More than $5 million raised for Camp Greenville improvements

CLEVELAND, S.C. — Representatives and capital campaign donors from The YMCA of Greenville broke ground on the first of several new facilities to be constructed on the 1200-acre Y Camp Greenville, located in Cleveland, SC. The historic groundbreaking represents the first phase of a two-phase “Heart of Camp” capital development program.

The facilities being constructed will allow an additional 3000 campers a year to experience the camp, creating lifetime friendships during their time on the mountain, according to officials.

In 1912, visionaries came to the property and found a one-of-a-kind place and dedicated it for traditional, wilderness camping for children. The “Heart of Camp” campaign involves 21st-century visionaries who believe in the preservation of the past, yet ensuring that future generations will know and experience the beautiful, pristine, mountaintop camp, through rebuilding infrastructure.

“Our family has benefited from our relationship with the Y and from time spent at Camp Greenville over many years,” said Steve Timmons, capital campaign chair. “We personally invested in Camp Greenville because it is the perfect place for youth and families to come for life-changing experiences and we want to share this great property and the YMCA's values with future generations."

This first phase of the Y Camp Greenville renovations includes the immediate construction of the water and sewer systems, a welcome center and office, the Greenville Health System Health Hut, the guest house, a nature center, a swimming area, the skeet shooting arena, and the Rotary Lodge renovation.

Additional construction includes: plaza commons; adventure cabins, a program treehouse and an activity center.

“YMCA Camp Greenville is a place where thousands of youth have enjoyed summertime fun discovering their strengths, building self-confidence and deepening their faith,” says Scot Baddley, President/CEO of YMCA of Greenville, “These new facilities and upgrades will enhance the Camp while protecting traditions and reclaiming magnificent views”.

During the construction period, Y Camp Greenville will continue to host traditional summer residential camps, family camps, and military camps, along with special needs camps, team building, and group-dynamic camps.

To date, $5.1 million has been raised towards a goal of $7 million. The two-phase capital campaign totals $14 million and is scheduled to be completed over the next several years. Donations have been from individuals, foundations, companies and corporate supporters.