The Story of Friends of Camp Whitsett

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The Story of Friends of Camp Whitsett

Origins and Early Vision

The Start of a Legacy (1994-1996)

The Friends of Camp Whitsett (FOCW) began as the Camp Whitsett Alumni Association (CWAA) with a mission to support Camp Whitsett through:

  • Fundraising and volunteer service
  • Hosting reunions for alumni and community building

In 1994, Steve Lombard, a Camp Whitsett staff alumnus, witnessed the strong community bonds of alumni from Camp Emerald Bay. Inspired by their organization, he envisioned a similar group for Camp Whitsett and enlisted the support of fellow alumnus Jeff Feldman and council leader Jon Mackenzie.

The Grand Reunion (1996)

The dream became a reality with the first Grand Reunion held in June 1996. Over 360 alumni and their families gathered to reconnect and celebrate, joining generations from the ’50s through the ’90s for a weekend of:

  • Camp tours, meals, and ceremonies
  • Special speeches, including a greeting from Myrtle Harris, granddaughter of Camp Whitsett’s founder
  • A Super Campfire program with talent spanning almost 50 years of Camp Whitsett’s history

This successful event sparked the momentum for future reunions, and in 1999, annual reunions became a cherished tradition.

The Formation of CWAA

In February 2000, CWAA became a formal charitable non-profit registered in California.
Founding Board Members:

  • Jeff Feldman – President
  • Alan Rosen – Vice President
  • Steve Putnam – Treasurer

  • Jon Mackenzie – Treasurer/Council Executive’s Representative

  • Adam Lombard – Historian

  • Hoss McNutt, Chuck Smith, Jeff Teeter, Larry Avidan, Bob Hawkins and Larry Monson.

  • Together with directors, they laid the foundation for an organization dedicated to supporting Camp Whitsett.

Transition to Friends of Camp Whitsett (2005)

In 2005, CWAA rebranded to Friends of Camp Whitsett (FOCW) to:

  • Expand membership beyond staff alumni
  • Welcome all who love and support Camp Whitsett, including campers and friends

This name change reflected the organization’s broader, inclusive vision and was unanimously approved during the reunion weekend meeting.

Renewed Vision and Mission (2009)

With a newly elected board in 2009, FOCW focused on growth and strategic planning. The board established FOCW’s guiding mission:

“To identify, develop, and harness people’s time, talent, and treasure for the benefit of Camp Whitsett.”

Committees were formed to support these goals and promote FOCW to a wider audience, ensuring ongoing community and camp support.

Strengthened Governance (2012)

In 2012, FOCW amended its bylaws to:

  • Increase the board size from 11 to 12 members
  • Implement staggered three-year terms for board members
  • Empower the board to elect officers annually

This structure enabled FOCW to continue growing, with directors volunteering on committees to fulfill FOCW’s mission.

Fundraising and Community Events

FOCW’s efforts have raised substantial funds for Camp Whitsett through a variety of engaging and fun events, including:

Annual Fundraisers

The annual FOCW Family Weekend (aka the Reunion Weekend), and its accompanying memorabilia auction, also raises funds for FOCW.

  • Oktoberfest (est. 2014)
  • All-You-Can-Eat Crabfest (est. 2016)

Merchandise and Memorabilia Sales

  • Commemorative “Challenge” coins
  • FOCW t-shirts, lapel pins, jacket patches, and more

Major Contributions

Thanks to these events, FOCW has funded critical improvements at Camp Whitsett, such as:

  • Renovations at the Chuck Smith Campfire Circle (through the “Buy-A-Bench” campaign)
  • Various camp facility enhancements for the enjoyment of current and future campers

FOCW remains dedicated to ensuring Camp Whitsett’s continued success and legacy for generations to come.

Volunteer

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