YMCA SHOWCASES CAMP CORY EXPANSION
LARGEST EXPANSION IN CAMP CORY’S 97-YEAR HISTORY
YMCA OF GREATER ROCHESTER ALSO ANNOUNCES AFFILIATION WITH ARMED SERVICES YMCA
Today the YMCA of Greater Rochester proudly showcased the first major expansion at Camp Cory in nearly a century. Completion of this phase — the first in a multi-year project — doubles day camp capacity at Camp Cory, giving the Y the ability to positively impact more children and increase its reach into the communities near Keuka Lake.
“The YMCA is about service, to our communities and to our youth,” said George M. Romell, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Rochester. “As the largest provider of camp experiences in the Rochester and Finger Lakes region, it is important we invest in this picturesque and history-rich camp to ensure we are here for generations to come.”
Founded in 1921, and one of two overnight camps of the YMCA of Greater Rochester, Camp Cory’s expansion to the existing 30-acre property increases evening and weekend recreation opportunities for the more than 1,600 Cory overnight campers each summer, many of whom are from the Rochester area.
Projects completed within the first phase include renovation of both the junior and senior boathouses, accessible waterfront restroom facilities, relocation of the archery field, construction of the day camp pavilion, design and planting of a community garden, and completion of the centerpiece project — a 40-by-80-foot program barn with restrooms, camp offices and an infirmary. Renovation of the original Camp Cory infirmary was necessary due to increased enrollment and the need to employ two full-time medical professionals. The YMCA’s systemwide partnership with UR Medicine will add telemedicine services to camp.
Funding for the first phase of this $5 million project has come from a variety of sources, including alumni, donors, the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, and the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council. To date, more than half of the funding has been secured. The YMCA will continue to fundraise to complete future projects ahead of the Camp’s centennial celebration in 2021. Those future projects include an accessible leadership village with boardwalk, a dining hall expansion, amphitheater upgrade, yacht club renovation, construction of a trading post and additional staff housing.
PROUD PAST, EXCITING FUTURE
YMCA of Greater Rochester also announced today that it has become an affiliate member of the Armed Services YMCA, unveiling the Armed Services YMCA logo inside the newly completed building at Camp Cory. The full name of the camp is Camp Lawrence Cory, named in honor and memory of Lt. Lawrence Cory, a World War I soldier who paid the ultimate sacrifice in 1918 while defending his country.
This partnership with Armed Services YMCA will enable Camp Cory to provide more opportunities for children of active, fallen, wounded and disabled military.
Another way Camp Cory’s celebrated the past was through the restoration of a 1946 truck. It appears much like the truck — nicknamed “Proud Mary” — that was once a mainstay on the Cory grounds. This project involved the students from Finger Lakes Technical & Career Center of Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES. The students, who reside in communities surrounding Camp Cory, worked for months to restore every inch of the old truck. The Pike Company was also a partner in the truck restoration project. The restored truck is located at the entrance to the new day camp.
“For nearly a century, children have gathered to experience life-changing moments only camp can provide,” said Mike Stevens, Vice President of Advancement for the YMCA of Greater Rochester. “Generations of families have enjoyed all Cory has to offer, and through this project, we get the opportunity to bring that experience to even more children.”