful family camp. Thanks to the hard work of Phantom staff and the Richardson family, family camp is rapidly earning a reputation as a great way to the end the summer with family and friends. Here are some of the year’s highlights: Our camp enrollment was up while the camping industry as a whole saw little or no growth:
53% learned of camp from their friends, 18% from the Internet Financial strength is critical to our success:
Clean Safety Record: In a year when camp safety was making headlines, I am so pleased that 2008 was another year with a clean safety record with no major incidents or OSHA citations. The following volunteer medical staff have our thanks and appreciation for looking after our campers round the clock. Community outreach gets more people involved with camp:
Volunteering: Our future success in operating camp and reaching out to influence more campers will depend largely on the number of volunteers who bring their talents to bear on the various planning committees and at camp. Volunteers are the key to our future. The one common success factor for any non-profit organization lies in the quantity and quality of its volunteers. We are currently looking for members on the following committees: Property – future construction and building maintenance You don’t have to be an expert. Any amount of time is appreciated. If you would like to share your Phantom Spirit please e-mail me directly at Jeff@PhantomLakeYMCA.org In closing, I hope all who participated in camp this summer feel as I do that they have grown in wisdom, in stature and in favor with God and man. God Bless, Jeff Spang, CEO
P. S. Here are some of the comments we received from parents that will bring a smile to your face…
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