SaddleBrooke Sunrise Rotary members visit the Triangle Y Ranch Camp and Retreat Center.
The Triangle Y Ranch has been serving campers for more than 60 years. A short distance north of the town of Oracle, with incredible views of the Galiuro and Santa Catalina Mountains, the facility hosts some 1,000 campers every season.
Recently Executive Director of the Triangle Y Ranch and Retreat Center, Chip Hutler, hosted a group of Rotarians for breakfast and a tour of many of the camps buildings. He not only talked about the many connections between the camp and the community, but also wanted to share the need for volunteers and assistance with maintenance. Further, the SaddleBrooke Sunrise Rotary agreed to be a part of an upcoming volunteer day at the facility to work on building maintenance.
Registration has already begun for 2016 for children who want to attend camp (visit tucsonymca.org). Each camper signs for a week and each week has a different theme. The camping season is seven weeks long. Some 60% of the kids who go to camp do so on a scholarship provided by the YMCA and other community organizations and businesses, so fundraising is a real priority. Hutler said their goal this year is to host 1,100 kids. Many of these children will be hosted by organizations that focus on the children of military families, both active duty and those who have lost a parent.
“Parents expectations of what camp should be has changed over the years,” said Hutler, who has been in the business of administrating camps his entire career. “It is a wonderful mission and ministry for us to help kids, through scholarships, to realize character development through play. Often we find that the camp counselors become role models for these children and some continue their relationships long after camp is over. We have many counselors who were once campers here.”
Campers stay in lodges with two counselors assigned to each group. The counselors are often from other parts of the country or even from different places around the world, exposing children to different cultures. Last year 14 of the 30 Triangle Y Ranch Camp Counselors came from outside the U.S.
Samples of activities around camp include archery, swimming, basketball, soccer, a 40 foot climbing wall, mountain biking, hiking and crafts. There is a 100 foot zipline as well. Some campers also sign up for horseback riding. Each day ends with a campfire and evenings can include songs, skits or a cookout.
The Y Triangle Ranch is also available for corporate retreats, meetings, school groups, conferences, youth and church retreats and even wedding receptions. The YMCA is committed to providing a peaceful, safe place for youth, families and community organizations. The many buildings at the Ranch provide a myriad of opportunities to host groups. Rental rates are based on group needs. For more information on rentals call 520-884-0987.
For more information on the SaddleBrooke Sunrise Rotary visit www.sbsunriserotary.com.