Camp Tecumseh YMCA has been providing outstanding resident camp experiences for children and teens for more than 80 years. Each year the camp raises funds to provide camp scholarships for children from lowincome families and also to fund new program initiatives. Last summer the camp extended $147,000 in camp scholarships to more than 300 youngsters.

Providing that record amount of scholarships through theMaking a Difference campaign was possible only because of the financial support of members of the community that give generously to provide these experiences.

The amount of camp scholarships given this year ranked Camp Tecumseh in the upper five percent of camps responding to an American Camp Association survey.

"The development of character and faith that campers experience at Camp Tecumseh should not be limited only to those whose families that can afford the full camp fee," commented David Wright, executive director of Camp Tecumseh. "We want to see as many children as possible take part.We would like summer camp to be part of the positive development of every boy and girl."

"Feedback from campers and parents is so positive," explained Wright. "Many of these children don't receive many extras in life and a week at Camp Tecumseh creates life-long memories."

Wright recalled one Saturday at pick-up when an 11-year-old boy exclaimed to his mom, "It was the best week of my life."

Board member Lindsey Schiesser, a former camper and counselor, is the Making a Difference campaign chair. She reported that Camp Tecumseh's campaign goal for 2007 is $165,000.

"It will take a lot of support from many different people to reach that goal, but for the children who get to experience all the love and fun of camp, it is completely worth the effort!"

Camp Tecumseh YMCA is one of the premier youth camps in the country, said Wright. Its focus on the development of character and faith makes it much more than the stereotypical recreation experience. In addition to all the activities at the lake, swimming pools, horse stables, crafts center, marksmanship ranges and hiking trails, campers also love the morning worship services in the outdoor chapels and the evening cabin devotions.

One camper commented, "Camp Tecumseh will change your life and will make you see things in another perspective you wouldn't have seen before. It is a great second family to be loved and cared about forever. I will never forget it."

Contributions may be sent to Making a Difference Fund c/o Camp Tecumseh YMCA, 12635 W. Tecumseh Bend, Brookston 47923. Online giving is also available at www.camptecumseh.org. For more information, contact Wright at (765) 564-2898.