The Y Camp at Horsethief Reservoir is honored to receive a 2024 Eleanor P. Eells Award for Program Excellence from the American Camp Association® (ACA).
This award is designed to honor programs that develop effective, creative responses to the needs of people and/or societal problems using the camp environment or programs which demonstrate the positive contributions the camp experience has on the well-being of individuals and society.
“It is a huge honor for our program to be recognized at the national level with the American Camp Association,” said Lincoln McLain, Associate Executive Director of the Y Camp. “This is a testament to the intentional and passionate staff we have and our commitment to making sure each and every camper who walks through our gates gets a magical and life-changing experience.”
This award particularly resonates with the Treasure Valley Family YMCA because of the progress made toward flattening barriers and lifting individuals from the Treasure Valley and throughout Idaho who would not otherwise easily find their way to camp. The YMCA has worked with partner organizations like the International Rescue Committee, Boise Rescue Mission, Family Advocates, and the neighboring Wood River Community YMCA to bring children from all dimensions of our neighborhoods to camp with integrity and intentionality.
McLain said, “This award is just the beginning though, because we have so much more good work to do! Thank you again to our staff and families, you are the ones that make our Y Camp so special.”
The Treasure Valley Family YMCA, Y Camp at Horsethief Reservoir and all other award winners will be recognized at ACA’s National Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, February 6-9, 2024.
Registration for the 2024 Summer Camp Season is now open and more information on camp sessions can be found at ycampidaho.org.
