Our History
Established in 1901, YMCA Camp Abnaki has a proud history of service to youth, and is the nation’s oldest YMCA all boy’s camp.
In July of 1901, Byron Clark and a small group of boys went camping on the shores of Lake Champlain on Cedar Beach in Charlotte, Vermont. Mr. Clark was active in the local YMCA, and was looking for opportunities for local boys to have meaningful spiritual experiences in nature. These summer days, filled with cooking, swimming, fishing, and other activities, were the first days of what has become Vermont’s YMCA boy’s camp.
For the next 15 summers, Camp Abnaki would move several times (including stops in New Hampshire and New York) and have several different names (including Camp Stay-A-While, Camp Robinson, Camp Iroquois, and Camp Manuel). Camp Abnaki was officially adopted as the camp moniker in 1909, in honor of Vermont’s tercentenary. Mr. Clark, the camp director, came to be known as “Dad” to the campers, and still is to this day! It was Dad Clark who chose “Help the Other Fellow” as camp’s motto.
In 1915, the current location of camp was purchased from Thomas Watson (famously Alexander Graham Bell’s assistant), thanks to the efforts of Dad Clark and William Van Patten. There were very few buildings on the new property that first summer (1916). Campers slept in tents, and the Long House (which had been purchased from the Rutland Railroad Company and relocated to the new property) served as the Dining Hall. Over the next decade many improvements were made, including the construction of the Great Stone Seat, which serves as a monument to the young men from Camp Abnaki who served in World War I. Cabins were added for campers and staff in 1926, as well as an infirmary and the Administration Building. Dad Clark oversaw these projects, and worked to see Camp Abnaki continue to grow—even as his health began to fail him.
Dad Clark died in 1929, and was laid to rest in the camp chapel. His epitaph reads “Here he lies where he longed to be.” Dad worked for 29 years as the camp founder and director, the longest tenure of any Camp Abnaki Director.
In the years following Dad’s tenure, camp has had many amazing directors. Most notable was Clyde “Chief” Hess, who served from 1944-1959. In 1951, all of camp’s cabins were painted gold in honor of camp’s 50th anniversary! Norm Van Gulden took over as the camp director from 1960-1986. Along with his wife Nancy, “Van” oversaw the next major building projects: the addition of two new villages (Madewehsoos and Chippewadchu) and the construction of a new dining hall (1971). Van was known for his kind and generous spirit.
Before Van retired, he worked to prepare camp for the next phase of growth. The Vermont State YMCA, which had owned and operated camp, sold the facility and program to the Greater Burlington YMCA. The Greater Burlington Y had more resources available with which to support camp operations. Each new director has brought his own style and priorities. Dave Deluca oversaw the transition to the Greater Burlington YMCA, Nelson Bagnardi helped camp continue it’s camper growth and upgrades to the facilities, and to improve the experiences of campers! Frank Gerdeman and Adam Brooks continued with facility improvements as camp approached its 100th anniversary. Adam oversaw planning for camp’s centennial celebration and alumni weekend, hosted during summer of 2001. The Vermont State Legislature even declared July 10, 2001, “Camp Abnaki Day!”
Jon Kuypers became Camp Abnaki’s 14th Director in 2003. Jon’s 19 year tenure was marked by steady increases in camper enrollment, and investment in camp’s waterfront—including a rebuilt skipper shack, new retaining wall, and new equipment. Jon also started the Day Camp program in 2009.
In 2021, Brian Roy became the new Camp Director. Brian’s history with Camp Abnaki dated back to the early ‘90’s. Like so many who develop a love for camp, he first came as a camper with the help of financial assistance. From that experience, he became a valued staff member for a dozen years, holding many leadership roles. Brian helped the camp return to operations after the COVID-19 pandemic briefly paused for the summer of 2020. Brian invested further in the assets of the waterfront during his tenure.
In the spring of 2025, Jon Kuypers returned as the Interim Camp Director during the time of transition as the new Camp Director, Brett Tillman, was hired. Jon’s current position as Senior Director of Camping focuses on strategic planning, development, and long-range visioning.
In the spring of 2025, Jon Kuypers returned as the Interim Camp Director during the time of transition as the new Camp Director, Brett Tillman, was hired. Jon’s current position as Senior Director of Camping focuses on strategic planning, development, and long-range visioning.