The YMCA of Greater Rochester takes pride in purposeful community partnerships. That is why we are excited for The Y at Watson Woods to host Camp Courage and the Great Escape on the Lakes this summer.
The first of the two events is Camp Courage, taking place from August 6 to 9. It is in tandem with the Finger Lakes Regional Burn Association to provide a Day Camp experience to children who are burn survivors. It is a free program supported by the Red Knights International Firefighters Motorcycle Club. The club, comprised solely of firefighters, puts together a BBQ each year for the event.
"Fostering children's personal growth at camp by providing fun, outdoor adventure and a nurturing environment to build lifelong friendships is what The Y is all about,” said Brian Dana, Watson Woods’s Executive Director. “To see them reconnect each year with their friends in a space they are safe to be themselves and have fun, it just makes me proud to be able to do this work."
Paul Schwartzman, Executive Director of the Finger Lakes Regional Burn Association, noted how unique an experience Camp Courage is. He recognizes that providing this camp experience helps bring a level of normalcy to these youthful burn victims.
“These injuries result in physical and emotional scars that challenge the quality of life for these youth and their families,” said Schwartzman. “They can express themselves, build a social network of peers with similar experiences, develop lifelong friendships, learn life strategies and grow in confidence and self-worth.”
Schwartzman commended the team at Watson, too, sharing that they have helped bring the burn association’s vision to life.
“Camp Courage has taken place at the Y at Watson Woods for several years,” he said. “Due to the fact that the staff and environment embody all of the opportunities shared in the goals of the program.”
Following Camp Courage will be the Great Escape on the Lakes, taking place from August 19 to 23. Through the nonprofit arm of Great Escape Adventures — the Community Board Game Network — this event returns to Watson for the second time after first collaborating in the summer of 2025.
This medieval-era fair is influenced by fantasy games and Live Action Role Playing (LARPing), as it’s the only family-centric board game conference of its kind.
“Our mission is to create welcoming environments where individuals and families can build relationships, develop practical skills,” said Ken Yentzer, one of the Founders of the Community Board Game Network. “And participate in meaningful shared experiences through games, storytelling, collaborative problem-solving and interactive activities.”
Dana shared that the partnership with the Community Board Game Network is based around one of the YMCA’s Core Values: connection. That is why he is excited to host the Great Escape on the Lakes once again.
“The Y at Watson Woods and the Community Board Game Network both strongly believe in the power of connection,” said Dana. “Families leave stronger, strangers leave as friends and friends leave with powerful memories of fun and adventure.”
