Welcome to the YMCA Camp Alumni Program!

It’s an absolute pleasure to introduce myself to the dedicated community of YMCA Camp Alumni. My name is Lauren Mathany, and since September 2024, I have had the privilege of serving as Senior Vice President, Health Equity, Child Care, and Camps at YMCA BC. Joining this organization and contributing to meaningful change in our communities has already been an incredibly rewarding journey.

As a young girl, many of my childhood vacations were spent camping with my family in Ontario, which helped me gain an appreciation for nature and the outdoors—a feeling we all share. I have loved hearing the stories our alumni have shared about the impact of attending a YMCA Overnight Camp in their formative years. What really stands out is how it’s the people who have made Camp Elphinstone—and Camps Deka and Howdy in years past—such a special place for more than a century. It is you, the alumni, who have helped our cherished camp traditions endure and made it "The Place of a Million Memories."

This summer, my twin daughters will be heading to Camp Elphinstone for their first McNabb Camp session. I am excited for them to enjoy the same magical camp experience that each one of you remembers from your youth, to build confidence and independence, and to be part of the long history of YMCA Camps in British Columbia.

Together with our dedicated alumni, I look forward to continuing the legacy of fostering leadership, inclusion, and unforgettable experiences for young people. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—I would love to hear your stories, insights, and ideas about Camp Elphinstone and explore ways we can collaborate to keep its spirit alive for generations to come.

— Lauren Mathany
YMCA BC SVP Health Equity, Child Care and Camps
Remembering David Wallbridge

Starting as a camper in the 1960s and keeping a close connection to camp for many decades, David Wallbridge was a colourful character known to generations of Camp Elphinstone alumni. Whether he was emceeing camp challenges, helping to keep camp in good running order or tackling projects to enhance the Elphinstone experience, David's contributions continue to be enjoyed by campers and staff to this day. David passed away in 2024—we invite you to click below to read more about his dedication to our YMCA camps during his lifetime.


Wedding of alums makes for Camp Elphinstone reunion



As many of our alumni know, the time spent at summer camp can lead to lasting friendships and lifelong bonds. A wedding of YMCA Camp Elphinstone alums that took place last year was a perfect example of how some of those connections made at camp can endure.

Originally meeting at Camp Elphinstone as part of the staff team more than a decade earlier, Naomi Niemiec and Jacob Addison were married in 2024. Adding to their special day was the presence of friends from the Elphinstone staff community who were able to be on hand for Naomi and Jacob’s nuptials. The photo above features the bride, groom and 16 Elphinstone alumni guests, including some who flew from Australia and New Zealand to attend. Among those guests were Megan Roughley and Dave Mullins, who similarly met at camp in 2013 and were married in 2021. Also pictured are Steve Ryan, Nick Hetherington, Tessa Henderson, Callum Armour, Keegan Jensen, Dominic Harrison, Donald Miller, Meteo Cariglino, Sam Bird, Anna Cotterrell and Josh Zubeck. Our congratulations to Naomi and Jacob on their marriage, and to this entire group of Camp Elphinstone alums for maintaining their friendship connection over many years!

Do you have a story to share about how you’ve kept in touch with your fellow campers or co-workers over the years? We’d love for you to share it with us! Please reach out by email at campalumni@bc.ymca.ca.

YMCA Camp Alumni Picnic & BBQ
Sunday, July 20 — Ceperley Park Picnic Area (at Second Beach in Stanley Park)

This time of year typically brings warm and dry weather—perfect for a picnic by the water! Alumni are invited to bring their families, lawn chairs, swimsuits and non-alcoholic drinks. The YMCA will set up a shared BBQ station with plates, utensils, condiments and everything you need to enjoy a meal outdoors. Let us know if you'd like to join us by clicking below!


Alumni Day at Camp
Saturday, Aug. 9 — YMCA Camp Elphinstone

All YMCA Camp Alumni are invited to come explore, revisit places from summers past and see what's new at YMCA Camp Elphinstone! No campers will be on site this day, so our alums will be welcome to enjoy lunch prepared by our Food Services team, meet with camp leadership and hear about future plans for Camp Elphinstone. Past campers and staff from YMCA Camps Deka, Howdy and Kanannaq are welcome to join us, too! Click below to RSVP.

Alumni Day at Camp Registration
Leadership Development Program inspiring teen campers

The Leadership Development Program (formerly known as Leader-in-Training program) is offered to campers who are 15 to 17 years old, interested in developing their leadership skills, and potentially joining the staff team at Camp Elphinstone. The program has evolved into a two-year development experience. In the first year of the program, participants learn the fundamentals of leading camp programs in a two-week session at camp. In the second year, participants stay for three weeks and focus on facilitation, management of group dynamics, and leadership skills centred on Camp Elphinstone’s “How We Treat Each Other” pledge:

Honesty | Responsibility | Respect | Caring | Inclusivity

The experience of living together and cooperating in an overnight camp environment creates strong bonds of friendship. The challenges of taking on new responsibilities, making decisions and being accountable to a group of peers are excellent for increasing self-confidence and supporting a healthy transition from adolescence into early adulthood.

Many of our volunteers and staff are Leadership Development graduates, and thanks to the support of YMCA Camp Alumni and the generosity of donors, this program has been inspiring the next generation for more than 100 years. Learn more about Leadership Development and other Camp Elphinstone programs by visiting YMCA BC's Overnight Camp page.
Support the Alumni Swim Challenge



Alan Woodland, our Manager of Camp Alumni Development, has volunteered to swim from New Brighton on Gambier Island across the Thornbrough Channel to Camp Elphinstone on Aug. 9! Alan will be reviving this old Elphinstone tradition during Alumni Day at YMCA Camp Elphinstone. His 2.0-km swim is meant to raise awareness of the lasting impact that camp programs have on participants and the importance of sustaining these experiences for the next generation of campers.

At the Y, we believe swimming is an essential life skill for every child and teen. We've been national leaders in swim lessons for more than 100 years, with our qualified instructors helping kids build confidence and develop skills in the water to last a lifetime. That's why waterfront activities and safety are so vital to our Camp Elphinstone programs.

To make a donation in support of the Alumni Swim Challenge, please click the link below and select “Support the Alumni Swim Challenge” from the drop-down menu on the right. Donations will help provide financial assistance to access YMCA Camp Elphinstone programs for families whose campers would otherwise be unable to attend.

Make a Donation